Author Topic: Used Elan (Read 269 times)

ranran · « **on:** May 04, 2003, 02:05:58 PM »

Hey all. New member here. I've been droolin over alembics since I started playing bass 10 years ago, specifically the Europa and Elan models. And now I found a used Elan 5 that is actually affordable for me, $1200. It needs some adjustments and such, but it still plays beautifully. My question is to any Elan owners out there, how do you like it? Should I jump on this? How much do/did they cost new?

edit: serial number is 89H56XX don't remember the end.

Thanks, and I look forward to being a part of future discussions.

(Message edited by ranran on May 04, 2003)

jure_the_second · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2003, 02:40:18 AM »

The price is good, but what adjustments are needed?

I'd say if it feels good, you're on a good path. I was never worried about the sound with Alembics.

dean_m · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2003, 06:21:24 AM »

Hey Ranran,

I've been playing my Elan 5 now for 12 years. It has been my main bass since I bought it. And yes $1200 is a very fair price for it, providing it doesn't have any major structural problems. If it's the same bass that I think it is, I would have jumped on it but the taxman got me first.
The electronics are very straight ahead and if you decide you need the Europa electronics, I don't think it's a big deal to upgrade. I'm considering doing it to my Elan.
Here's a link to my Elan if you want to compare. Mine is a maple body with a bubinga top.
http://www.monotunesmusic.com/Elanpage.html
Best of luck with your purchase!!!!

Dino

ranran · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2003, 09:29:15 AM »

Thanks for the feedback. The only problems with the bass as I can see is a fair amount of fret buzz, especially on the B string from about the 3rd fret to the 8th. The bridge is a little cockeyed, so that isn't helping. Everything works, sounds good plugged in, no major cosmetic defects... There's a good chance that when I get a break from work around 1pm pacific, that she will be mine. I'll be back.

dean_m · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2003, 09:48:20 AM »

Hey Randy,

That doesn't sound like it's much of a problem to correct. The fret buzz could be a number of different issues that can be easily corrected.

Good Luck
D

ranran · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2003, 03:30:16 PM »

She's mine and she's beautiful. Thanx everybody, for the input.

dean_m · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2003, 05:01:34 PM »

Okay!!!!!!

Now you have to post some pix!!!!!!

Congrats!!

palembic · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2003, 12:26:13 AM »

And one more bass-player sold for the rest of his life!
Congrats, welcome to the world of eternal tone envy.
As my dear Brother Paul-the-fake-one (the artist formerly known as Dino) says:
PICTURES-PICTURES-PICTURES.
We Alembicians are not curious but (alas) we like to know everything!
Happy to have you with us!

Paul the bad one

PS: hey Dino ...did you see? I became a Senior recently.
Jeeeeez I'm OLD!
Lets skip Palembic and go for Methusalembic
LOL!

dean_m · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2003, 07:29:34 AM »

Hey Paul,

I did notice that!!! Congratulations!!!!
Does this mean you are entitled to a senior citizen's discount on your next Alembic purchase.

Dino (bptfo)

palembic · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2003, 07:57:07 AM »

No Dino,
but my 32th notes will going better now due to my parkinson-desease
LOL

Paul the really bad one

ranran · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2003, 01:49:11 PM »

Well well, quite a supportive little group we have here. As soon as I get a hold of a digital camera, I'll post pics of it. I'd scan in regular pics, but my camera has a new role of film, so it'll be a while before that gets developed.

-Randy

jure_the_second · « **Reply #11 on:** May 10, 2003, 03:07:39 AM »

Ok, Randy. You have the bass for a few days now. Please, do share your feelings about it with us. Are you satisfied in any way?