Author Topic: Another ambitious seller . . . (Read 473 times)

hydrargyrum · « **on:** March 29, 2006, 06:30:26 AM »

Here's someone else who thinks they can sell used Skylarks for more than Alembic can sell new ones:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALEMBIC-SKYLARK-GUITAR_W0QQitemZ7402611717QQcategoryZ2384QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I will set the reserve at $4,500. and I will reserve the right to close the auction at any time should I change my mind or not reach my reserve.

Well, I guess it doesn't hurt to try.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2006, 07:14:38 AM »

Crazy. Bear in mind though that this should sell for a bit more than a standard Skylark as the inlaid logo is something like an $800 upgrade. But a $4500 reserve...

(Message edited by JALEVINEMD on March 29, 2006)

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2006, 07:23:55 AM »

I emailed the guy and suggested to him his reserve was a little high considering a brand new one listed at less, and that's before any dealer discount! Here is the exchange:

His response to me:

hum---I must have really got burned when I paid $4,800 when I bought it. If Alembic has the one you want , I'd buy from them if I were you. BTW do you send the other guy the same email who has a buy it now for $4,999.00 or did you just single me out to share your wisdom. Further attend a couple of guitar shows and you'll also note the Japanese are buying up any and everything in site U.S. made. I wouldn't be surprized to get twice the price i'm asking. further no one ask you to bid and nobody needs your opinion. I know you've heard this: opinions are like buttholes--everyone has one and they all stink!!! (hehehe) Have a nice day !

here's my response to him:

I was only trying to help. In answer to your questions:

Yes, you got burned if you paid $4800.

Yes, I emailed the other one. The seller responded far more civily.

Yes, I go to the World Guitar Show twice a year. Maybe there is one Alembic a year, and never listed for more than, let alone even close to, brand new list price.

I own 2 Alembics and the factory is currently completing my custom. If you want to buy any of them for more than list price (which is already more than street price) I will gladly sell them to you.

I'll bet you dollars to donuts you don't get anywhere near your reserve. Anyone knowing enough about Alembics to be willing to spend that kind of money on a used instrument will also know a brand new one is cheaper!

So this guy truly thinks he's going to get $9000 on eBay for a used Skylark! If I were in the market I'd keep an eye out for the other one that just closed to reappear. The seller had it listed at a $3999 opening with a $4999 BIN. That one had an upgraded top - burl flamed maple - and it closed without a single bid. Anybody want to buy my Ibanez Musician for $10,000?

Bill, tgo

drjenney · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2006, 07:55:23 AM »

Bill,

Sure wish I'd thought you got through to him. I doubt it, though. Sounds like he has his head up his, well, own butthole.

I tried a little honest feedback to one of these guys once. Not only did he respond just as poorly, but for weeks I got trash e-mails from the same source. So now, I let them live [and die!] in ignorance.

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2006, 08:40:55 AM »

that supposedly burled top didn't look like anything more than wide flame to me. I was going to contact this guy too, but he seemed way too far off the reservation for it to matter. A brand new Skylark with the inlaid logo can be had for under $3500 with dealer discount and the right monthly special. If you'll remember, two years ago the Montreal dealer couldn't get $1700 for a NOS Skylark. The market has definitely improved some since then, but it appears that the ceiling for a used Skylark is still around $2K absent some significant upgrades.

Oh well...

On the other hand, if one guy was willing to pay list for the thing when it was new, maybe someone else will pay that much for it now. It only takes one for this seller to come out on top.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2006, 09:56:40 AM »

Wow,

Sounds like he did get taken to the show when he bought it. Maybe that explains the poor attitude. Oh well, maybe this guy is right, maybe he will get nine thousand for it.
(snickers behind hand)

lidon2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2006, 10:13:37 AM »

If anyone's interested, Japanese collectors, etc., I'll let Pele go for 9k. Lol. I'll then go and order me another one and pocket a few bucks. I was expecting her yesterday; maybe today?

And I believe the other 'Lark wasn't burl, merely claimed by the seller as such.

Your effort is appreciated Bill, by us if not by the person it was directed. Makes a great story for the club!

)

T

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2006, 04:50:45 AM »

I always ruffle feathers whenever I respond RE: used Alembic prices, especially WRT guitars (Skylarks in particular). Suffice to say that anything is worth what you are willing to pay. I, however, am not (willing to pay), LOL!

bassdr · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2006, 11:48:27 AM »

On a similar note I sent a message to gcrep about the Alembic bass with 3 fret boards last year. I told him he was asking way too much for a bass that is currently ruined and would need to go to Alembic for repair to make it right. His reply was why do you think it's ruined Michael

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2006, 02:14:10 PM »

I'll be dogged.

Bidding has already reached $3850.

He may get his $9000 yet.

/still doubtful

olieoliver · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2006, 02:27:09 PM »

$3850!!
What chew talkin 'bout Willis!

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2006, 04:52:37 PM »

I'll bet they're shills.

Bill, tgo

longhorncat · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2006, 06:39:33 PM »

If the reserve price is stated in the auction, any bid under that is meaningless.

Those aren't shill bids. They're taunts.

(Message edited by longhorncat on March 31, 2006)

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2006, 06:09:50 AM »

Yeah, my cynical mind saw that the high bidder had one feedback, and immediately thought that it was probably the guy listing the thing. I can't decide if that's paranoid or not.

richbass939 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2006, 11:36:00 AM »

Kevin, I wouldn't say you're cynical or paranoid. I would say observant and rational. I think the seller either:
A) knows the guitar is overpriced and is trying to make a big profit by fishing for an uninformed sucker who will dive in without doing the proper amount of homework.
B) knows the guitar is overpriced and is trying to minimize his/her own loss by fishing for an even bigger sucker who will dive in ... blah, blah.
Either way, I'm glad the members here keep their eyes and ears open, post their opinions/orifices on this club (Bill, tgo, please note that I didn't say bass forum this time.), and try to keep the market honest.
BTW, the only opinions/orifices we think stink are the ones that aren't like our own. If you had said beautiful guitar, great price, wish I had the money he would have thought it smelled like a rose.
Rich