Advice for a first time buyer

[kreinert]

This alembic club is clearly very supportive and informative, so I'll ask a loaded question.  I'm starting down the wormhole of searching for a 5 string (not ruling out a 6 string if the right situation presented itself) with a fairly conservative budget, somewhere in the $5-7K range.  I've seen what is listed on several websites including this forum, Reverb, Ebay, TalkBass, etc.  The more I see, the less I know.  It's starting to feel overwhelming.   

Any advice for a first time buyer with budget constraints?  Mostly curious about electronics/pickup options, as well as what to look for when looking inside the cover, types of wood to look for, potential red flags, and anything that I may not think of when searching. 

Also curious what other avenues there may be for finding the right bass. 

Thanks in advance! 

[StephenR]

Hi Kevin... welcome!

To be honest your best bet for finding a bass may be posting in the "Wanted" section here. I find the majority of the Reverb listings to be severely overpriced. If you do consider any instruments listed on Reverb definitely look at when it was listed, some sit for ages because of the price. There is quite a lot of information on the forum about the various electronics and instruments the "FAQ" and "Must Read" sections are a great place to start. Good luck with the search... once you find a bass the real fun starts.

[edwardofhuncote]

Stephen nailed it. Educate yourself as much as you can with those FAQ pages, then ask away here and we'll help fill in the blanks. Most all of us here love these things dearly, and are intimately familiar with what they are and are capable of. We're glad to help someone learn about them, but it sure helps if you narrow down.

[gtrguy]

I would say that if you buy one used for a good or great price, then you can usually sell it later on as you look for an even better bass.
Owning an Alembic is the best way to learn about them. Neck through or set neck (like an Epic) is a good upfront decision to initially make.
Weight and balance are considerations and an original case is also good to have. Also, I don't think there is a bad sounding Alembic made.

Frankly, we are in a bit of a recession and it is better or worse depending where you live. Reverb is often kinda steeply priced and EBay items that are a good deal go fast and there is also the possibility of a scam. Here though, knowledge of the value of an instrument is important. Guitar Center often has good deals and sales also with a great return policy and cheap shipping, but they are not experts on what they sell. Right now they have 4 Epics for sale that are just not getting sold.

Since Alembics are kinda rare, it is hard to play a bunch to see what you like best. I have owned several and have my own ideas on what I like and don't. For instance, the best bass made could be too heavy or the neck sticks out too far (think some BC Rich instruments) and that is a complete deal breaker. Also, what kind of bass you grew up with will imply what kind of Alembic you might prefer.

[jazzyvee]

I have a 5 string Europa 5 string that needs a new home. I bought it from a member of the forum some years back.
It's also on Reverb. I'm open to sensible offers.
https://reverb.com/uk/item/67502664-alembic-europa-1997-bocate-top-wood
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=27762.15

[Notachemist]

This alembic club is clearly very supportive and informative, so I'll ask a loaded question.  I'm starting down the wormhole of searching for a 5 string (not ruling out a 6 string if the right situation presented itself) with a fairly conservative budget, somewhere in the $5-7K range.  I've seen what is listed on several websites including this forum, Reverb, Ebay, TalkBass, etc.  The more I see, the less I know.  It's starting to feel overwhelming.   

Any advice for a first time buyer with budget constraints?  Mostly curious about electronics/pickup options, as well as what to look for when looking inside the cover, types of wood to look for, potential red flags, and anything that I may not think of when searching. 

Also curious what other avenues there may be for finding the right bass. 

Thanks in advance!

Hey Kreinert

Please don't feel bad for asking a "loaded question" - it's only rational that you would have a lot of questions, when considering the purchase of an instrument, as fine, as an Alembic. My advice for you, condensed as much as possible, would be to take a look at the things that matter to you the most, when considering the purchase of a new instrument - is it the ability to have many sounds "on tap", the type of wood used during production, the string spacing etc., etc., - there are no rights or wrongs to this answer, but I understand why you feel like "the more I see - the less I know." - there will probably be compromises, but my advice for you in this situation, would be to spend some time on this website, looking up the models that interest you and fit within your budget, find a reputable seller, and someone you trust, to aid you in making sure that the instrument is in a condition that is satisfactory to you - yes, it is easier said than done.........

In my experience, a 5th string does make matters more complicated, when looking at a used Alembic, but if you are located within the US, my experience is that it is quite a bit easier to find something that is within your budget, in contrast to the European market. I am not very knowledgeable about other markets, so in case that might be relevant to you, I hope someone else will be able to chime in and aid you. I will add, that patience is a virtue, when looking at a used Alembic, so that might be worth considering, if you are not in a rush.

I hope this somewhat made sense, and in some format was helpful, to you. Let us know, if further questions arise.

[pauldo]

Agree with all of the above.   

Only red flag that comes to mind is a seller who won’t allow you to take pictures of every detail and post (ask more questions) here.   There are good people here that have a communal mindset.

[dannobasso]

Any advice is purely suggestive but everyone here wishes you have a great experience. I have owned every model except the series 1.. I would say first think of what you’d like to do. Next what is your favorite tone that speaks to you. Next what appeals to you visually and finally what profile is the most comfortable playing wise.
After have virtually every scale they offer, my favorite is 32 medium. I love 6 strings but most of my basses are 5’s. Koa is on a bunch of my customs but the briteness of maple is always welcoming. It’s easier to tone down a bright bass than to try to add high end on your amp settings imho.
With your budget you can get a very nice bass. I’ve done a lot of transactions here on the club and almost every one was a smooth transaction. If you find something on reverb etc and it is strore associated, contact them directly to see if there is some movement. I’ve saved thousands sometimes and there is a savings on tax if you bypass reverb etc..

Everyone here is happy to help with any questions. If you see something you like but are unsure about, you can always run it by the club.. no matter what you choose, the Alembic experience is something you can only get with these fine instruments. I have other makes of quality builders, but the Alembic’s are in a category of their own.

Best of luck on your search and play it in good health and inspiration.