Essence Found on Craigslist - Los Angeles (Bel Air)

[DanFrank]

Hello Alembic Club!
 
I was hoping that this knowledgable group would comment on this beautiful bass I found on Craigslist:
 
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/msg/4543457154.html
 
It's in really nice condition but the description says it was only used one time and is basically new.  I asked for the serial number and any other info about the bass that justifies the price.  In my humble opinion, it seems very expensive relative to the Essence basses sold on eBay over the last year.  But I guess it's a matter of how new the bass really is, as worded in the description, and how close it truly should be priced relative to MSRP, which is also stated in the description.
 
Any opinions from this knowledgable group would be great appreciated!
 
Thanks in advance!
Dan

[bigredbass]

From the pics, the wood looks clean, but I'll eat a Spoiler if this is 'used once, like new':  The brass needs work (not unusual, but this looks more than 'used once', look at how dulled-out the logo is), and the plated tuning keys' buttons look like that one use must have gone on for quite a while . . . and ads that only reprint the brochure copy with no personal notes don't do it for me.
 
I've not kept up with Essence prices, so maybe someone who is up on them could advise.
 
j o e y

[DanFrank]

I agree Joey.  I thought the same thing about the logo and keys.  Essence 5-strings on eBay have sold between $1500 and $2300 from my observation over the years.  I texted and asked for info but all I got in return was Call Adi at the phone number.  Being on the east coast, I don't trust pursuing a negotiation at this point.  I may call, just for the entertainment.  Thanks!

[hammer]

The only way that bass was used once would be if it spent the next 20-years sitting out in a home that was awfully dusty and dirty. An instrument stored properly in its case would never look like that if only used once.

[keith_h]

It's been played a fair amount. You can tell not only by the tuners but the truss rod cover shows the wear and tear my BB has from a lot of playing. And while it might be the light there appears to be the typical gunk build up around the frets. Overall it looks to be in good condition with nothing out of the ordinary. Dan's price range is what I recall seeing over the years.  
 
One thing we don't know is if the seller is the original owner. Could be they only used it once but a prior owner used it more.  
 
Keith

[DanFrank]

I called the number and he said it was left to him by his brother after he died and he didn't know the serial number.  I told him where to find it and he said he decided he wasn't going to sell it anymore.  He and another connected guy I spoke to sounded like they had heavy eastern European accents,?..very strange phone call??I will check to see if they remove it in the future.

[keith_h]

It's most likely a scam. The post has been deleted by it's author.
 
Keith