Mica, your 2 cents is actually worth quite a bit more and you have correctly identified the two big reasons I have been hesitant about this one. I am such a sucker for Walnut that much more of my attention has been given to this bass than the few Series five-strings I have seen for sale since I started looking a few years ago. They come up so infrequently. If I played four-string it would be much easier for me to find one.
Meanwhile I am still so happy to have the five-string I have now owned for 34 years. It was my second Alembic in a short time span, I traded a 2 year old Distillate four-string for it. When I first got the Distillate it was so exciting to finally own an Alembic instrument, something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do. That feeling remains with me today and is amplified every time I look at or play my bass. It is unique, pretty, and sounds unbelievable when you get on stage and crank the volume.
If anyone else is interested in this bass I inquired about the DS-5 since it wasn't mentioned in the listing. I was told it comes with a DS-5R. I failed to ask about the cable which is also not mentioned in the listing. Below is the info I was sent. The shipping charge looks lower than the amount referenced in Joe's very helpful post above...
"Yes, it comes with the external power supply DS-5R, 115V(85-130V) /230V(170-260V) switchable.
Also coming with original hardcase.
It is sorry we do not have any exact idea about US re-import fee.
Please ask your local US customs for the details.
We are receiving the customer order with first comes first serves basis both on website and at real shop.
So occasionally it will be sold out while having email communication.
Please understand in advance.
Here is the price estimate with shipping.
Please let us know if it will be ok with you and decide to take it.
As soon as receiving your order confirmation, once again we will check the availability and let you know.
Product Code :516014
Product Name :ALEMBIC JJLB5-FWH (Jimmy Johnson Signature Series I Circuit) '12 【USED】w/OHC : 830,000JPY
Shipping : 23,150JPY (including insurance and handling fee)
Total Amount : 853,150JPY
Payment Method : Bank Wire Transfer
- We do not cover any bank transfer charge and currency exchange fee at our side.
- Please arrange that we will receive full amount.
- Please be noted it will take approximately 2-7 business days to confirm your payment with our bank.
Shipping : EMS
Tax and Duty :
- Japanese consumption tax is not required for international shopping.
- However you may be required to pay duty and tax when receiving your items in your country.
- You must pay all these duty and tax as receiver/importer and we do not cover any of them.
- If you would like to know it before placing order, please ask your local custom office for details."
Stephen
