Author Topic: So I guess all you Bass folks paid too much heh? (Read 187 times)

hydrargyrum · « **on:** November 10, 2004, 12:20:48 PM »

Here is a quote from a current Kawai Alembic-wannabe ebay auction (snickers under breath):

It was originally made to compete with Alembic. It is every bit the bass as the model it was imitating, but for half the price. This bass was sold to my uncle in 1984 for $1600, while an Almebic would have cost him twice that. At $1600 it is hardly a cheap asian copy. This is an opportunity for you to pick up a quality bass for a fraction of what it is worth! While I have seen similar basses in various states of condition go from $700 to $1000 my reserve is some what modest and well worth it. I'm happy to answer any question you may have, I want this bass to go to a good home. Don't be afraid of my negative rating. It was a simple misunderstanding, and the seller which is responsible wil vouche for my good faith! Happy bidding!

I got a good laugh from that! I don't think I have ever seen one of these sell for more than around three or four hundred dollars. I also especially like the negative feedback comment! This ought to get some blood to boilin'.

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2004, 12:30:40 PM »

I got into a nasty argument on talkbass with a few fellows under the same delusion.
The wisest thing my Dad ever told me was, there's nothing more dangerous than a person who knows they are right.
Especially on the 'Net (laughing).

rami · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2004, 12:30:59 PM »

This guy claims that ...It is every bit the bass as the model it was imitating, but for half the price....

My question is, what model was it imitating, and did he personally compare the two?

Who's the real sucker?

flaxattack · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2004, 09:03:35 PM »

i had a kawai.. it aint no alembic... i bought it for 450 and i sold it for 450... great deal...

flaxattack · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2004, 09:05:43 PM »

2 sure things in life fellas.
1- there is nothing like a grateful dead concert
2- nothing sounds like an alembic

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2004, 09:48:11 PM »

Well. A K. Kawai is a pretty decent piano, but the few Kawai basses I've seen were very typical of a lot of Japanese basses of that period .... a very Occidental take of a Western instrument that MIGHT have sold OK in the Far East, but they were just out in left field over on this side of the pond.

I've always wondered if they were actually made by Kawai themselves, or if they were farmed out and sold under the Kawai name.

I do agree that for $1600 it's hardly a cheap Asian copy . . . it's an impossibly expensive cheap Asian copy!!!

J o e y