The Fish - for sale (maybe)

[keith_h]

Actually Hal this is a custom bass. The bass body was designed specifically for Edwin Van huik and this particular bass was built for him as his personal bass.  
 
Keith

[the_jester]

Yeah, It's a custom body with personalized insignias. The bass is gorgeous, and unless Edwin Van Huik is famous, where this could add some intrinsic value to this bass, or if Edwin sold the bass discounted to Bosse, then there's a good chance the bass could be sold at a fair value in which Bosse could make a good exit.
 
But, some people don't like buying someone else's customs, unless they are a huge fans of the designer/player or both.  
 
So, if you plan on having a custom bass made which you plan to sell, your already at a lost.
 
For example: My Toma_Hawk's shape may or may not be as valuable as the small body, but-so-what this does not matter to me, nor will this question be placed on the table -- because I flat-out, have no interest selling my bass anyway.
 
However, there's a big difference between NOT having your custom bass for sale, and someone at liberty, makes an offer to buy your bass out-right....  
 
This turns the table for some custom owners...  But that's a fairy tail conclusion. The making for a great movie...  
 
Back to reality...
 
Custom basses are theoretically for people who plan to keep their basses, and thus selling is ironic, because it's like selling your own essences and qualities at a finite price.  
 
But then again, human beings are filled with many ironies, and there are no rules to the game of life. Some Married people say: I DO, but their actions say: I Don't.  
 
Don't anybody even think, I'll sell my Toma_Hawk, you'll be wasting your time.  
 
Good luck Bosse.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on January 25, 2010)

[darkstar01]

hal, you're making it sound like this bass was built with the sole intention of being sold. i highly doubt that's the case, and i strongly disagree that customized basses are hard to sell. i mean, i agree with the point about initials, but that's about it. you used your custom as an example. i would think (even though i know you're never going to sell it) it being the first of a new body shape would allow you to sell it for MORE than a normal small standard.  
either way, good luck on the sale Bosse.  I always thought the EVH shapes were interesting.

[keith_h]

Hal,
You can't equate custom with the disposition of an instrument. I happen to be the type that keeps my basses. I can afford it. For various reasons not all folks can keep everything they buy. There are also those that believe that rather than stuff it under the bed it is better sell it so it gets played. Some folks determine they just don't like Alembic so sell them to get something they do like. None of these reasons change the facts on whether a bass is custom, personalized or mass  produced. One could say your Toma_hawk is a personalized instrument as to me it resembles a standard small body with the wings chopped off.  
 
You keep going off on tangents. Nobody cares about the value of your toma_hawk bass to you. This thread was someone offering a Custom Alembic. The OP asked for an idea of a value. Alan gave him some good advice on how to determine the value.  
 
Most everyone here knows that all Alembics take a large hit from the original new sales price to the used market. Yet after the first sale Alembics generally hold their used value very well. That is why some folks here prefer to purchase used instruments. Others, like myself, don't care and purchase new. Again there is nothing wrong with either philosophy it is just personal preference.    
 
Keith

[the_jester]

Keith,
 
All original basses come from somewhere. Nobody corners the market of ideas that eventually becomes supported, and mass marketed.
 
My custom bass (like most people who orders them...) are GENERALLY not created for mass market appeal, and which case, in all likelihood (if sold), mostly be sold at a discounted price, than what was originally paid except in/on rare occasions.  
 
Keith you are very correct about used Alembics in general, the price I paid for my blond short body was extremely low -- in comparing what they'd cost new, and it allowed the doors to swing wide open to afford my own custom.  
 
Also, if I had the money, I would had added my initials and even a beautiful small tomahawk, made with real onyx. But, frankly I didn't want to wait another year, and money is tight (As it always is...)  
 
So, I would had added HAL TOMA_HAWK, but the option is still open on this too (after I save up, on some cash).
 
Also, for your information, I have a dream bass in the works (right now) called The Jester and it's also designed for ME. I am sure it borrows some resemblance of other BASS- CLASSES and for this is what it is... it's simply a bass. Its a BASS... and that's the category it will always falls under.  
 
You might not like either basses, but my basses simply, were not created for you, nor for purposes of being sold. The custom basses for me, is my custom shoe, made completely for the qualities I like, and without considerations of others unless the engineering can't support it.
 
Also, there was never a mystery about my love for Short Body Alembics, and my desires to make them even better, and for me, my Toma_Hawk's shape is the answer for me.  
 
But you make my changes, sound so easy. Frankly Keith, the changes were not as simple as you wish to project it...  
 
But if its that simple (leaving out all the planing and engineering), and this is what you believe, I'll add to your simplification, and say that's cool too...  
 
May you never have to sell your custom.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on January 25, 2010)

[artswork99]

Why the contradiction?  How can one say that money is tight in a sentence and several sentences later state that another bass is in the works (jester).  I guess typing fingers move faster than the brain.
 
Back to the original subject.  Bosse, Welcome to a great place.  The Alembic forum is full of very interesting facts on many great instruments!  Personally I think you should keep it and take that bass out and PLAY IT!  As to its worth, you already know that is subjective.  Try to sell it for whatever you want as that's your right.  All the best.  Play it Healthy! Art

[artswork99]

Bosse,  And a bunch of really great folks here too!  Regards, Art

[the_jester]

Art,
 
I agree with you...  
 
I'll always feel money is full of contradictions too.  
 
Don't think so?  
 
Look at the stock market, or the value of homes... ha haa... Up for a second, but down for years.  
 
Much love to your message... indeed money is tight.  
 
But, we all must live knowing certainties and greater possibilities, in order to be motivated enough to push our selves to better music as much as we can regardless to uncertainties.  
 
So, in preparation of having the Jester move forward, first things first... I am designing the sliding mechanisms, which allows me (as a user) to slide my pickups right, and left -- similar to a child using the knobs of a good old Classic Etch-A-Sketch.
 
This is my definitions, of a cool fretless bass design and function. Look simple, easy to explain, and it's still very complex and challenging, and it's innovative too.
 
If I can see it, it can BE-IT.
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on January 25, 2010)

[edwin]

Hey, I'm Edwin too, maybe I should buy it. I'm Alembicless at the moment. But I'm on a slow search for at least a 5.
 
I think you should take it out into the world and play the heck out of it. It's very beautiful, but so would be the music that would come forth.