Advice needed on '80 Series 1

[uncle]

Hi, I'm planning to buy my first Alembic. It's a 1980 Series One 4-string with kao top and back. It's in a mint condition. Does any of you have an idea about the streetprice for such a bass (in Europe : EURO). Is this a good buy or will I be better of with a later or an other model?
 
Greetz

[David Houck]

Hi Dirk; welcome to the board!  We have a few other members from Belgium as well.  A Series I from any year is a wonderful instrument.  The older it is, the more susceptible it might be to RF noise.  This varies depending on location and the particular instrument; but most folks don't find it to be a problem.  If a bass does have noise, it can be sent to the Alembic shop for an upgrade; but it is not inexpensive.  Generally, Alembics are a little rarer in Europe than in the US, and prices are thus higher.  I don't keep up with European prices, but generally in the US an '80 with Koa top and back should be between $3,000 and $3,500 USD, maybe more, with the power supply and form fitting hard case.  The mint condition could add more.  If it's missing the power supply and case, then factor that into the price.  I have an '86 S1, and it is an absolutely wonderful instrument.  An '80 in mint condition; I would tend to say go for it.

[funkyjazzjunky]

Welcome
 
Koa is rare and expensive (and beautiful).  
 
Show us some pictures when you get it.
 
(Message edited by FunkyJazzJunky on January 14, 2009)

[adriaan]

Koa facings on 1970s-1990s Alembics are not particularly rare. They may still have some watermark koa in stock, which doesn't have the spectacular flame figuring but can make up for it in other aspects (check the Spoiler on my profile).
 
If I remember correctly, Mica recently commented that (having heard hundreds if not thousands of Alembics) she could instantly recognize by ear three types of tops: maple, cocobolo and koa.
 
Koa is supposed to be less bright than most others, but also warmer sounding.

[kungfusheriff]

All good advice so far. Two of my Series 2s are koa, and I like the sound very much, especially the acoustic tone. Warm is a good description of the sound.
Have you played the bass yet? What are the construction details?

[harald_rost]

Hello Dirk,  
there was a Series 1 on German Ebay some months ago. I can't remember the woods of the bass. I think it was sold in the range between 2.500 an 3.000 Euros.
Harald

[funkyjazzjunky]

Koa was once quite commonly used by Alembic, BC Rich, Carvin and many high-end builders.  But it is rare now due to over-harvesting.
 
Koa has a beautiful color and even non-figured facings have sheen and depth that is remarkable.