Are custom basses overpriced? (You tube video with alembic content)

[jazzyvee]

[lbpesq]

Interesting video.  I do take issue with his description of the Fernandes “Masterhand” as Fernandes’ custom handmade shop.  The Masterhand instruments were actually specific models, the MH-110 guitar and MHB-110 bass.  Very Alembic-like without being direct copies like the Fernandes FAB 170 and 180 basses. 

Bill, tgo

[cozmik_cowboy]

Well, I think that if he has actually seen a Series for I $650 like he says at 2:23, he needs to send me the link on that!

Peter

[Glynn]

Yes it is a very interesting video.  I do believe that you get what you pay for generally in life and "buy cheap, get cheap". My 1999 Orion 4 bought new at £1000 has proved to be superb and even after 21 years still plays and works beautifully.  As to whether or not people are prepared to pay the money depends on their personal budget. As we all know there are a lot more great basses available now for lower prices and competition is strong.  I tried a very good Polish bass recently just because it was in the shop and it was just around the £1100 mark.  Good but not an Alembic.  I think if you are in for the long haul with a bass you like, then it best to try and spring the extra cash.
Glynn

[gtrguy]

Well, there is always the law of Diminishing Returns. Being a car guy, I like car analogy stuff.

A new Toyota Camry TRD priced at $31,170 does 0 - 60 in 5.8 seconds
A new Ford Mustang GT priced at (base) $35,630 does 0 - 60 in 4.2 seconds
A new Ferrari F8 Tribute does it in 2.9 seconds. To get that extra 1.3 seconds of speed the car will cost you $276,550

For those that want and can afford the best there is always a price to be paid.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Well, there is always the law of Diminishing Returns. Being a car guy, I like car analogy stuff.

A new Toyota Camry TRD priced at $31,170 does 0 - 60 in 5.8 seconds
A new Ford Mustang GT priced at (base) $35,630 does 0 - 60 in 4.2 seconds
A new Ferrari F8 Tribute does it in 2.9 seconds. To get that extra 1.3 seconds of speed the car will cost you $276,550

For those that want and can afford the best there is always a price to be paid.

But I would argue that a bass that redefines bass tone is a higher return on your extra investment than a car that does things no non-race-driver has a place to use, and no sane person would want to use...............

Peter (who is not saying he'd say "no"if you wanted to give him either a Series bass or a Ferrari - but would prefer a classic British roadster to the latter)

[gtrguy]

Well I certainly agree with you about the classic British roadster! I am not making any judgement about owning the best in my remark. Thank Gawd an Alembic series one is way less maintenance and more dependable than a Ferrari!

[adriaan]

The car analogy is a bit off - you pay for a vehicle that practically guarantees performance to whoever sits at the wheel. With a musical instrument, you need to bring the performance all by yourself.

[cozmik_cowboy]

....an Alembic series one is way less maintenance and more dependable than a Ferrari!

Or a British roaster!

Peter (who, yes, has owned one; 1977 Triumph Spitfire.  Loved it - when it ran!

[cozmik_cowboy]

The car analogy is a bit off - you pay for a vehicle that practically guarantees performance to whoever sits at the wheel. With a musical instrument, you need to bring the performance all by yourself.

Yeah - I hate when that happens.....

Peter

[peoplechipper]

I have one of the Fernandes series one copies; sadly the electronics had been robbed from it long before I got it so I can't compare it there with my Distillate, but it clearly sounds different acoustically. Not bad or anything, just different, but the Distillate clearly better...I usually don't even plug guitars or basses that I'm thinking of buying in, I just listen to the wood; you can always fix electronics and switch stuff out but you can't fix bad wood. I should also note that the Fernandes is well made, but is no Alembic; for one thing the poly finish is quite a bit thicker.

[mario_farufyno]

I have one of the Fernandes series one copies; sadly the electronics had been robbed from it long before I got it so I can't compare it there with my Distillate, but it clearly sounds different acoustically. Not bad or anything, just different, but the Distillate clearly better...I usually don't even plug guitars or basses that I'm thinking of buying in, I just listen to the wood; you can always fix electronics and switch stuff out but you can't fix bad wood. ...

That was the first thing that amazed me when found my Rogue, the way it sounds unpluged is already amazing.

[lbpesq]

I usually don't even plug guitars or basses that I'm thinking of buying in, I just listen to the wood; you can always fix electronics and switch stuff out but you can't fix bad wood. I should also note that the Fernandes is well made, but is no Alembic; for one thing the poly finish is quite a bit thicker.

I couldn’t agree more.   I ALWAYS play a guitar unplugged first if I am considering a purchase.   My Fernandes Masterhand guitars have what appears to be a very thin satin poly finish, almost like an oil finish.

Bill, tgo

[gearhed289]

The car analogy is a bit off - you pay for a vehicle that practically guarantees performance to whoever sits at the wheel.

Not really. A lot of people have died at the wheel of a car that was beyond their driving skill. But I get what you're saying. At some point, you're just "racing wallets".

[cozmik_cowboy]

Add another voice to the "play it unplugged first" chorus.

Peter