Author Topic: How much $ do I need. (Read 285 times)

wookie · « **on:** April 21, 2013, 03:41:08 PM »

So I have about 18 basses now and I think I've come to the realization that I can't play 18 basses at once. Naturally I can play 1 really nice one (and maybe a back up just in case).

So I'm wondering how much a series 2 actually costs. I know the quote says $27k but really when the tax is paid for what's it cost? ...so you're saying ,depends on what you want. Here you go....

#1) S2 Europa 6 with a way smaller neck than the normal 2.2, something like 2.0, gold hardware with flame maple top and ocean burst (like trip Wamsley's 8 string). And T at the 12th Not much too fancy about that,

#2) this is my brain child here. Europa 5 with spalted maple top maple body, T at the 12th, ebony neck lams, black or chrome hardware, continuos wood, matched to center.

I honestly need to know because if I can pull it off with out too much cash I would get one (or both : ) it's not entirely a pipe dream, I've got a lot of pretty nice basses, I just don't think it's very practical to have this many, even though I love them.

Thanks for any help in advance : ) Alembic rules all!!!!

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2013, 04:26:33 PM »

Lloyd,

I'd recommend you call one of the dealers to discuss. They will normally write it up for you, discuss specs and then get a quote from Alembic.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Will Gunn. He knows all things Alembic and is fantastic to work with. He had a lot of good ideas when I was in the planning stages of my custom Elan.

stout71 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2013, 04:43:09 PM »

I second calling a dealer. In fact, you'll get a dealer discount, a considerable % off what Alembic would charge if you bought it direct. As far as sales tax, as long as you purchase from a dealer that's located in a different state from you, they won't charge you sales tax. I suggest contacting Beaver at basscentral.com, but Will Gunn is a good guy as well.

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2013, 04:49:51 PM »

There are two things to consider; one is the monthly special, which changes, as its name suggests, from time to time, and can be a significant factor. The other is the discount, if any, offered by the dealer you place your order with. This varies among dealers and can be a significant factor as well. Of course other considerations when choosing a dealer is their knowledge, the service they provide, and your comfort in dealing with them. And in your situation, I suppose another factor might be what a dealer might be able to do as far as a trade-in for one or more of your current instruments.

I don't know that it's appropriate to discuss discounts on the forum, but I would imagine some of our members might be willing to correspond with you about their experiences with various dealers.

Oh, and personally, I love the idea of an Ocean Burst S2 Europa six!

wookie · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2013, 05:32:43 PM »

I agree that discounts shouldn't be discussed here, I was hoping someone will pm me : )

I don't want to seem like I'm made of money because I'm not, but the idea of pulling at least one of these off is (I think) reasonable.

I have never played a S2, I live in the armpit of the universe so all Alembic information I have has been acquired from personal experience. Plus,I was hesitant to call a dealer about this stuff because I don't want to seem like that guy that goes into a store and jams covers and never buys anything. And i know It will take time to find buyers for all of these basses but I would let a bunch go just to have a few (or one) S2 made to my liking.

Anyway, I know people here have been through this so please, don't be shy!

tbrannon · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2013, 08:39:06 PM »

email sent- I put 'Alembic' as the email title.

Toby

hammer · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2013, 02:52:18 PM »

Second e-mail sent. Built two instruments through Will and couldn't be more pleased. Great price and great service and support.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2013, 07:19:44 PM »

I sent you an email over the weekend.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2013, 04:48:36 AM »

You could also talk to Alembic directly, I've done that a couple of times in the past regarding a custom order. In the end I decided to buy used series Instruments. My point is that I never got the feeling that I was wasting their time. I think the information gained from Alembic or their dealers, is useful even when you are looking for a used instrument. I've had some good on-line conversations with Will which have been very enlightening. It may even be worth your while getting a used series bass so that you can check them out which could help you decide on the spec you want on a new build. If it's an older one you could probably off load it for the same money when you decide to go for a new custom.

Jazzyvee

wookie · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2013, 07:10:43 AM »

@jalevinemd, Thanks for writing me, and everyone else as well.

@jazzyvee...I'm pretty sure if I'm going to get a custom bass it'd have to be one of the above mentioned ideas. it's been brewing in my mind since I was like 17 (I'm 33) and if I didn't get one of those basses, I'd always wonder, you know? I've done some preliminary math and it seems very do-able to get one. both seems like a stretch, because I'd have to sell EVERYTHING I have and I have stuff that I couldn't sell short of an emergency/ family tragedy.

I've never played a S2 but if there is someone here who is local(ish) I'll drive to you and give you a few bucks or a set of strings or whatever if I can just fiddle with it to understand the power of the S2

I have signature basses and europa basses that's as close I come to the legendary S2 but the Europa electronics are good and signature electronics sound great. I just want to know what it's like at the top of the mountain kind of thing. I agree with Jazzy that I should try a S2 first but around here it's like finding a unicorn or something. I've only seen 2 ever. in the hands of that dude for James Taylor where I was 100 yards away from and Jason Newsted when I was like 15, as one in 20,000,000 people. so no real experience with a S2.

So anyone local want free strings? lunch? whatever?

Thanks guys, this will get done!

jack · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2013, 07:25:46 AM »

One million dollars!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2013, 04:37:26 PM »

I understand your vibe about a S2 to try out. The only one I had ever seen and heard in the flesh so to speak was Jimmy Johnson's when he was doing a gig with Allan Holdsworth a few years back. Like you I have signature and Europa basses and I can say from personal experience when you get a Series II bass you will not be disappointed. I got mine this time last year and play mine virtually all the time at home but haven't done a full gig with it yet it although that will change tomorrow.

I hope everything works out well so that you get one.

Jazzyvee

gtrguy · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2013, 10:13:16 PM »

I would buy a nice used series one and live with it for a while and get an idea what you like or don't like about it. Or buy a nice used series two. If you pay the right amount, you can get your money back out of it when you sell it and you would learn a lot about what you might want in a custom build. An SF-1 is another good item to have and experiment around with too.

Alembics are such unique instruments and can sound so different and the ergonomics can be interesting to live with.

wookie · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2013, 07:13:56 AM »

Thanks Dave, that's a really good idea.... The bad part is I hate getting rid of music stuff! And I'm not really crazy about 4 string basses (which most S2 seem to be).

Today I'm at the point where I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to let most of these basses go, not that I don't love them (except the Warwick, thought I'd like those, nope.) because I do. But really I don't have space in this house and they just sit in the cases. I bet the most I've played any of these is MAYBE a half hour, they just sit. I'm too busy with school and kids and wife and the house. I don't play in bands anymore (except to fill in here or there and the last 5 years I've played guitar live
: /) I just record. I feel like I want a bass that's truly made for me and if I'm going to sell most of my stuff its got to be a Europa. Not necessarily a S2 but if I only have 1 shot I don't want to skimp if I can afford it. I just want to see/hear what the big deal is about S2 so I know out of all of the stuff I'm getting what I like. And I will say my signature basses sound incredible.

I still haven't called anywhere for a real quote but i did play with the quote generator and it seems okay. I've made a list of my stuff to sell (at less than I paid for it, just to sell it) and it's pretty close to the price. I want to have my ducks in a row before I bother someone who feeds their family by selling basses, you know?

So if anyone reading this is looking for a new bass to adopt, you might want to email me lol!