Wanted: first alembic. LEFTY spoiler ?lan persuader distillate epic etc four or five strings

[xero_tolerance]

So I've given up on finding a spector to use as a live/studio bass and I was recommended to alembic. Ive tried two of my father's friends' out and their tone is absolutely superb. One of my fathers other friends used a spoiler for years with Carnivore, and some of my favorite bassists have used them too like Jason Newsted, Paulo pinto jr, Entwistle,, etc... Do any of you have four or 5 string used alembics for sale? Nothing crazy like the only other ones I've seen used for $4000+, but yes; lemme know what you got

[bandcentral]

To make things clear for you, $4000+ is an EXCELLENT deal (not a crazy deal) on any Signature Series or Series I or II Alembic bass..just go price one new and see what they cost if you ordered it from Alembic and you'll see $4000+ is a great deal!  If you want to drive a Rolls Royce then you have to pay a bit more than you would for a Toyota....just saying

[xero_tolerance]

> Oh no I wasn't disputing yours sir! I understand that is a great deal  but I've seen some people cranking up the prices on their epics that usually go for less, but, then again, it is an Alembic....  Is $900 a good deal for a 5 string epic? I found one for that. What do you all think?

[JuancarlinBass]

I?d say go for it, Xero!. I paid a little more than that for my Epic fiver, (which was not that bad considering how rare ANY alembic is this side of the pond where I live in), and I cannot be happier (Unless I have that dreamer MK Series fiver for even less ). I think it?s a good price indeed.

[bandcentral]

Thanks jcdlc72 for the support.  I do appreciate it.  I too think $4500 is a good/fair price especially since it is a LEFTY. I looked for years for an Alembic Lefty with no success until I found this one which I promptly snatched up.  I am the second owner and the only reason it was available was because the original owner died and his family wanted it to go to an Alembic lover and that is me!  I mainly play my 4 string and this one is sitting here and needs someone who wants a great bass!
By the way Xero, $900 for a 5 string Epic sounds low to me..be careful as it may have some hidden issues.

[hammer]

I think what George, whose background information indicates he is quite young (I.e. 17 when he registered for the topic board) was trying to say is that $4,000 dollars is a lot of cash for someone his age.  
 
George: I agree with you that some of the prices for Alembics currently out there are crazy....I recently saw a $2750 price listed for an Epic on eBay. These basses are overpriced and that's why they have been there a long time. When reasonably priced Alembics are listed they go quick so you'll need to move fast. On the other hand, if something is priced too good to be true....Look out! Personally, I'd hesitate to put down money on something like that unless I had the chance to play it first.
 
I'd agree with the others that if the Epic you found is in good condition and working order AND that's what you want in a bass, than $900 is a great deal...go for it!
 
If you want more in an Alembic bass, such a neck through construction, and a bit more with respect to controls, I've seen Persuaders and Spoilers listed for $1500-1800 and nice Distillates at around $2,000.  I'm not sure where you are from but if you have transportation be willing to travel a bit to demo Alembics listed on Craiglist (bring a friend with you and be careful to meet in public places for any transactions).
 
The key is to be patient and make sure your getting what you want and need. Your young, so there will probably be a lot more Alembics in your life.

[xero_tolerance]

> Thanks hammer  yes I am 17 as of this month. While I do understand that these basses are worth a lot for a reason, amazing quality, I couldn't bring myself to pay that much for one unless it was what I really wanted- a spoiler, persuader, or élan. (And, Possibly a distillate). I've only seen one lefty spoiler and it was sold and that's what I truly want  but I'm keeping my hopes up to find one. I think to own an epic and have it modified to look somewhat like an élan by alembic, would be cool, but I'm not sure if I'd want to do that when there may be a spoiler popping up somewhere someday, what I truly want. Despite my young age and genre I play, do not be mistaken- I take care of my instruments and the spoiler would be in good hands. The good thing is I have plenty of time in my life for music ahead and hopefully, plenty of years to find that alembic someday. Thank you all for the help so far. I'm going to see what happens, the epic is always an option though. Hopefully I come across a spoiler, persuader, distillate, or élan someday though. I really look forward to owning my first alembic