[SOLD] 1979 Series 1 short scale in 9+/10 condition; in UK

[Clarky]

Hi all, with regret I am selling my Series 1 shortie. A combination of financial pressures plus the fact I haven't quite bonded with the bass as much as I had hoped (hence my forum posts on string swapping etc, as I tried to find ways I would enjoy playing it more). Its in amazing condition for a 1979 bass and has the most minor signs of use which require close examination to even spot. The DS-5 power supply has been converted to UK/European voltage which means - together with import duties etc - this is likely to be of greater interest to someone my side of the Atlantic. Comes with original hard case plus regular Series instrument lead and additional stereo-to-mono lead (for battery-powered use without power supply unit).

History from Mica:
top: Walnut
accent: none
body: Mahogany
back: Walnut
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 30.75" short
fingerboard: Ebony
peghead veneers: Walnut
inlays: Mother of pearl
pickups: SC1 and HX
controls: "Series I" volume x2, filter x2, Q-switch x2, pickup selector switch, 5-pin and 1/4" stereo outputs
originally made for: Private individual, San Francisco, CA
birthday: November 27, 1979


I bought it from Reverb in the summer and there are plenty of pics on the archived advert: https://reverb.com/uk/item/9702095-alembic-short-scale-bass-series-1-1979-burl-walnut

There are some of my pics on this forum post too: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=23994.msg240339#msg240339 Obviously I can send more if there is genuine interest.

I am looking for £4500 delivered within the UK (can be collected from London), or €5,000 delivered to mainland Europe. Its probably not going to interest US buyers due to import taxes from UK but for the record it would be $6,000 delivered to US.

I will be back with an Alembic at some point but I think it will be a 32" medium scale bass, most probably a Spoiler (as long as it weighs sub 9.5 pounds) or possibly Distillate. For now though, its adieu to this beauty

[allgood]

Since it was manufactured in the US, I would think there would not be any import taxes, of it comes back to the US.  That was the case in one I recently brought over from Japan.  But I am not an expert. 

[Clarky]

While logical, unfortunately I think the tax authorities care only about the transaction if its incoming to US (or vice versa to UK) and will slap import duty on it irrespective of original provenance. In UK we pay about 20% on the value of anything imported from US (including shipping costs). Assuming something similar applies in reverse, there would be c$1200 of taxes due by a US buyer of my bass, taking all-in price to about $7200.

[edwardofhuncote]

Sorry to hear that beauty didn't work out for you Mark. You shouldn't have much trouble moving it along in that fantastic condition, especially over there. Perhaps one of my ancestors in merry-old Huncote will adopt it! In my opinion, very hard to go wrong with a Distillate too... my walnut '81 is incredibly responsive, and the medium-scale is great too, once you get used to it.

Good luck with your sale and search.

[Clarky]

Thanks Edward. I have a 32" scale ACG (top quality custom UK bass builder) and I find that easier to navigate with my left hand than the S1. Thats why (having owned and enjoyed a Spoiler previously, bar the weight!) I think a medium scale Alembic is where I need to be ultimately (when funds permit!)

[hammer]

As Allgood indicates and my own purchase of two musical instruments made in the U.S. but purchased from sellers in different countries, no import duties are charged if one can establish that the instrument was manufactured in the U.S.  Yes, one does have to get the seller to fill out some paperwork, but it is well worth the time.

[allgood]

A replacement value letter from Mica might be enough.  Such letter will have the serial number and date of manufacture.  And it is on Alembic’s letterhead with Mica’s signature. 

[Clarky]

Thanks gents. I just did a bit of googling - after reading your replies - and found that reimported US goods are indeed custom-free as long as they have not been "improved" (ie more value added) abroad. The importing person has to fill in a pretty simple US customs declaration form 3311 to attest to the US origin and thus obtain clearance.

Link here: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/375/~/duty-on-u.s.-made-goods-returning-to-the-u.s.

So the good news is there would be no US customs fee/tax and the $6000 I mentioned would be the total price to a US buyer (although the PSU would need to be converted back to US voltage by a technician which presumably would be another $50+ on top).

[Clarky]

On hold, pending a viewing

[jazzyvee]

Looks like someone was saving their money for the after Christmas sales. :-)
Fingers crossed.

[Clarky]

Sold to a nice guy from the UK who has just joined the forum  :-)

[goran]

Congrats!

[allgood]

Congrats to buyer and seller!  Sure looked like a pretty one!

[jazzyvee]

Great news Clarky. I hope the new owner bonds with it.