(x) 98U11278 serial number / history request / Appraisal

[MIKE]

Hi, My name is Mike and I am looking for information on my late brothers Alembic. He was a Professional musician and This Bass was his Baby. Alembic Serial number: 98U11278USA. Any information is greatly appreciated. This Bass is in excellent condition.

[jwright9]

Beautiful bass there. It is a 1998 Europa model.

[hammer]

Mike

Sorry about your brother.

That’s a very nice Europa in what I think is spalted maple. That’s not a common wood and it a little more unique in that it’s a five string. There are some similar Europas on Reverb right now listed for over $5,000. But they are just that..listed and for those prices will be around for a long while. Given it’s a 5 and in good condition (does it have LEDs?) I’d say that it’s probably worth somewhere between $3000-3500. Though if someone falls in love with it they might agree to pay more

PS I’m not in the market and had a maple 6 string Europa up for $3000 in the last year and had no takers. If you are thinking about selling, now would not be the best time to do it.  I’d suggest hanging on to it until we get out of Covid territory so you can get a fair price.

[MIKE]

Thank you for the info. This is about what we thought. Not sure about the LED's. I think i will buy this bass and gift it to a good friend so that I know that it will be played. Thanks again.

[StephenR]

Cool...nice gesture, always a good ending when an Alembic goes to someone who is actually going to play and appreciate it.

[hammer]

Hey Mike


That’s a really nice gesture. With gift giving like that I imagine you have a lot of people who want to be your friend.


I do think it’s great that it’s going to get played. While visually appealing, Alembic basses are meant to be given a good workout at least several times a week.

[mica]

Hi Mike,

Sorry about the loss of your brother. He must have loved music very much.


Here's the details from the instrument file:

model name: Europa
model number: ULB5
top: Spalted Maple
accent: Maple and Purpleheart pinstripes
body: Mahogany
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
scale: long 34"
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
side markers: bronze
pickups: Alembic MXY56
controls: "Europa" volume, pan, filter, Q-switch, bass cut/flat/boost, treble cut/flat/boost, mono output (side-mounted)
backplates: brass
finish: Clear gloss
originally made for: Guitar Center, Atlanta
birthday: January 15, 1998

The original owner registered in Georgia.