Hard to find used Alembic Rogue 5

[tbrannon]

Price difference of $2K and that gets you LEDs, 3 purpleheart neck lams and a Ziricote top....    
 
How important are the LEDs to you?  Is one 'calling your name' more than the other?

[thumbsup]

Haven't seen any photos of the maple. I do like the ideal of LEDs in low light situactions and the Ziricote looks plenty good! They're actually asking $5400 which I dont think I would go that much. The Ziricote is calling me.  I am a little skepitical of why a 97 R 5 would sit in a store as old stock?

[tbrannon]

I know what you're saying about the LED's.  I've been in several situations where I found myself hoping that the lights didn't get any dimmer....
 
I do think the $4500 price is a bit high for that bass- it does have the LEDs and neck lams, but I'm not sure I've seen many Rogues or Europas sell for that figure. There are several members here who stay up to speed on the prices much more closely and they'll be more able to give you an accurate idea of what price range those options should put the bass in.
 
Have you talked to anyone at Chuck Levin's about the story behind the bass yet?  They're a pretty reputable dealer and have sold quite a few Alembics.

[thumbsup]

The guy at chucklevins said it would be Monday before he could send photos. I'll ask him them. I have been reading a lot of threads and I do think the Ziricote is little pricey according to what I have read hear and plus a real nice R 5 just went on E Bay for $2675. It just didn't have LEDs or a hardshell case which I want. I did not mean to indicate any bad vibes about chucklevins. I talked to them and they were very informative and willing to discuss any questions I had. I just haven't drilled them yet. I'm a seasoned player but very green about Alembics. I don't want to pay over market price. But I have the bug. I just keep telling myself to be patience. Just a couple of days ago I couldn't even find one R 5. I can wait for the right deal. But you did get it right. If one calls my name and the price is fair it may happen.

[rockandrowe]

I have a fairly new Rogue that I am thinking about selling. It has a Buckeye Burl top and is in mint condition. If you are interested, please let me know.

[tbrannon]

And the plot thickens.....

[thumbsup]

Hey Toby,, Thanks for the spoff on chucklevins.
After considering all options I have just about desided to purchase the maple from Brian.  However, I am going to contact rockandrowe for photos of his bass if he replys soon....Steve

[tbrannon]

Steve,
 
Not a bad choice, that's a great price for a Rogue, much less a brand new one- if the LEDs are a must have for you there are quite a few guys who use aftermarket LED strips.
 
There are quite a few threads on the forum where they're discussed.
 
Toby

[2400wattman]

Steve, That Rogue at Bass and Beyond was actually sold by The Low End in Murfreesboro,Tn. I did get to play it and it's a real killer! I don't know about the pics as far as describing it's condition but when I checked it out it was as good as new. It was a consignment piece and the owner wanted about the same as Bass and Beyond is asking. this one has a gloss finish as well which I believe is not the usual finish applied. As far as retained value I think that much like cars their luxury and base versions value eventually merge overtime(a car with 100,000 miles is a car with 100,000 miles-see what I mean?).If you're buying this to keep then cost should'nt be too much of an issue from keeping you from getting what you would like. I don't know what this maple Rogue's price is but I would probably get that one since you don't see many maple topped Rogues(or Alembics for that matter) and I love maple. Also if LED's are a must you can get FRET FX strips for about $80.00 I think, but you can't grab it by the neck but you've got a nice long upper horn to pick it up by. good Luck!

[thumbsup]

Hey Adam...It's nice to talk to a player who has actually played what I may be interested in.I've been in contact with Bass & Beyound and the owner. The owner is selling to purchase another bass.It's a 04' with low miles & a good spec sheet. I do like the LEDs & the purple heart and he sent me more photos and it's a 10....The one on E Bay from Integrity Bass looks the same.It is a 97' with some miles on it plus I looked at the bridge and the low B & E are fully extended. I kinda have some concerns about the intonation/ harmonics.I would appreciate some additional opinions on that....Of course I would have no concerns about the Maple from chucklevins.The build sheet is not as impresive but I believe it simply was a speculitive instrument for chucks & Alembic does a lot of custom work. Decisions decisions....Steve

[2400wattman]

Steve the bass from Integrity with the string saddles fully extended probably means they did'nt put xtra long scale strings to fit the 35 scale of the bass. I ran in to a similar problem with a 5 string Devon with the same scale length.

[thumbsup]

After long thought and careful consideration of the responces from you all I have desided on the Maple from chucklevins. The price was within my budget which I set for my first Alembic. It's not my dream bass but because of this experience I have learned I will probably order a custom for that one!...By the way all three of the dealers were very honest & pleasant to work with.I would recomend any of the dealers!I just felt that I can't go wrong on the Maple from chucks. Now I'm ready to find out what all the buzz about(Alembic's)is._

[tbrannon]

Cool stuff Steve!  I think you made a great decision- you got an amazing deal.  $2500 is a VERY good price for a Rogue, much less a brand new one.  I know it seems like it's just a 'plain' one, but I'm guessing that it is going to blow your mind once you get it in your hands.
 
Did you get any pictures from Chuck Levin's?  If so, post a few of them~  If not, take some when it arrives and post them in a showcase thread.

[thumbsup]

Got the Rouge from chucklevins this past Friday and I must say how impressed I am with ease of playbillity and the amazing sound of this base.I usually do my own set ups but it was set up perfectly, PUs and all. The neck is a bid fatter than what I'm used to but I easily adapted.I have a MTD Tobias which(was)my main. I always believed my MTD was an upper scale base(and it is,not knocking Tobias,they are great!)but afer just a two hour gig I've personally desided there is no comparision. Since I now actually own an Alembic I will formally join the site! I will post some photos soon and also have a trouble shoot question I need some help on which I will post on appropreiate heading. Thank you all for your comments & help!.....Steve

[David Houck]

Congrats Steve!!