Author Topic: "Custom six stringer" (Read 285 times)

keavin · « **on:** February 10, 2008, 01:59:28 AM »

ebay listing

(Message edited by mica on February 11, 2008)

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2008, 08:25:45 AM »

Yes, I was watching that one. But the bids have already gone above what I was willing to pay, and the reserve has not yet been met.

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2008, 08:35:05 AM »

Not to mention that, contrary to the advertising, this is not a Triple Omega.

Bill, tgo

mcdonger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2008, 08:37:27 AM »

I just asked about this bass, I'm the current high bidder.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2008, 09:05:15 AM »

I think the starting point for a four string Distillate in good condition would be around $1,900. The fact that it's a six string, and for me the fact that it appears to have the Classic taper, increases the value. The Knobby headstock and Scorpion body are nice upgrades, and I think they add to the value as well. The front and back Quilts appear to be 5A in the pictures and also add to the value. There may be a tinted finish, but that may just be the lighting. There seems to be something on the 23rd fret in both front pictures; could be reflections, but it's in both pictures; worth asking about.

No case! Add the cost of a case to your expected outlay. Also, I would be very concerned about shipping a bass without a case, especially a bass with Omega tips.

I see he has answered a question that the width at the 24th fret is 3, that would make it narrower than Classic taper; or could be a less than accurate measurement, since Classic taper would be 3.125 at the 24th, I'm guessing it's Classic.

Personally, the style of the listing's text tends to suggest that this is not the seller's personal bass. However, looking at the feedback, he has sold other basses and amps, and a fellow club member has made a purchase from him.

Really nice six strings are rare; and this looks really nice.

mcdonger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:20:42 AM »

That something on the 23rd fret is the initials T.H The seller should have listed that in the ad text. Thanks Dave for spotting that something. That, along with no hardshell case is making me lose interest in the bass.

2400wattman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2008, 07:43:05 AM »

How can there not be a case for this thing? I'm baffled at how many owners of these fine instruments(especially one like this)can't seem to hold on to their cases.

olieoliver · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2008, 07:52:58 AM »

DOes say there is an Alembic gig bag. Maybe it was ordered without a case.

olie

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2008, 09:20:30 AM »

Thanks for the info on the initials. Someone else's initials on the 23rd fret should be a reduction in value. I don't know what it would cost to change that. I'm guessing you would have a luthier remove part of the fingerboard there and replace it with a matching piece of ebony. And yes, the initials should have been mentioned and pictured in the listing.

bsee · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2008, 10:25:26 AM »

The initials are probably just inlaid shell, so they could be drilled/lifted out. The holes would then have to be filled with matching ebony pieces, or the cuts altered to make an inlay that would please the new owner. It could even be turned into a rectangle that covers the original cuts and then you would have a lot of flexibility about what to drop in. Not free, but not likely to be thousands of dollars depending upon who does the work and what you have done.

No case? For an omega cut? A gig bag? That's just asking to have the omega busted up. I'd want to see pics of this alleged Alembic gig bag. I didn't know Alembic offered one, only the semi-hard cases for some of the lower end models. I don't know anything at all about this auction or the seller, but I am always hesitant to look at a bass without a case. I always wonder about the ownership trail.

Six strings and an interesting body shape is worth some premium over the typical Distillate price, but this guy might be a bit nuts. Maybe this bass approaches $13K with the extra carved initials and 5A laminates front and back, but you can price out an Essence/Rogue loaded to similar specs (minus the initials and back lam) for a little over $9K after applying the monthly special. That's with an actual triple omega body as there's no option in the quote generator for a heart omega scorpion.

$3K seems like it's around the limit to me, but it's like any other used Alembic. You can get a lot more in the way of functional features for your money if you skip the fancy bodywork, and maybe that's why my practical side just won't see a higher value here.

If you want that shape and features, though, it's a bargain over buying new. If you want this odd body shape on a six string, you're not going to see another one on the used market until the next owner of this one decides to sell it. Heck, you may not see more than a couple six string Europa/Distillate/Rogue basses of any body shape this year. If you want it, you have to pay the piper. Either that, or put away $7K or so to order a similar instrument for yourself brand new. Maybe less if you don't need all the special features.

mcdonger · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:03:44 PM »

My maximum bid is currently at $3,000 and I am the high bidder, but the reserve has not been met. I have since found out his reserve is $4,500. Too much for me with the issues previously stated by club members. I found out The bass is a 1988. The initials, gig bag and the fact that I really wish it were a five string are making me pass. Sure, you could buy a hardshell case for $350ish, pay to have the initials removed and have 5K tied up. My luck, it would arrive broken anyway. Like Bsee states, 7K will get you a brand new one, ordered just the way you want it. I will not be bidding any further. This forum is/has/will be very valuable for me when it comes to future Alembic purchases. Thanks!

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2008, 07:21:34 PM »

Bob; according to the price list, Alembic does indeed have custom gig bags available by special order in leather and cordura nylon.

bsee · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2008, 10:57:53 PM »

Thanks, Dave, never actually seen one, though. I wonder how many were sold? I don't know for sure, but I expect Mica would strongly advise against a soft bag for an omega cut.

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2008, 06:52:17 AM »

From personal observation, I would advise against one for a point body as well.

I think Omegas and Heart Omegas are very attractive; and I would love to own an Alembic with a Heart Omega. The tips are vulnerable to accidents. For me, no amount of convenience would be worth putting such an instrument in a gig bag. But that's just me. Others have different situations that influence their decisions.

mica · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2008, 08:10:22 AM »

While I'm not personally a gig bag fan, I understand the need of some musicians to carry their basses in them. Though I have been accused of acting like a mother long before Erik came into being, if after I explain the risks of a gig bag, you still feel like you need one, I would rather you got a good quality one that actually fit your instrument.

But shipping in a gig bag? I would strongly recommend against it, and when I've received a bass in a gig bag, I only return ship in a hardshell case.