Author Topic: The Fish - for sale (maybe) (Read 433 times)

superswede · « **on:** January 22, 2010, 01:15:50 PM »

Hi,
I am concidering selling my The Fish - Alembic Custom bass. I bought it from Edwin van Huik, Bass Connection in Hilversum in 2005. Reason is that it is too good - a piece of art. I never use it on stage because I am afraid to damage it. For information about the bass - please check out the Custom Archive on this site.

mike1762 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2010, 04:17:05 AM »

Which thread is it???

lembic76450 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2010, 04:36:14 AM »

Mike
It is here

sjhoffma · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2010, 08:28:48 AM »

One of my favorite Alembic custom archive basses! I could never afford it, but just out of curiosity, and for those who are interested, how much are you looking for?

I'm a guitar player myself, and really want another series I guitar, but if I was ever in the market for a high end bass, that would surely be the one! gorgeous!

u14steelgtr · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2010, 09:56:33 AM »

I play pricier instruments than your Bass in public places occasionally. It is unfortunate that you are unable to play it in public. I understand your concern about damaging any fine instrument. But at the end of the day it is a musical instrument.

I suggest that you just make a commitment to yourself to play it at a few specific gigs. The first time is always the hardest but after a few times it will get easier and your anxiety will decline. This said; you still must use good stands.

On the other hand if you can not use it, you might consider donating it. I will send to you my address off-list if you are so inclined.

-E

poor_nigel · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2010, 12:13:57 PM »

This Series II bass has a custom body shape and extra laminates, custom inlay on the body, burl walnut top and back, rays on the inlaid logo, custom electronics, abalone fingerboard inlays, tummy and elbow contours, alder body, and a custom scale length of 33 inches. Do you really play instruments that cost up to $30,000? If we are talking steel guitars, pictures please! I love steel guitars - they are really cool, but I did not think they went that high in price. Just curious.

Hey Bosse, welcome! My S II ranges around the replacement cost of yours, and I will play it in public. I cannot see not playing my bass where ever I am playing. Insurance is the key. Sooner or later it is going to get a nick, bump, bruise or whatever, and I will probably scream, but life and my enjoyment of the bass will go on. If it needs to be fixed, I will put a claim in on its insurance policy and get it done. Maybe you should get a shock gun and zap anyone that gets within three feet of you and your bass. It will not take more than a time or two to have the whole band walking wide circles around you, and you can feel more secure with your bass, though probably a little less secure in keeping your position in the band. Hey, there is always another band, right? Where are you going to find another bass like yours? Beautiful bass, play it everwhere!

88persuader · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2010, 12:31:01 PM »

I sold my 3 Alembics for the same reason. I was afraid to damage such beautiful and EXPENSIVE instruments on gigs so didn't use them and what good is an instrument if it's not played? But I kick myself for selling them now and for not using them then. The question has to be asked, is it worth buying such an instrument if you can't use it? My answer then was no and I sold my Alembics. My answer TODAY is still NO but I'm sorry I didn't keep and play my Alembics and stop worrying about little dings and stuff. If it were a Fender or any other brand the dings and wear on the instrument would be considered MOJO and a badge of honor!!! Is it so different with Alembics? An unplayed instrument is a sin! Unless you're strapped for money I say throw caution to the wind and enjoy the bass. It's a musical instrument that was designed to be played, not just looked at and protected. Today I wish I had lived by those words and kept my Alembics! I'm no longer gigging and can't afford to replace them and now that I'm semi-retired and spending time writing and recording in my home studio (Gotta love Apple's Logic Pro recording software) I really miss the easy playability and high quality sound I got from my Alembics.

briant · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2010, 12:38:36 PM »

Reason is that it is too good - a piece of art. I never use it on stage because I am afraid to damage it.

I've never understood this mentality. It?s a musical instrument and was meant to be played ? not just stared at. I wouldn?t hesitate in the least to play that bass at any gig.

mike13 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2010, 03:49:49 PM »

I take my S2 and Essence to every gig,and if it's a jazz gig my fretless and play what I feel like they are not there to look at,but to play the s--t out of!!!

gtrguy · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2010, 10:39:22 AM »

If you don't play out with them, then RECORD with them! There are so many great digital recorders out there these days... write songs, learn to sing, take up guitar also or keys.

Bye,
Dave

the_jester · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:20:31 PM »

The Fish bass is an amazing custom bass with an original appeal.

I know people who must have the highest quality of everything, and barely find time to use them because they're too busy working to pay the stuff off, and/or too afraid to add deprecation. But they love to show it off.

If it is necessary to pay for something, get your money's worth, know everything about your instrument, and try anything, and everything to find your deepest level of satisfaction from the sound it creates, and boldly use it like your favorite pair of sneakers; play that thing to the point of routine repair. In other words, put some miles on it...

If you CAN afford to purchase an Alembic, then you absolutely CAN NOT afford NOT, to play them.

Otherwise, you might as well put that bass on the wall (behind glass) as decor, because Alembics make any home look good. That's still a purpose for them too, so if that's the deal, more power to you, and to each-their own slice.

Peace and Love,

Hal-

(Message edited by the_jester on January 24, 2010)

superswede · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:27:38 PM »

Thanks for all good advice guys. I ususally use a Jay Dee or my Status on stage. Must say I really appriciate this forum since everybody is so engaged in the subjects. Does anybody know what would be the current market value of The Fish?

ajdover · « **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2010, 02:28:45 PM »

A series II with that many custom features is hard to call. I just got my custom a couple of months ago, and I know what it cost me. It doesn't have a lot of the bells and whistles yours does, so it's hard for me to guess. I'd check eBay and see what average Series II's are going for, add in your custom features, condition of the instrument, etc. and go from there. Also, the price you paid for it will also, obviously, play into the price.

Best of luck with the sale should you decide to go that route. It's a beautiful instrument, and I love the body shape. Too bad I don't have the scratch for it ... ;-(

Best regards,

Alan

molan · « **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2010, 03:19:51 PM »

Let me check how much is in my bank account - whatever it is I think that's about how much it's worth

the_jester · « **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2010, 07:55:14 PM »

There's a big difference between a custom bass, and a bass that gets personalized.

Personalized basses has the traditional Alembic shape(s), but are personalized with insignias. For example: initials, names, symbols, images, and/or personal quotes -- are personal insignias.

If the owners initials on the bass, are different from mine, I am in a favorable position as a buyer, to request a remedy for this conflict, of a different initial(s) from my name... and guess what...? there are possibly other potential personal insignias reviewed on the bass that conflicts a buyers personal preferences as well.

How will you as a seller, address this concern?

Custom shape basses are also hard to sell because they don't stick to standards consumer(s) are accustomed to viewing and conceptualizing. Some shapes may be too plain, or too many bells and/or too many bells & whistles. Again, how will you as a seller, address this concern?

So, in short -- I believe you should keep your bass because its personalized, and it has a unique custom body, and that means lower re-sale for those who smell blood.

So, if you don't have to sell, (like I said...) get that bass outside and on stage and play it.

Also, its hard to sell something, if you don't believe in the value. Custom basses are much harder to sell, because people are not always a-custom to change, nor do they understand your values, and it's not in their interest to care. A buyer will take advantage of your custom items, and use it against you, to get the most lowest price.

In real estate, people add pools to their backyard, thinking it will raise the value of their home. Most people will go for the home without the pool, even if the desire for a pool manifest, they simply may not like the shape of your pool; and find it best, to look for a lot to define their dream pool.

Also, as someone who owns a radical looking Alembic called: The Toma_Hawk, I designed my bass to point-blank solve a problem as a light bulb or as a ergonomically made Herman Miller chair... and it has no personal insignias. I have no plans what so ever, selling this bass. In fact, this bass was never created for selling. In my mind, this bass is like an extension of me as a specialized musical limb or a personal and magical broom-stick, which only understand me as the driver, like in the Harry Potter movies.

KEEP YOUR BASS, AND PLAY IT!!!

Peace and Love,

Hal-

(Message edited by the_jester on January 24, 2010)