Author Topic: Outstanding Condition 1990 Elan Bass for sale $2200 Shipped [SOLD] (Read 641 times)

toddharris · « **on:** May 11, 2014, 01:26:18 PM »

Hey Mates,
Hate to, but have to let go of this super clean, light, thin 1990 Elan with P and J bass pickups and active electronics. Such a great player. Don't have a scale, but don't think it weighs 9 lbs. Cool fast neck - very tbin fretboard to back of neck and wide across - 1 7/8 across at the nut. Electronics work great and are original. Neck is straight, double truss rods and neck through construction. Double octave neck. Very little wear anywhere. Almost as new - no fret wear. When I got it, the 14th fret had lifted a bit and was causing buzz on the 2nd octave G and G#. Tapped it lightly with a rubber mallet, but should be reglued. With excellent form fitting case. Plays great everywhere. Wanted to offer it to the Alembic community first. Price is $2500 shipped - firm. Thanks, Todd

toddharris · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2014, 01:29:13 PM »

f [edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on May 12, 2014)

toddharris · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2014, 01:31:51 PM »

One of the most noticeable thing visually about this bass is the ultra slender body - like a stilletto like! Really a fantastic instrument to play standing or seated.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2014, 05:09:08 PM »

Hello Todd,
That Bass is really beautiful. The Alembic SF-2 that I purchased from you is still working pristine . I remember the day that it arrived and noticed immediately how well that it was protected for shipping . Thanks for going the extra mile for me .It was an exemplary transaction all around . Best of luck on this sale.

Wolf

toddharris · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2014, 05:42:31 PM »

Thanks Wolf, great hearing from you. I just bought an all original 64 Black Jazz bass w matching headstock and a 56 Gibson LP Special I'd been coveting.. I guess I love buying great players, but have to get them one at a time and say goodbye to the ones that came before! Gotta hit the lottery! Thanks for keeping in touch, Todd

tncaveman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2014, 04:51:40 AM »

Interested in a trade for a fretless Elan?

Stephen

toddharris · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2014, 04:57:05 AM »

Not so much - just got a fretless Steinberger L2 that I'm struggling with, but thanks! Need to raise some cash.

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2014, 09:52:49 PM »

For anyone remotely considering any kind of 4-string P/J bass, this is a steal. Case included, no less.

The opposite end of the spectrum from Alembic's other shapes and electronics, but for someone who may be intimidated by such things, this a 'traditional' shape, and anyone used to Fender pickups will feel right at home, though you'll find 'home' has now moved uptown quite a ways . . . vol/tone/pan and one 'global' Q filter, you don't need any more than that. If you do wish to dive off the deep end however, run this through a SuperFilter, should keep you occupied for months !

Todd, does this one have a gain pot in the cavity (blue box) for each pickup?

I can also tell you as an owner of an Elan with a very similar wood recipe, this will cut through any band, yet with the filter can get as old school as you need. I'm amazed that somehow people think this might be too bright when all Fenders since the K+F days were built along these lines. Really good ears will hear a little extra zing / sizzle from the ebony board, but you have to listen really close.

If I could at all fathom going back and forth from four to five strings, I'd be all over this.

J o e y

charles_holmes · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2014, 10:29:43 PM »

Nice, but I want a 5 string series to go along with my 4 string.

toddharris · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2014, 03:23:19 AM »

Hi Joey, thanks for your remarks. You are right on about it cutting through. It has a ton of tone possibilities between the pickups, Q switch, pan and tone control. In answer to your question, yes, it does have the gain control boxes, one for each pickup in the body cavity. They thought of everything. The previous owner must not have played it much as the condition is really superb as is the build. Best, Todd

toddharris · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2014, 06:14:24 PM »

Bump! This bass kills!

toddharris · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2014, 11:40:02 AM »

Hi, just took the bass and dropped it with the an excellent local luthier to re-seat the raised fret - dropping the price (shipped) to $2500. Excellent playing and sounding bass with hard case in great shape as well. Todd

toddharris · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2014, 07:51:41 PM »

That should read price reduced to $2400 shipped

bigredbass · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2014, 09:47:34 PM »

I can not believe this tremendous steal of an Elan is still trying to find a home. Somebody, do yourself a huge (HUGE!)favor and BUY THIS BASS.

If you've ever wanted a more traditionally shaped Alembic, or if you're kicking around a Sadowsky, Mike Lull, Custom Shop Fender, etc., this thing would mow them all down, lop heads all day long.

J o e y

toddharris · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2014, 08:12:24 PM »

Hi All, I just picked up the Elan listed here from master luthier John Bertsche - he took care of the lifted fret and leveled the frets and setup the bass with super low action. He agreed it is a master built instrument and marveled at how Alembic built such an incredibly thin neck that is so straight. The bass sounds and plays perferctly - no buzz anywhere, gorgeous overtones and tonal combinations from the two P and Jazz pickups. If nobody picks this up here, I will list it on eBay starting next week. Again, $2400 shipped with full 7 day inspection and return - you're gonna love it. Super thin body and neck.