Author Topic: Alembic 1976 Series 1 on Ebay (Read 736 times)

hasadari · « **on:** July 10, 2005, 07:41:01 PM »

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=7336027787&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

57basstra · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2005, 06:42:35 AM »

Anyone happen to know anything about this one?

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2005, 07:13:15 AM »

I haven't seen a Submit Best Offer auction before; that's interesting. The text doesn't mention whether the flight case in included. It also doesn't mention the power supply and cable. It's a very nice looking bass. Inquire about RF noise.

room037 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2005, 07:38:31 AM »

Hi,

The bass is S/N 76' 569 on my archives.
I found it on eBay before.
I don't remember same seller or not.
But other picture were taken same place.
Look the body back with strap pin !

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2005, 08:36:55 AM »

Thanks Eiji.

room037 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2005, 08:45:13 AM »

Hi Dave, No problem ! I have some more pict. but these are out of focus.

j_gary · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2005, 09:30:03 AM »

I emailed the guy about the bass and got a rather terse response. No power supply, no response about upgrade or history. Did not appear interested in discussing the bass or purchase arrangements, I'm out! Buyer beware!

57basstra · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2005, 08:12:53 AM »

Anyone have a best guess on a fair price for this one?

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2005, 10:19:11 AM »

Bob See does a good job of keeping up with current market prices and Nic maintains a good data bass. If they notice this thread they may be able to suggest a reasonable range. In my personal opinion, I think the $3,000 Buy It Now price is perhaps too high. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a power supply and cable, unless you already have one. And keep in mind that you don't know whether you will need to get an upgrade for RF noise or not. Then there are other subjective factors. For some people, the road case is a positive, and for some it's a negative (the weight). You may think that this bass is more, as, or less attractive compared to others. This may be the S1 you've been looking for, or perhaps it's one of many that you like. Also, prices on used Alembics have been increasing. And then there is timing, there may be many or few buyers in the market at the moment. The bass appears to be in good condition. So I'm guessing a fair price might be between $2,500 and $3,000. But again, others do a better job than I of keeping up with current market prices.

sfnic · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2005, 04:51:41 PM »

Well, first off, my database shows a birthday (12/7/76) for that bass, so it's likely that someone asked here about the build record. A quick search on the number, though, comes up empty.

In any case, here's what I have in the sold on eBay for data, for S1 basses:

1974 - $1601
1976 - $3363
1976 - $2426
1981 - $4700
1981 - $2425
1985 - $2299.99

In the failed to sell on eBay data:

1977 - $2425, reserve not met

So, a range of $1601 to $4700, with an average of $2802, but a median of $2426. Splitting the difference on the two '76 basses I show (neither one is 569, btw.), gives $2895.

My feeling is that the $2895 number is a good reference, IF the bass really is in excellent or better condition. Temper that with the possibility that it may need an electronics upgrade, which runs a few grand. It might not, though...

The $3k Buy Now price suggests that he's looking for as much over $2500 as he can squeeze out of it, and so might even let it go for as little as $2250. But with three offers pending, it's not likely to go for less than $2750, and will probably actually sell (if the offer goes that high) for about $2850-2900.

So, if _this specific bass_ is worth an extra $150-250 to you to freeze out any other buyer, bite the bullet and pay the $3k. If you're not in a hurry, pass on it and see if it comes up again.

If none of the three offers is high enough, the seller may well drop the Buy Now price by a few hundred and try it again. At that point, the Buy Now price would be just about at the instrument's value, and you could buy it for what it's worth.

One last datapoint: since February, there have been nine separate S1 basses available via eBay. Six have sold; two haven't; one is up now. So they come by about once every three weeks or so.

All that said, remember to check the dealers. Ferinstance, Bass Central has a used Small Body, Short Scale in Buckeye Burl, with Europa electronics for $2999. Or, if you're looking for the Standard body, a used Mark King Sig. Standard in Cocobolo for $3499 (with an Omega and LEDs, no less!). Either one would be a reasonable alternative to the S1 on eBay, and they've both got major Yum-factor woods.

Now, neither is a Series bass, and neither is as old as a '76. And, if you're realistically looking in the $2250-2500 range, they're expensive and you should probably keep sifting eBay listings until you fine the combo you want.

But if you're looking for an eye-popping Alembic in an old style body shape, and can take a slightly less comprehensive electronics package (the basic sound of the instrument will be essentially the same or even better because of the woods), and can handle $3k or so, there are lots of places besides eBay to look.

dwmark · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2005, 08:36:03 PM »

I bought 76-572 for $3363 (and someone else was willing to spend $3313 or whatever the next ebay price spot was) and the bass sings. a number of members told me they thought i got a good price and i think i did. there are differences in the above prices (scale; woods; condition) but we need to go to the mother ship if we want custom. if this seller is solid, this is clearly within range.
dw

sfnic · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2005, 05:50:38 PM »

David - Thanks for the datapoint! :-)

nic

bsee · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2005, 06:09:34 PM »

Hey guys-

Sorry, I have been busy with other things lately and since I managed to acquire (or at least order) the basses I was looking for, I stopped paying as close attention. Also, used/eBay prices popped up early this year relative to what I had been observing over the previous 18 months or so. Maybe economic, maybe related to the price increase on new instruments, I couldn't tell you.

First thing to decide is whether the bass will be a keeper or a stepping-stone Alembic for you. If you think it will be a keeper, then the general rarity of the instruments suggests that it would be worth it to overpay a little. Especially when you're looking at the alternatives of no instrument at all or an $8K+ custom, even $4K seems a reasonable price. I see nothing wrong with throwing a few hundred extra at something you'll keep forever under these circumstances.

If your goal is a custom or new bass and you will eventually replace this one, you should be a bit more frugal. Losing $500 or $1000 when you resell the instrument 6-12 months later wouldn't feel particularly good.

I didn't read the whole thread here, but the other thing to pay attention to with pre-'99 instruments is the possible need for an electronics upgrade. This can go $1000-1500 and have you without the instrument for a month or more. Factor this into your decision, and do a board search if you want more info on what the upgrade is all about.

Good luck and be careful!
-Bob

yggdrasil · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2005, 05:05:03 PM »

Well, I sold a 77 Series One with electronics u/g for 3000; had it up here, on TB & Bassgear.com for a couple of months at $3500 with no serious offers.

(Message edited by Yggdrasil on July 16, 2005)

David Houck · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2005, 07:04:45 AM »

This bass has been relisted; and the Buy It Now has been lowered to $2,800. Five people placed bids on the previous listing; and one of those purchased another bass.