Custom fretless on Reverb

[fivestringdan]

https://reverb.com/item/50685206-alembic-fretless-4-string-bass-pre-owned-w-bag

[BeenDown139]

ooooo, that's the bomb 😍

[edwardofhuncote]

The 'SN' letter code is odd... I don't remember that one... maybe had something to do with the Series prep humcanceller?


Whoever is selling this one has a couple interesting Alembics, one of which belonged to former Alembic employee, and regular on the Club here, Val. I'm absolutely certain it's his long-scale converted export Distillate, with flatsawn Zebrawood top.

[fivestringdan]

The 'SN' letter code is odd... I don't remember that one... maybe had something to do with the Series prep humcanceller?

I was wondering the same thing.

[StephenR]

Something about look of the wood on this bass is particularly appealing to me. I am a five-string guy and terrible fretless player so not tempted. Bass is about a half hour away from me in San Rafael. Not sure it will move quickly at this price but eventually someone will be really happy...

[keith_h]

"SN" for shop night maybe?

[rv_bass]

SN for “So Nice” ?

[edwardofhuncote]

Series Nearly. 

[mica]

Yeah, Shop Night. We eventually started issuing serial numbers and logos for official Shop Night instruments, since they generated so much confusion over the years.

[pauldo]

So Nice seems appropriate!  The logo inlay and even the pattern on the maple neck are popping. 

[dlt]

I'm new to this universe as I just bought a Brown Bass a few months ago. I've been enjoying reading through the many posts on lots of interesting topics. I especially appreciate the sections on setup and tone. Those are very helpful.

I also noticed this listing on Reverb, and am wondering about the asking price. It seems kind of high relative to other listings I've looked at. But I do enjoy playing fretless. What do you more experienced folks think a bass like this should sell for as a fair price?

Thank you for your thoughts!

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome David.

Well, that's literally the $10,000 question now.

I can only tell you, that's more money than I paid for my Custom fretless 5-string bought new in 2017, and while this one has some tweaks and switches my bass doesn't, it isn't that much more bass. I could almost justify the asking price if this were a Series instrument, but it isn't. Beyond that, it's apparently a Shopnight build, obviously by a very skilled Alembic employee. It has a logo and a serial number, which grants it a bit of legitimacy beyond just being a well-crafted bass. I think the asking price is about double-plus-something what I'd expect to pay for this bass. My guess is they would accept a lesser offer. I seriously contemplated a guitar they are selling a while back, and thought better of making the offer.

Again, Welcome. Now, how about posting some pictures of that Brown Bass in the Showcase?   

[hammer]

To give you a feel for the pricing…I purchased a Series I shop night bass about two years ago from a club member. It’s was in perfect condition and is an absolutely gorgeous instrument. Price…$3600. Now that was two years ago and prices have gone up somewhat but that one was a series bass.