Excel 5-string (lined) fretless on Reverb

[edwardofhuncote]

If I weren't already split on either restoring a 1936 Martin, or picking up a vintage Series I... I'd be on this one like a duck on a june-bug.   

https://reverb.com/item/6577267-alembic-excel-5-string-lined-fretless-vermillion-top-swamp-ash-core-mint-unregistered

[hammer]

At this price I'm tempted.  Can someone confirm the price in U.S. dollars for me as I'm still in Ukraine and can only get price in Ukrainian currency. Currency exchange site suggests about $1,700 U.S.

[edwardofhuncote]

$1695 + $99 shipping, Brian. 

[elwoodblue]

Sold, did you get it Hammer?

[hammer]

Nope! Missed it because I couldn't get online while on a train going from Zaphorizia to Kherson Ukraine that was supposed to have wifi but actually only had it when pulling through train stations.  Need to learn to type faster as we went through most stations at about 75-80 mph.


Still looking for a nice fretless!



Brian

[StephenR]

Brian, there has been a beautiful fretless Essence on Reverb and eBay for a few months. Unfortunately it is quite expensive but it looks stunning and has LEDs plus upgraded electronics. Someone posted a link to the eBay listing a while back but in case you haven't seen it here is the Reverb link.

https://reverb.com/item/5400462-alembic-essence-2001-natural-10022375

[hammer]

Stephen

I've been looking over that one for some time and I agree with you that it is definitely a beautiful bass. However, I just can't bring myself to pay more for an Essence than I've paid for my two Series I basses ($3600 and $4100), a Signature deluxe with LEDs and my 6-string Europa. The current price is over $2000 more than I'm asking for my Europa which although it doesn't have LEDs is in excellent condition.

If you see any fretless  out there especially off the beaten track e.g. Not on Reverb or eBay which I monitor on a regular basis please keep me in mind. The band I'm playing newgrass with at the current time and I are fine with the sound of my fretless Rob Allen, it's just that playing it is like playing a toy compared to my Alembics. In the meantime, I'm hoping that the price of Essence will eventually  come down at least enough that I can make an offer that is not viewed as insulting to the current owner.

[StephenR]

Definitely hear you on the pricing thing. It is still possible to find older Series instruments at an affordable price point making non-Series instruments at a similar price seem less attractive to someone who already has a Series instrument. A Maple five-string fretted Essence with the same electronics upgrade and LEDs sold for $3950 recently on eBay. There was only one bid on it, can't remember what the suggested initial bid was.

The fretless Essence is being sold by a music store in San Jose. I am guessing that it is a consignment sale. If it sits there long enough the owner may be willing to accept a lower price. Couldn't hurt to contact the store and tell them you are interested if the offering price eventually comes down. That way you wouldn't have to submit an offer now that they would view as insulting.

Have you considered having the frets removed from your Europa instead of selling it?

Meanwhile if I see any other frettess basses at a reasonable price I will let you know.

[hammer]

The problem with my Europa is that the neck is just too wide and long (34) for someone with stubby fingers and who is on the small side (5'8") to really make effective use of it as a 6-string. I'm looking for a 4 or 5er for fretless.  I have thought about possibly doing what you have suggested with my standard point Series I since I'm going to send it in to Alembic at some point for a refurbish, but something in keeps holding me back on that though I can't pinpoint what it specifically is at this point. I did find a Signature custom fretless on Craigslist that is being sold by a private party for about the same price as the Essence. If I can sell my Europa I might make an offer on that one.  I do need to investigate listing the Europa on Reverb since I haven't had much luck listing on the board only.

[edwin]

I keep dreaming about sneaking into Harry's house and sawing off the fretless part of his double neck. It is the quintessential fretless bass.

[elwoodblue]

I keep dreaming about sneaking into Harry's house and sawing off the fretless part of his double neck. It is the quintessential fretless bass.

That's as scary as the first time I saw "The Godfather", specifically the horsehead scene.


I can't argue with your motivation though 

[StephenR]

Harry's doubleneck may still be up at the mothership... they have a bandsaw there!

[hieronymous]

Well, this shot of the doubleneck on the woodpile at one of the recent gatherings suddenly takes on new meaning...