Sad Elan on EBay

[gtrguy]

Sad Elan on EBay:


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Elan-5-Project-Parts-Only-Not-Working/253554290284?hash=item3b09036e6c:g:-SIAAOSwa59azZhI

[StephenR]

For $500 it would be worth paying Alembic to refurbish it but I have a feeling it is going to sell for the usual "stupidly high" eBay auction price. One caveat is that depending on how they applied the stain it may have penetrated the wood to the point where it can't be removed. Pretty sure that when Alembic does a color finish or sunburst style they put a clear coat underneath so the instrument can easily be refinished later with a clear finish. At least, in this instance, nobody hacked up a Series bass but still sad to see any instrument in this condition.

[gtrguy]

I believe Alembic uses a 'grain filler' or leveler on top of the actual wood before adding other coats of whatever gets sprayed. Typically leveler has a slight wood tone to it, when I have refinished instruments using it.


This is a '76 Stingray I refinished a couple years back, that I first applied a grain filler to. It had originally been black, but the previous owner sanded it down some, so I went with a clear finish. The leveler imparted a pleasing vintage yellow tone to the wood, which is seen through the clear I applied.


You are correct that the stain could well be into the wood if this Elan was sanded down that far. To do a clear finish, all the stain would have to be removed, which means a lot of sanding. If it was refinished using a color, the refinisher would need to make sure that the stain was either removed or that it was capable of supporting a refin without lifting.

[StephenR]

Nice StingRay. I have a 77 which has been sitting in the closet unplayed since the early 80s. Did you replace the foam mutes? They look to be good condition, mine deteriorated over time. Also curious as to whether you refinished the neck. I wasn't keen on whatever finish was used for these instruments.

[gtrguy]

You should play yours! They are great truck-like beasts! I don't have the foam for the mutes and the pickguard is also not original (one of these days I'll get serious and find the correct one). I did not refinish the neck since it was OK. The PO just sanded on the original black finish for some reason. It was a lot of work prepping this thing to do the clear finish.


Do you have a pic of yours?

[gtrguy]

Oh wait, I do have the foam! I did not look close at it when I dug it out for a pic. I don't remember if they are original or not.

[mica]

I believe Alembic uses a 'grain filler' or leveler on top of the actual wood before adding other coats of whatever gets sprayed.

No grain fillers here - just the polyester finish.

[edwardofhuncote]

Lemesee... some lacquer thinner and steel wool, a little judicious reshaping and sculpting, maybe some new wires... shoot.  It'd be good as new. And probably a half pound lighter. 


Wow, that's the craziest case we've seen in a while. 

[gearhed289]

If it were a 4 string, I'd be tempted. Nothing a little black paint can't fix! 

[jwright9]

If it were a 4 string, I'd be tempted. Nothing a little black paint can't fix! 

Spray paint, right? 

[jazzyvee]

Im not a fan of faked road worn instruments but I do like the look of this one a lot. I think it would be a good restoration project keeping the look it currently has in the body and neck. 

[edwin]

I want this bass.

[sonicus]

Go for it Edwin , I will refrain from bidding during the very last breath
of the auction and  before the end at the last moment as a Crow diving for a falling " French Fry "
****Take this Bass to be yours to love and redesign and let it be reborn. **** ( it might be fun )

[hammer]

Ouch! Anyone who thought they might get this at a bargain is going to be disappointed. $1,188 and still over a day to go. Sort of hoping it goes up at least another $12 so I can make the claim that it sold for the same price as my latest fretless Series I which, while a bit road worn, works and sounds beautiful.  I'm amazed at all the Alembics I see on ebay long after they have been initially listed (sometimes years) still being offered at outrageous prices.

[FC Bass]

:-)

Imho anything under $1500 is a bargain, looks very salvageable.
I would cheat a bit around the cosmetic flaws and go fully Rolling Stones on it (Paint it black) Yummie! :-)