Alembic Stanley Clarke 2020 Natural $7,500 + $140 Shipping (Reverb)

[Songdog]

https://reverb.com/item/48261767-alembic-stanley-clarke-2020-natural

This one just popped up on Reverb today. In the pictures, it looks like the "mint" description is accurate.

I'm still learning what's what in the Alembic world - is this a reasonable price? Or another very optimistic seller?

[soflbass]

If you peruse Ebay or Reverb and filter sold basses, the prices vary depending on the condition, age and features. The sold prices vary from $5K to $9K. The listing you linked says that the bass was born in 2020 and cost $13K. So, it really depends on what you're willing to pay for the bass considering all of the information available. Happy hunting!

[Songdog]

Thanks. I probably need to do some research on Ebay. I'm already watching the Alembic club, Reverb and Talkbass classifieds.

The problem, of course, is that Alembic basses aren't that common, so getting a representative sample of prices is hard. That's why I'm looking for some sanity checks from the experts here.

My assessment is that it looks like a reasonable price, given that it is nearly brand new. The current price list says a Brown Bass is $16,500 - and I don't think that includes the continuous wood backplates.

I'm still hoping the local store where I have a substantial gift certificate will get an Alembic bass fitting the general description I'm looking for (32" or short scale 4 string, prefer Series, Anniversary or Signature electronics). But life is short, and so is my patience - so I need to have a sense of what's a good deal. If this particular bass sits there for a while at this price, I may be tempted to make an offer on it.

[soflbass]

Just my opinion, but I don't think it will last very long. That price seems very reasonable considering what you are getting in that package. Of course I have no affiliation with the seller.

[hammer]

I'd agree with the others that for a 2020 Brown bass with a nice walnut top and back as well as LEDs in apparently great condition the listed price isn't all that bad a deal. Given the prices attached to other alembics on Reverb it appears quite low.  As other have stated, however, the question is whether any of these other basses sell as those listed prices. On this one, someone is taking a hit on selling so quickly at this price. Which leads me to question why. One can hypothesize that it's either a situation of significant financial need or a Brown bass just isn't doing for the current owner what he/she wants it to do.

I'd consider the differences between brown's with their mahogany necks and most of what Alembic produces with maple as well as your own tastes and the music you play.  The majority of Alembics have always impressed me as having a "piano-like" sound quality unlike what one hears from other manufacturers. I've only played a Brown once, but was struck by its mellowness compared to the Alembic products I own and play on a regular basis. Personally, I like that sound (a bit more mellow) and tone down the mids and highs somewhat on my Alembics but others here prefer the "sparkle" and clarity one gets from a maple neck. Think about what you be using it for and if that more mellow sound is something that will be a good fit both for your preferences and the group. and remember although it may be difficult..."All/good things come to those who wait" (i.e. patience is a virtue)(Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie, date unknown; Also...Orson Wells for Paul Masson wine, 1978).

[jazzyvee]

if that bass was over here in the UK it would be considered cheap for an alembic and certainly for one that was made so recently.  Am I right in thinking the brown basses also have fatboy pickups?

[rv_bass]

..."All/good things come to those who wait" (i.e. patience is a virtue)(Lady Mary Montgomerie Currie, date unknown; Also...Orson Wells for Paul Masson wine, 1978).

And Robert Hunter…”All good things in all good time…run, run, run for the roses…” 

[Songdog]

"Reach for the rose and get caught by the briar." I tend to be a "lurk and pounce" shopper - occasionally I have mild regrets about something I miss out on, but that costs less than regretting an expensive purchase.

I appreciate the information and advice here. I hadn't realized the neck wood makes such a significant difference in the sound. I had expected the pickups and electronics would have the most effect. "More mellow" is probably suitable for the music I'm playing these days but I like to be able to get some sparkle and clarity too.

[keith_h]

Brian brings up a good point about the BB woods creating a more mellow tone. I would also add that that wood recipe is very even across the strings and up the neck with no string or note standing out more than another. I can get the high end zing that Alembics are known for with my BB by having the filters fully open and the Q-switches on. It is not as pronounced as my maple neck Series 1 but there is no mistaking that it is an Alembic bass. In fact I tend not to use the full Q-switch boost on my Series 1 very often and stick with the middle position which is not as pronounced and to me sits better in the mix. 

In general the tone of an Alembic instrument comes from the neck woods followed by the core and top woods. Whether the neck is neck-through or a set neck will also have an effect on the sound. The electronics do have an effect on the tone but not to the degree that the various woods do. Comparing my Series to the Anniversary electronics and taking the different woods into account I would say they are very close in how they sound. To me the Series electronics are more open in their sound and have a bit more clarity over the Anniversary electronics but not to the point I would not consider another Anniversary equipped bass in the future.   

My BB was my main bass for years up until I acquired my Series 1. I used it to play everything from southern rock and blues to alt rock and alt country. It gets played less now after the Series 1 but is still the bass I grab when I want to setup quickly such as when I am going to something like an open mic or to jam at a friend's house.

[mica]

Am I right in thinking the brown basses also have fatboy pickups?

Just in the bridge position.

[Songdog]

Just my opinion, but I don't think it will last very long. That price seems very reasonable considering what you are getting in that package.

Right you were, it sold already. I hope someone will be putting some proper play wear on it.

[Slam]

This one looks pretty interesting to me. Might be a good first alembic for me.

[hammer]

Songdog


I don't think you'll ever find an Alembic bass that lacks clarity and is unable to cut through the mix regardless of the specific bass (unless your playing a bass without a five pin providing power and the battery dies).


One thing I'd would strongly suggest is seeing if you can find some local shop or Alembicans close to you who will allow you to play their basses (under close supervision of course) for a few minutes so you can get a better feel for the type of neck you want. These are hand made, custom instruments so you can't assume that every Signature, Europa, or Series bass is going to have a neck that feels the same. When you find a neck you like, take some measurements and ask sellers to share that information with you before you put down any cash.

[StephenR]

Hey Slam... where are you located in Virginia? We have one member here in Southwest Virginia @edwardofhuncote that owns a number of Alembics. Agree with Brian that you should try to find a way to play a couple of Alembics before making an expensive purchase, they are all special but also all slightly different.

[Slam]

Hey Slam... where are you located in Virginia? We have one member here in Southwest Virginia @edwardofhuncote that owns a number of Alembics. Agree with Brian that you should try to find a way to play a couple of Alembics before making an expensive purchase, they are all special but also all slightly different.

I’m in Richmond. Would love to try one