[FS] 1974 series 1 guitar

[paexplorer]

Regretfully, I have to sell this even though I just recently acquired it. Listed on eBay.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Alembic-Series-1-Guitar-with-power-supply-and-cable-RARE-VINTAGE-/331034398933?pt=Guitar&hash=item4d133010d5

[bob2]

that is a major price increase:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161079671060?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

[paexplorer]

you are a real sport for pointing that out. however, what you don't know is 1. What I Actually Paid  & 2. that the guitar was not functional what I purchased it. it has been dealt with by a professional Luthier and is now working the way it should. not sure if you read the entire post, but at that price, it comes with a full rack with high end electronics. it also did not have a case when I purchased it and now it includes a vintage hard shell

[jalevinemd]

Maybe he didn't read the entire post, but in the month since you've been here this is at least the third instrument you've posted for sale (Two Alembics and a Rick Turner) and all posts are related to the sale of said instruments. We don't have a minimum post requirement for selling gear like so many sites do. Maybe we should. But this forum is not just a place to unload guitars. That's what ebay is for. I'll let the Mods chime in, but your contributions to this forum seem quite one sided.

[lbpesq]

Personally, I have nothing against someone trying to make a profit - and if someone offered me $8500 for any of my old Alembics + my SF-2 and F-2B, I'd jump on it.  At least the auction was changed to throw in the F-2B, etc.  Previously he was asking an extra $1800 for them.  I think what may offend some people is when a newbie joins up with the only apparent purpose of selling something.  In this particular case, it is obvious that Mr. paexplorer probably doesn't know much about Alembics.  I say good luck with the sale, but it is extremely unlikely that the guitar will bring even half of what he's asking.  I recently bought a Telecaster for $1000 and fitted it with Alembic pickups.  I could put it on eBay for $4000, but I know enough about guitars to know there would be no takers at that price.  I must admit, however, that I am a little put off by the regretfully I have to sell this  it's the centerpiece of my collection, etc. language when, to all who have followed this from the beginning, it appears that it is essentially a guy trying to flip the guitar for a quick buck.
 
Bill, tgo

[paexplorer]

That's Your Opinion And You're Welcome To It. I Have Been Reading And Using ThIs Forum As A Resource For Years. I Never Felt The Need To Post Until Recently. If You Feel I Should Be Penalized For not Adding To DiscussionS, Even Though I Don't Have Anything In Particular To Add, Then That's Fine. Maybe I Should Have Been Adding Useless Banter Over The Last Few Years So People Don't Get All Holier Than Thou When I Try To Sell some Stuff. Apologies For Not Having 800 Posts.

[paexplorer]

This Has Clearly Become A Bash Fest As So Often Happens When People Draw Conclusions From Very Little Information. I'm Happy To Discuss My Qualifications With Anyone Privately. For Now, Mods Why Don't you Delete This Listing. I Don't Want To Pollute This Site.

[paexplorer]

And just to address the sale price, that's what the make an offer button is for. In addition, a similar guitar sold within the last 6 months for $4k and that was with a headstock repair. So, your opinion as to its value is not very informed. If you knew why I am selling this, you'd feel bad about your conclusion that the intent was a flip, but having the facts doesn't seem to prevent people from casting stones. I always in tended to flip the bass because I don't play bass, however I needed the bass in the deal to make it happen.

[David Houck]

Moderator's note.
 
Our general rule is that we don't delete threads and posts.  This thread does touch on an issue that is of importance to the members of this club, but it is also an issue that delves into gray areas and circumstances that are not always clear.  I would just remind everyone to be understanding and respectful of each other.

[lbpesq]

paexplorer:
 
You are absolutely correct that we don't have the facts as to why you are selling, but is it fair of you to criticize people for casting stones when we don't have the facts?   From our perspective this looks like nothing more than a quick flip.  It may not be a quick flip in reality, but that's what it looks like.
 
 As far as value, as I said before, good luck in your auction.  Personally, I'd love to see you get your price as that would undoubtedly increase the value of my old Alembics.  But after watching eBay Alembic listings virtually daily for many years, I believe my opinion on valuation is accurate.  
 
Overall, though, I would suggest that you might want to be a little less defensive and confrontational in your posts.  This forum is remarkably devoid of flaming, fighting, and personal attacks.  We are ready willing and able to address differences of opinion in a respectful and civil manner.  
 
Bill, tgo

[jzstephan]

Wow, a cool guitar. I wish the nut was 1 3/4.

[sjhoffma]

I remember thinking that $5,500 was way too much money for this guitar when it first appeared on ebay.  
 
Its a gorgeous guitar! Certainly a rare find, and seems to be in decent shape for sure!
 
As bill pointed out, nothing would make us happier than to see vintage Series I guitars get the big bucks people are asking for them, it would mean all of our guitars and basses were worth more.
 
I have a feeling (just a feeling) that when people come up with their asking price, they are basing their figure on the fact that a new custom ordered Series 1 guitar would cost $18.5k from the factory.
 
And given the fact that most vintage Alembic Series instruments can be had for a fraction of their modern day list price equivalent , it might make someone who is not an avid alembic-head think, Hey thats a great deal, maybe I could make  a buck or two....
 
There's nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, thats what buying/selling guitars is all about.  
 
Would anyone here not buy an original 54 strat for 2k if they had the chance and try and make a healthy profit on it? (Well actually I think most of us would just keep it lol, but you get the picture)  
 
I think the tension here, is that people in the alembic forum tend to know what the instruments really go for, and well... we tend to just sort of get a chuckle out of people who try and ask more for their gear than its worth.  
 
However, as crazy as it might seem to us to ask 8.5k for an older series I... We all need to step back and remember not every guitar or bass player out there has such a sickly obsession with a particular brand than we do And therefore, not everyone out there can price an Alembic like some of us can, and many of the people selling them for more than they are worth, are being genuine in their expectations based on the information they have.
 
We are here to give them the right information, and correct them (as politely as possible of course), because in reality... where else are they going to learn the truth about their instruments' value?
 
And Sellers shouldn't get defensive at our advice, because in reality... we are the ones who are the most likely to buy any Alembic guitar or bass to hit the market.
 
Therefore, can't we all learn to live in harmony? Pure, clean, activator driven harmony?
 
(Message edited by sjhoffma on September 30, 2013)

[paexplorer]

I'd like to address two things....
 
1. I intended this guitar to stay with me for a very long time. I had an unfortunate experience recently with a water leak that left several other guitars damaged. Luckily, this guitar was not hanging on the wall the water was dripping on yet as it just came back from the shop. I do not have a sentimental attachment to this guitar, which is why it is the one on the block to recover funds for the repair of the others.
 
2. We all know that value is determined by the market. The market typically extends higher value to those items which are rare, in great condition and have a strong collectors market. This has all of those. You may find it obsurd that someone would have paid $5500 for this, but that didn't prevent it from happening. Things are worth what someone is willing to pay and just because you wouldn't pay it doesn't make your assessment of its value the correct one. As I stated in a post above, I did some research before buying and found another just like it sold within the year. It was is worse condition and had a headstock repair. That sold for $4k.  
 
I'm not trying to be defensive, but for those of you who say you'd love for me to sell for the price I'm asking, why would you say in the same sentence that it's not worth it? That seems counterintuitive. I paid what I needed to to add this to my collection as a permanent addition. Things changed and now I can't keep it though I'd like to. I don't expect to realize $8500 for the guitar alone. Maybe for the guitar and rack, again, that's what the make and offer is about. It wouldn't make any sense strategically to list for the lowest I'd take.

[sonicus]

In my opinion you would do much better not selling these items in a lot.  Each item offered individually would move much faster in my opinion.

[lbpesq]

I don't beleive anyone has opined that the guitar isn't worth $8500.  What it's worth is subjective and each individual must make that determination for themselves.  The issue, rather, is one of market value.   Some guitars are sought after and some aren't.  There is often no rhyme or reason regarding in which category a particular instrument  is perceived.  My oldest Alembic, 72-10, is extremely rare being not only one of the first Alembic guitars, but also one of the few pretzel guitars.  Yet its market value is far less than that of my '61 Strat.  The sad truth is that the vintage electric guitar collectors market is driven by what I call the big five: Strat, Tele, Les Paul, SG, and ES-335/45/55.   The market for older Alembics just doesn't equate.  A pre-CBS Fender will sell for several times the price of an early Alembic, but that certainly doesn't mean it's a finer instrument.
 
Bill, tgo