Alembic Elan 5 - Need to Sell Quick - Crazy Low Price - $2400 [SOLD]

[bassmanbct]

Beautiful 1995 Alembic Elan 5 in Wineburst with FretFX markers and OHSC.


I just purchased this bass a few weeks back and it is one of the most beautiful, amazing sounding basses I’ve ever played!  Perhaps the best sounding bass I’ve ever heard (though that’s a personal preference). However, no matter how much I try, I just can’t handle a 5-string neck (and I’ve owned several different ones).  I gave it one more shot with this bass (since the nut was smaller than standard size), and desperately wanted it to work out. I would say the shape and feel of this bass neck about as good as you’ll ever get on a 5-string... but I’m used to a VERY narrow neck (have several basses with a 1.5” nut), and all 5-strings (and even some 4-strings) simply feel too large for me.  So alas, I’m letting this beauty go, and will stick with 4-string basses.  Call me old school.

This is the history of this bass via previous owner:

>> The bass is in EXCELLENT condition. There is one tiny mark on the front of the bass (treble side, near the neck pickup, but too small to photograph) about the size of a pencil point. That's about it. I won't claim that it's mint, but it's about as close as one can get for a 21 year old bass.

The body is 5A quilt maple on maple, the neck has an ebony fingerboard on maple w/walnut veneers and is 34” scale. The controls are vol, pan and filter with q-switch and the pickups are an AXY56 at the neck and a Fatboy at the bridge. It has Schaller strap locks and tuners. The bass was purchased used in 2003 and sent back to Alembic for an overhaul. At that time it was refinished in Wineburst, the brass hardware was cleaned up and restored, the bronze Alembic logo and script were upgraded with 24k gold versions, the plastic truss rod cover and back plate were upgraded with brass versions, the bridge pickup was replaced and I got a new case. A year later, I added FretFX side markers and replaced the bridge pickup with a Fatboy.
<<


Original hard shell case (with keys) is in very good condition (couple of scrapes, otherwise fine).  I’ll include a strap and cable if you’d like.  Price is $2800. No international sales and no trades. Text or call me (Bryan) at 512-868-7325 if you’re interested.

[jazzyvee]

Oh, sorry to hear you didn't get on with the bass it sure is a beauty and I know from experience all that maple is a wonderful thing for the sound of a bass. I hope it finds a good home.

[bassmanbct]

It will make any 5-string-bass player extremely happy!  And yes, it sounds every bit as beautiful as it looks.  I couldn't resist giving it a shot, and once I heard this all-maple bass I was floored.  But my hands are just built for a smaller bass.  My favorite is the ultra-thin Stanley neck.  It'll make someone a very happy camper.

[wishbass]

Have always loved this one. Miss having a fretted 5er, but just not in a position to shop now. Beautiful bass, good luck on the sale!

[bassmanbct]

So Wish... you have fretless 5?  Alembic?

[bassmanbct]

Price Drop.  $2700.

[DanFrank]

Beautiful Bass!  I was in the market for awhile but I found a Ken Smith 5-string at a great price at a pawn shop that is a nice contrast to my '86, 5-string Spoiler.  I was hoping to find another 5-string Alembic at a reasonable price, but wanted to find a through-neck and closer to 18mm string spacing at the bridge.  My Spoiler is closer to 16mm, but I play that one with a pick, so it is perfect.  I like the wider spacing for finger playing.

What is the string spacing?  Also, I don't have much experience hearing and maple Alembic.  I'm wondering if you can get a deep low end tone and does the Fatboy make a big difference?  What is the weight of the bass?

If I didn't buy my Smith a couple months ago, I'd probably would have called you already.  I have had some thoughts about selling the Smith and buying this one, but I just don't want to be out with the cash until it would sell.....dam!  Timing is everything!

[bassmanbct]

Hey Frank,

The weight is 12.5 lb. due to the maple on maple.  Not a lightweight, but OMG does it sound amazing - especially the low B! I'm sure the sound correlates with the weight, and I suspect it's a combo of the maple on maple and the Fatboy near the bridge.  Sound is a personal preference, but it's the deepest, clearest sounding low B I've ever heard. Amazing!

The nut width is 1.875” and at the 24th fret, I get 2.9”.  And measuring string-to-string at the bridge I get a little over .7" which converts to 18mm.

I haven't heard your Smith, but I'd be shocked if it sounds anywhere near as nice as this baby (but I'm biased toward Alembics).  At this price, you'd have no trouble selling it later if you change your mind.  Call me if you have questions (512) 868-7325.

Peace,
Bryan

[DanFrank]

I thought it would be heavier Than my current basses with all that maple.  I'm going to have to pass and wait for awhile before I make a decision to replace the Smith or not.  I am partial to Alembics as well, but the Smith bass is a great sounding instrument as well.  Good luck with your sale!  It should go easily if it's priced right!

[DanFrank]

Beautiful Bass!  I was in the market for awhile but I found a Ken Smith 5-string at a great price at a pawn shop that is a nice contrast to my '86, 5-string Spoiler.  I was hoping to find another 5-string Alembic at a reasonable price, but wanted to find a through-neck and closer to 18mm string spacing at the bridge.  My Spoiler is closer to 16mm, but I play that one with a pick, so it is perfect.  I like the wider spacing for finger playing.

What is the string spacing?  Also, I don't have much experience hearing and maple Alembic.  I'm wondering if you can get a deep low end tone and does the Fatboy make a big difference?  What is the weight of the bass?

If I didn't buy my Smith a couple months ago, I'd probably would have called you already.  I have had some thoughts about selling the Smith and buying this one, but I just don't want to be out with the cash until it would sell.....dam!  Timing is everything!

[jazzyvee]

..........  Also, I don't have much experience hearing and maple Alembic.  I'm wondering if you can get a deep low end tone and does the Fatboy make a big difference? 

I have a 5 string maple Europa bass that apart from the electronics and neck laminations, mine has purpleheart, is pretty similar. When I got it I thought the bass would be very bright sounding. Actually has that capability if you want it, but also it has an amazingly deep, clear powerful and punchy sound even with the filter closed. In fact because of that I use mine almost exclusively for playing reggae gigs and is has a great sound for that. One other thing about the maple is there is so much clarity in the sound the low B is amazingly clear and it's sound is really well balanced and doesn't jump out like it is from a different bass when you play it. The rest of the bass sound is equally impressive and the higher notes don't exhibit that raspiness almost distorted edge to the tone that I hear in some basses.

If I was in the game for another 5 stringer I would find it hard to resist this bass.

[bassmanbct]

Perfectly described, Jazzy.  The tonal possibilities on this thing are endless.

[DanFrank]

Thank you for the description of the tone, Jazzy.  If I didn't just buy a 2nd bass, I would consider it, but the weight also has me concerned as well.

[jazzyvee]

frankfiveinc, the weight of alembic basses are an issue for many people and I have read on different forums of owners selling them off for this reason.
There is no getting away from it. All my alembic basses have a good weight to them and so far I have not had any issues. What I can say is that whilst they are all heavy, the distribution of that weight when it is on a strap is the crucial thing. The great thing I like about the Europa style basses is that whilst they are heavy, I think mine are around 12.5lbs, the weight feels balanced when on a strap they hang pretty neutral and I find they don't exhibit neck dive or neck rise due to the body weight. The body does not lean forward or away from my body either. So it doesn't feel as  heavy as it's size and weight would imply. In contrast my short scale alembics are neck heavy and the top edge of it's body also tilts forward away from my body and so it feels heavier because the weight is not centred on my body.


As for buying that bass, if It was over this side of the pond and I hadn't recently got a new Series I Europa I'd be still thinking hard about buying this one. Whoever picks this one up is in for a treat.

[DanFrank]

Thanks Jazzy!  I understand your point, as my '86 5-string Spoiler fits that description.  it is a 32-inch scale.  I also owned an '89, 4-string Persuader that was also 32-inch scale and it had a bit more neck-dive.  The Spoiler seems to hang with he neck almost horizontal without falling any further.  It is comfortable and only when I play around the 1st 3-frets will I raise the neck slightly.  That's why I always avoided long scale basses because I thought it might be harder on the wrist to play around the 1st, 3-frets.  But then I was able to play a 34-inch Smith bass in a pawn shop and found it to be relatively comfortable.  I would love to play a long scale, 5-string Alembic to feel the difference and hear the low-B.  My Spoiler's low-B is deep and full sounding. 

My dream is to find a Europa with Coco Bolo top and mahogany at a reasonable price.  But I think I missed my best opportunity after passing-up one that I found in another pawn shop a few years ago.  It was priced at about $2700 and passed because I thought I was hearing electronic problems.  But it could just have been 60 Hz interference.  Now the prices I'm seeing online for used Europa's are way out of range.

The weight issue is a concern for my "older shoulder" though.  I don't want to take a chance unless I would play it and feel the bass weight and compare it to my current Smith.  I know I love Alembics but I just can't justify the money at this point and found the Smith bass for a price that was far below market value. 

Thanks for taking the time to give me your input!  I appreciate your vast experience as a musician and follow you on FB as well.