Author Topic: Alembic California Special on Ebay (Read 298 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** July 10, 2009, 08:02:38 AM »

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=160347735946&Category=2384&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1

Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2009, 04:39:47 PM »

Very nice California Special!

57basstra · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2009, 05:05:16 PM »

Yes it is nice. Does anyone know anything about this one? (The last time I asked this question I was told It has six strings and is made of wood..

Other than the obvious. Does this belong to anyone here or does anyone know anything about the guitar or the seller?

Being someone who won, paid for and never received a Series I bass via eBay (from a seller in Toronto, Canada) I am somewhat cautious now; but I am interested.

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2009, 05:38:18 PM »

Glancing at feedback, it would appear that the seller purchased the guitar on Ebay three months ago from Chuck Levin's. The specs shown in the listing suggest that perhaps the seller isn't fully familiar with Alembic terminology, and is thus perhaps not a frequently participating member of this board.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2009, 06:51:28 PM »

I was taken one time from a seller in Canada,(Montreal)
for a '87 G&L ASAT. I even got contacted him a year later by phone...he said he'd send me the cash I was out from the deal...yeah right.

I decided to move forward and only buy from within the states. Luckily those type of experiences are in the minority...still it sure does sting when it happens.
Buying from established club members seems pretty comfortable.

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2009, 07:18:01 PM »

I've been keeping an eye on this one too (on U.S. ebay where it's also listed), though with my newly purchased Hyak due to be delivered tomorrow, I'm most likely a spectator on this one. It's listed as being in the North S.F. Bay Area, so if anyone is serious about it and can make the arrangements, I can check it out in person.

Bill, tgo

57basstra · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2009, 09:08:58 PM »

Thanks Bill, on behalf of all of us interested in this guitar.
Do not let me stand in anyone's way on this ax. Looks like a nice one.

(Message edited by 57basstra on July 10, 2009)

jx2638 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2009, 03:38:11 PM »

I believe I was following this same guitar back in late March on Craigslist OHIO. I saved an email exchange...RE: Alembic California Special Electric Guitar wcase - $1600.

After asking a few questions the seller disappeared. The guitar then went up on ebay.

Just a gut but I'd be very careful on a sight unseen purchase with this one.

bearistr1 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2009, 03:57:17 PM »

jx2638, there's nothing to be concerned about. It's my Calif.Spc. on eBay. The previous poster is correct: I'm not that familiar with Alembic terminology.

I tried to represent the guitar as I know it to be. If anyone has any suggested changes to my listing I'm all ears (or eyes as the case may be).

In case anyone is wondering why I'm selling the guitar, I thought I'd give the Floyd Rose a try but it's just not for me. I play an old beat up tele, just as slab of wood with simple electronics. Maybe I'm too old to change my ways.

I've always been interested in Alembic because of the Grateful Dead connection and because they are located in my backyard. I've known guys that have worked there over the years and have been curious about their guitars which are obviously beautiful and sound incredible in the right hands; just not mine.

Thanks everyone.

57basstra · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2009, 04:07:03 PM »

Thanks for the info, Steve. Welcome to the Alembic Board. Nice looking guitar.

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:05:46 PM »

Steve:

Welcome to the club. I hear you about the Floyd Rose system. I'm NOT a fan. I especially dislike the locking nut - what happens if you break a string at a gig? As for your listing, the only suggestion I'd make is that your description of the pickups isn't quite accurate. They are neither a humbucker nor single coils. Rather, both shapes are the same design: humcanceling. Each is composed of a coil wrapped around a magnet and a dummy coil (no magnet). Alembic doesn't make humbuckers (double magnet/coil), and only puts single coils on Series instruments. Good luck with the auction.

Bill, the guitar one

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:30:03 PM »

Hi Steve, welcome to the board!

In addition to Bill's suggestions about the pickup description, I would add a slight change in the description of the top. I don't think it's accurate to describe it as three piece. It's a bookmatch. There are two pieces, one on each side of the neck.

Nice guitar!

bearistr1 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:32:30 PM »

Thanks Bill! I'll change the listing.

Nice to be a member.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2009, 07:13:29 PM »

I play an old beat up tele

Cool - what year? I learned my first chords on a '66 Tele, & have yet to come across one built anytime from '59-'66 that I didn't love.

Peter

bearistr1 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:17:28 AM »

Peter, I have a '62 tele with '68 pups on it and a '68 Thinline. Great guitars, although nothing to look at compared to an Alembic.

Do most people on this forum own Alembics?