Covid-19 situation and Alembics for sale, is there a connection?

[jazzyvee]

I'm sure like me, you have noticed a high number of alembics up for sale this year and I do wonder if it is a sad state of the times that these owners are having to sell prized and high value items to raise funds to make ends meet. 
I also notice that the asking prices of many of these basses appear to be significantly higher than I would have expected but I can understand the optimism.  Whilst I hope they manage to sell and raise enough to keep heads above water, I can't imagine it's a pleasant choice. :-(

[hammer]

I have noticed that too and totally agree with your take on things. I'm actually glad I'm not in the market for another Alembic at the moment because purchasing an instrument someone else needs as opposed to wants to sell takes away a lot of the joy of acquiring it. I've loved making a purchase when the seller has indicated they are putting a piece up for sale to finance a new Alembic. I do hope some of those that are up for sale sell but with the prices of a lot of them and the market itself being depressed due to COVID related issues I'm not optimistic.

[gearhed289]

I've definitely noticed the higher prices. When Covid first hit, I figured we'd be seeing some bargains, but that doesn't seem to be the case. With unemployment being what it is, and with the entertainment industry especially impacted, I'm kind of amazed to see people still buying and selling basses for thousands of dollars. I guess that's a good thing?

[lbpesq]

Lots of “selling”.  Not sure how much buying is really happening.

Bill, tgo

[StephenR]

It is always about the selling price and how quickly it moves, not the original asking price.

[BeenDown139]

It is always about the selling price and how quickly it moves, not the original asking price.

[written after i just did the morning perusal of all of the overpriced used instruments that have been languishing on reverb and ebay for the last year or so...]

it might be the most fantastical instrument in the whole wide world, but in the end, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[stepping down from soap box and getting back to work now]

[jazzyvee]

I hope never to be in a position where I need or have to sell any of mine. When I stop gigging I will more than likely downsize my instruments to one four string, one 5 string and a guitar. That's the only time I will be concerned about the price and at that point I will be just looking for market value whether or not that represents a profit.

[bigredbass]

I was in that position, and though I do miss them from time to time, the breathing room they offered me financially was a huge, huge relief in a very stressful moment.  Plus, I essentially broke even, played them for free, and for a time-clock-puncher like me, owning two Alembics was a chance to own the best not often possible for guys like me.

But essentially, they were stuff, Very Very Good Stuff at that, and you know . . . . you can always buy more stuff.   I've been extremely fortunate on this roller coaster ride of 2020, so I have no complaints, and hope the same for all of you.

[goran]

Yea I'm just about to sell my 5 string Alembic, because I just can't keep it, since I'm professional musician (I only play for living for past 20 years), this situation is getting serious on my budget. I mean I'll keep one Alembic, but really don't want to be attached to bass so much as my life depends on it... if you get me...