1980 Series I 32" scale on eBay

[Bob_Ross]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Series-1-1978-Medium-Scale-32-with-power-supply-5-pin-cable-/172460718609?hash=item282775ba11:g:Q3MAAOSw44BYYaKL

(note, the eBay add states "1978" but later corrects to confirm 1980)

So... if you were considering making an offer for this instrument, what would you be looking out for? What questions would you be asking yourself and/or the seller?  Any red flags -- other than the crazy low price of the current bid?

Thanks.

[StephenR]

Other than asking for confirmation that the truss rods work properly as well as the 1/4" jack and DS-5/power cord the bass physically looks in great shape. You could also ask if the instrument has been stored for an extended period of time without being played. If so you may have to exercise the pots and switches to remove any possible noise associated with them but that is easy and a normal effect of lack of use of the pots and switches. But, if it hasn't been played in a while make sure the seller has plugged it in and confirmed that the electronics are in working order. This bass is also old enough to possibly need an upgrade to the hum canceling circuit if you experience RF interference you can't dial out, once again normal for an instrument of this vintage. So, you may want to ask the seller if the electronics were ever upgraded.

As far as the price the prices for older Alembics have been trending up but for a four-string of this vintage a selling price between $3-4,000 seems about "normal". Considering there is still a day left on the auction the current bid isn't really that low and will probably go higher right before the auction ends.

I would ask myself how much is the bass worth to me, decide on a max bid and if you don't win the auction wait for one that is selling within your price range. Lots of these older Alembic's cropping up lately.

Nice looking bass. Good luck with the bidding!

[mica]

That is a nice looking chunk of Bubinga!

[edwardofhuncote]

I declare, this one looks like the one Club member Craig had for a while. Pretty bass.

[sonicus]

Nice ! 

[jazzyvee]

One of the things i always ask on ebay sales is for photos of the electronics cavity as i dont want the problem of finding they have been changed for something non alembic.

[Bassman8416]

Yes I did own this bass. beautiful instrument....the electronics were all original. It was too heavy for me, just over 11 lbs.The truss works, but, with medium tension strings, I think I had medium gauge D'Addario half rounds on, the truss was completely loose and the neck was borderline straight/slightest of back-bow. I think lighter gauge strings would be fine or some fret planing would make it perfect. There was also a repair to the peghead.
Here is the complete history that Mica was so kind enough to send me:

Here's the details from the file:

top: Bubinga
body: Mahogany
back: Bubinga
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 32" medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Mother of pearl ovals
originally made for: Not recorded
birthday: May 12, 1980

The bass was sent to us in 2003 when we repaired the previous owner's peghead repair that seemed to have included 5-minute epoxy. At that time we also refinished the peghead and refretted the bass.

In 2004 it was sent in for a complete refinish.

[gearhed289]

I've been watching that one (no intention of buying, so have at it). Beautiful bass. I'd love to try it out, but 11 lbs. is too much.

[Bob_Ross]

Well, the winning bid was $4001. That's pretty encouraging.