Alembic Heart Omega Fretless 5 String

[dtothec]

Beautiful fretless 5 in New Hampshire.
http://nh.craigslist.org/msg/5960405188.html

[edwardofhuncote]

Oh my... looky there!

I gotta' stop checking in here before bed. 

[tomhug]

That's a pretty bass.


What do you think of the seller's asking price? Seems like a well-appointed bass, and in good shape, but that's well into Series territory...


Must be Europa electronics, no?

[StephenR]

This one has been up for sale for a while now which probably answers your question about the pricing. Beautiful top on this bass...

[hammer]

I love the wood and its a newer model but you are correct that the asking price is in Series I territory.  On the other hand I've seen some pretty crazy prices for Series basses recently and when I've ask if the price is negotiable, even when it does come down it never really comes down to a level at which I'd be interested.

As discussed before, people are spending too much time looking at the prices for instruments that have been up for sale, in some cases for years, and have never been sold and then pricing their instrument on this basis.  Example Spoilers for $2,500, Europa's for close to $5,000; Distillates in the $3,000 range.  None of these sell but...people look at those prices and then price their Series bass accordingly thinking that if a Europa is worth over $4,000 and Series bass must be in the neighborhood of $5-6,000

P.S. I purchased my very functional Series I with newer PUs, rack mount DS-5, all cables, and case from a Club Member for $3,600.  It's not perfect and I'm considering a refurbish but with that I'd essentially have a new bass.

[rv_bass]

IMHO, a Series I at $3800-$4500 is a respectable range depending upon condition.  That is a fraction of the cost of a new one. These are magnificent instruments and works of art that should maintain their value over time.

[hammer]

I totally agree with you Rob.  Buying a Series bass used is the only affordable way to acquire such an instrument for most of us and a used purchased is likely to hold its value well. I don't think I could get over having to let one I purchased new go on the market, especially if it was a custom build.  I suspect that this feeling is shared by a lot of Alembic owners and that's part of the reason for high prices.  Most often, you  really have to make it worth a lot to pry an Alembic out of someone's hands.