I agree with both Art and KFS! Did I pay through the nose? Heck yeah. But did I get a great deal on a fantastic Alembic in fantastic shape? Heck yeah. And I?m thrilled with both. For those with patience, let me explain?
In 1997 I bought a 1992 Porsche 911 Cabriolet. I spent a few years researching the market, looking at a ton of Porsches, checking DuPont Registry, etc. etc. I finally found a 5 year old 911 that was the cleanest used car that I had ever seen. Had 18,000 miles on it, barely driven. I paid an unbelievable $40,000 in cash for it. Crazy! To say I paid through the nose would be incorrect ? I paid through the back side of my body, just a little south of my belt? That same summer I bought a brand new Ford Explorer right off the dealer?s lot. I paid just under $22,000 for it. Again, brand new. I sold that Explorer 3 years later for the market price - $15,000. A loss of $7,000. I sold the 911 two years after I bought it for $39,500. A loss of $500 (I put 10K miles on it in the interim). Now which was the more ?expensive? car?
Truth is if any of us wanted a bass there are lots of cheaper basses to buy. Not nearly as good as an Alembic mind you (I?m already a convert ? sorry!!) but there are good basses out there for a fraction of what you will pay for a fine Alembic. The difference, besides the incredible workmanship and tone, is the cost of entry versus the total cost of ownership. I?ve been extremely fortunate in my life financially. I spend no time worrying about cost of entry ? I spend tons of time worrying about total cost of ownership.
What I paid for this bass is right in there with the market. Could I have found a cheaper one? Maybe... And maybe not... But you all know there aren?t a ton of Series II basses that come onto the market, much less a Series II with a graphite neck. And the condition that this thing is in? Well? I can say that I?m extremely happy. Both with the bass (it?s crazy good!) and the price? Even though I did pay through the nose!
Thanks to all for your support during my entry into the Alembic clan. I look forward to much post reading and post writing. This forum has already proved itself many times over - it might have taken me a week to figure out why my treble pickup wasn't working. A quick check on this forum told me to use a balanced stereo cable - problem solved!!! So thank you!!
(Message edited by cashbass on March 29, 2009)
