Series I short scale on Reverb

[Songdog]

https://reverb.com/item/71717303-1978-alembic-series-1-short-scale-bass

Looks pretty nice in the pictures - but what's with that relocated strap pin? Anyone have any thoughts on whether this is a reasonable asking price?

I think I'm glad it's a little too far away for me to just pop in the store and check it out. This one checks all the boxes for what I think would be my ideal Alembic bass... it would be too tempting if I liked it as much as I think I would.

[edwardofhuncote]

Nice looking bass. #78-1117 was on here not too long ago, and the wood looked very close to this one. Not too many of these that don't have a relocated strap button... sometimes more than one. I wouldn't let that be the deal-breaker. But...

Get confirmation on the scale length... 31.75" would be unusual. I'm guessing that's either a mis-measured medium-scale, or a typo for 30.75". Either way, if you're going to run a listing for a bass like that, and ask premium prices... you know, don't be casual about details.



I don't know what's 'reasonable' anymore. I know that price is too high for my game.

[adriaan]

Not terribly accurate on the details - I doubt the neck would be maple and wenge, or the top as maple. Appears to be in pretty nice condition anyway.

[gearhed289]

Wow, what a beauty, and nice price too. To me, this is the quintessential "Alembic look".

[Songdog]

Nice looking bass. #78-1117 was on here not too long ago, and the wood looked very close to this one.

Not terribly accurate on the details - I doubt the neck would be maple and wenge, or the top as maple. Appears to be in pretty nice condition anyway.

Maybe the top is myrtle, not maple? (Autocorrect fail?)

I don't know what's 'reasonable' anymore. I know that price is too high for my game.

Wow, what a beauty, and nice price too. To me, this is the quintessential "Alembic look".

I'm trying to calibrate my sense of "reasonable" prices for a similar instrument. I'm starting to get the impression this one isn't too far out of line. But, sadly, well beyond my bass-buying budget right now.

And yes, this fits my idea of classic Alembic, both the way it looks and Series I electronics. I'll be keeping an eye on this listing, if it sits around long enough that they might consider a slightly more affordable offer and I "find some change behind the couch cushions" I might have to make a trip to Portland after all. 

[Songdog]

Hmm, it's still there after two months.... Portland is a little too far away to drop in on a whim, but not unreasonably far for an all-day trip.

Somebody please point out all the very reasonable reasons why I should not be thinking about this. 

[StephenR]

Reverb is going to charge the seller a fee. They are going to get about $7,940 if it sells on Reverb. Bass looks really nice and worth checking out, any time you can buy face-to-face that is a huge plus, no surprises. The store's website shows a $7,999.price. Since it has been sitting unsold for 2 months and there are Alembics available at similar price points you may be able to talk him down to $7,500 or at least have a little wiggle room. Showing up and telling them you drove a distance to check out the bass will help identify you as a serious buyer. If it is the bass you have been looking for and really want I hope you can make it happen!

[Songdog]

The shop was kind enough to take some pictures of the electronics and send them to me. From my memory of other pictures I've seen of late '70s Series electronics, this looks right... anyone with more Alembic knowledge care to comment?

And they confirmed 15-3/8" from nut to 12th fret - so it really is a short scale.

When I inquired about the price, I didn't exactly get "seller wants to move this, make an offer" vibes - but they did indicate that there was, in their words, some "wiggle room." So I'm looking at when I can get away next week to go see it in person if it doesn't sell by then.

[Songdog]

Ya snooze, ya lose! I just got word from the shop that it sold yesterday before I could get to Portland to check it out.

Anyone here taking it home?

[gtrguy]

The control cavity wood looked somewhat hacked up on the one side, but the silver paint over it looks original. I have dealt with the sellers before and they are nice and usually get high end stuff they sell for top price.