Author Topic: Left-handed, six-string Elan for sale -- need info on its value (Read 288 times)

coppertop · « **on:** July 13, 2004, 10:23:48 AM »

Hi folks -- About 12 years ago or so, I bought a used, left-handed, six-stringed Alembic as gift for my brother, who later told me that although he is left-handed, he learned to play bass right-handed and unfortunately couldn't do much with my gift.... anyway, I have this bass in my possession; it is beautiful and in near-pristine condition, and I have no idea how to sell it (as you can obviously see, I don't know much about basses in general).

Someone told me that it is an Elan model but I know nothing more, except for the serial number (90 H 5961 USA) -- Is there a way that I can get more information on its construction/features and an estimated value based on this serial number?

And are there any suggestions about how to go about selling it, whether on eBay or an alternative means? I'm selling it now because I need to pay for hospital bills, so ANY help whatsoever is greatly appreciated.

Thanks -- Jack

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2004, 11:41:38 AM »

Hi Jack,
I'm sure other club members will be chiming in soon with their thoughts on this topic, but I thought I would throw in my two cents.

As far as the value of the instrument, this is difficult to determine. It would depend on factors such as wood options and any unique features the instrument may have. Being a 6-string and being in great condition are working in your favor for price. Being left handed may do the opposite. It is hard to judge what kind of market exists for a lefty 6. From my many months of eBay shopping and general overuse of the internet, I would estimate that this instrument would fetch between $1500 and $2000.

As far as HOW to sell, you've already posted here, which would be my first recommendation. If there are no takers here in the club, you may want to try posting ads on sites such as www.bassgear.com or www.harmony-central.com. I have had mixed luck with those type of classifieds. If you use one of those, watch out for scammers. If you smell something fishy, you're probably right. If you have no luck there, I would then give eBay a try.

Hopefully someone from the mothership will get back to you soon with the information from the build record, and that should help you narrow down an asking price.

And as I'm sure the Pauls will tell you, nothing helps like PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!

Sorry if this was a little rushed, but my boss prefers when I use my computer to do work. Go figure.

Adam

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2004, 02:15:34 PM »

The H in the serial number indicates that it is indeed an Elan. And like Adam said, if you can post some pictures that would be helpful.

coppertop · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2004, 12:22:19 PM »

As suggested, here are some pics of this bass:

811952 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2004, 02:10:58 PM »

That's pretty enough to learn how to play left-handed for....
John

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:31:57 PM »

I second that.

Wow . . .

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2004, 06:17:11 PM »

A very nice bass indeed!

jlpicard · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2004, 08:38:09 PM »

Jack, I am interested in the Elan. Have you decided on a selling price? thanks, Mike

coppertop · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2004, 05:09:30 PM »

Some people have contacted me privately and asked for pics of the back, as well, so I thought I'd post them here. It looks like there is significant interest in this instrument and I'd like to thank those of you who offered your advice to me -- Jack

palembic · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2004, 11:24:57 PM »

Man ....that IS a beautiful instrument. Hum ....should I start learning to play left handed??

coppertop · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2004, 01:59:41 AM »

Well, this beauty has been sold to a member of this discussion community - thanks to everyone for their interest and good luck to all.

Jack

jlpicard · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2004, 10:54:05 PM »

Everyone!! I am now the proud papa of the Lefty Elan 6! The pictures don't do it justice! The finish looks flawless.This thing has a great big BALLSY sound, yet tight and very well defined as all Alembics do. The neck on this thing is a monster(P-bass string spacing at the nut),yet it balances very well (just a tiny bit neck heavy). The first thing I did was give the new baby a well deservered bath: (polished the body, cleaned and polished the frets,hardware and logo and oiled the fingerboard. As per Alembics recommendation, after lemon oiling, I remounted the old strings for a couple of days. Then it's a fresh set of .027 to .127s, a tweak on the truss rod, maybey a bit of bridge adjustment and Voila! I have already used it on a recording session. My fellow bandmates did the Alembic Jaw Drop and then procceded to comment about how great the bass sounded direct into the board without any tweaking. Duh! No one ever asks me to bring a Fender to the gig! Ha! another bunch of Bolt-on lovers bites the dust!! Mike

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2004, 09:32:54 PM »

Congrats Mike!

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2004, 04:58:46 AM »

Indeed, congratulations. I'm sure you'll have many years of joy from this beauty. Is the top lam Coco Bolo?
Mike

jlpicard · « **Reply #14 on:** August 10, 2004, 03:56:43 PM »

Thanks, The top is absolutely cocoobolo! My favorite. The photos really don't show the contrast between the red and black grain lines.Coco truly is one of natures great works of art. Mike