[SOLD] Pricing my '97 Essence.

[xarafus]

I'm just curious how much I should ask for with my 1997 Maple Essence 4?  Help!

[longhorncat]

$1800+-$100 depending on condition and case

[xarafus]

Thanks for the reply! 

So I never sold it back when I originally posted my question, but I am selling it for real this time.  How much should I expect to get for a 1997 4 string essence in flame maple, 9 years after this first assessment? 

Any responses would be helpful.

X

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome Back, X. Probably about the same assessment, providing it is in nice condition... hard to say without seeing it. Best advice is to do some looking around on Reverb and the online market at large to see what comparable models are priced at before accepting (or inviting) offers. 

Good Luck.

[xarafus]

Thanks edwardofhuncote!   
I searched everywhere online and only found 2 used online.  One was a repair for $1400, one was a specialty wood for +$9000.  Alembic is listing them on their pricelist at $9700.   

I brought it to my local store who, with the same limited information, that we should list it at $5500.   It seemed steep to me.   I am in the Santa Rosa area,  The store is within 10 minutes of Alembic headquarters.   

Wondering if it is futile to try to sell at that price.   You all seem to think no more than $2000. 

Thanks again. 

[StephenR]

Would be wonderful if you could find someone willing to pay $5,500 for a 97 Maple Essence bass but highly unlikely.  If I was selling the same bass I would be extremely happy if I could  get $2,000 for it. Agree that you should investigate the market for used Alembic basses. Pay particular attention to when they were listed or how many times they get re-listed. There are Alembic instruments on both Reverb and eBay that sit for many months and never sell because the asking price is not in line with what people are willing to pay.

Good luck with the sale!

[El Thumpo]

I love Essences, and own three. My last purchase, a few months back, was a stunning near-mint Cocobolo topped beauty. I paid $2300.

My other two are maple topped. If I were looking to buy another, I'd consider the $2,000 neighborhood to be a good price.

[xarafus]

Thanks everyone for your help.   I'll let you know how it goes.

[xarafus]

So... the Alembic Essence sat at my local music store since mid-October and finally sold for $2200.  The store keeps 20%.   Not bad.  I miss it already, however.