Author Topic: Alembic Elan (?) left-handed six-string -- how do I estimate its value? (Read 252 times)

coppertop · « **on:** July 13, 2004, 10:14:26 AM »

Hi folks -- I'm sorry to post something like this when I know that there are a lot of other uses for this board (I'm ultimately looking to sell this guitar), but I actually need to pay for some hospital bills and any help I could get from people in the know would be great:

About 12 years ago or so, I bought a used, left-handed, six-stringed Alembic as gift for my brother, who later told me that although he is left-handed, he learned to play bass right-handed and unfortunately couldn't do much with my gift.... anyway, I have this bass in my possession; it is beautiful and in near-pristine condition, and I have no idea how to sell it (as you can obviously see, I don't know much about basses in general).

Someone told me that it is an Elan model but I know nothing more, except for the serial number (90 H 5961 USA) -- Is there a way that I can get more information on its construction/features and an estimated value based on this serial number?

And are there any suggestions about how to go about selling it, whether on eBay or by alternative means? As I said, I need to pay for hospital bills, so ANY help whatsoever is greatly appreciated.

Thanks -- Jack

coppertop · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2004, 04:27:10 PM »

Pics of the bass:

smokin_dave · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2004, 09:39:22 PM »

That is one sweet lefty 6.Me thinks that has chrome or nickle plate hardware and I like that.Good luck with the sale and I think it will go real quick like.

bigredbass · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2004, 01:31:16 PM »

I'd suggest discussing it with Bass Central, Bass Northwest, and the Swami at the Bass Palace, as far as a realistic price in today's market. These guys do consignments as well, probably not a bad idea for as specialized a piece as a left-handed 6-string.

Maybe some of the other members can fill this in, but there is a left-handed ONLY guitar store in Houston, if memory serves correctly.

ALEMBIC can indeed give you a birth certificate report on the bass's 'born-on-date', it's original dealer home, price, etc. Go back to the tabs for contacting the moderator of this site, and they will get to it when they can.

Of course you could EBay it, if you have the patience.

Best of Luck and Best Wishes,

J o e y

the_mule · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2004, 05:55:02 AM »

That's a beautiful bass, if it were a 'righty' I'd be seriously interested. Good luck with the sale, shouldn't be to hard to find a southpaw who'll love owning her...

Wilfred

pookeymp · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2004, 07:35:01 AM »

Ditto...she is a beauty.

Good Luck...wish I was a lefty

Mikey/

coppertop · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2004, 05:19:32 PM »

Some people have contacted me privately and asked for pics of the back, as well, so I thought I'd post them here. It looks like there is significant interest in this instrument and I'd like to thank those of you who offered your advice to me -- Jack

coppertop · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2004, 01:57:45 AM »

Well, this beauty has been sold to a member of this discussion community - thanks to everyone for their interest and good luck to all.

Jack