Author Topic: Series II Price Check (Read 604 times)

tsarter · « **on:** April 06, 2004, 09:18:30 PM »

Is anyone able to give me an idea of the typical(if there is such a thing) going rate for a used Series II in excellent condition. Is 3K in the ball park?

angelboy · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2004, 01:58:18 AM »

I think you have to be a little more specific.

What's the materials used?
Which body shape is it?
How old is it?

I'm sure the more experience Alembicians can ask you a few more delving questions.

Can you post any pics of it? (Yes!............got there first!)

Paul TAO

keavin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2004, 05:51:04 AM »

ive seen them at various prices, like angleboy said, it depends on the materials (woods etc... leds or the actual age & body shape, & the condition)some people beat their basses up, but (I) think a series II would start around the 3K & up range.

tsarter · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2004, 07:24:08 AM »

> > > >

No pics to post yet, but will later. This one is an '86 w/ quilted maple front and back on mahogany core. All chrome harware, Elan body and peg head shape. Star and moon inlay on neck. All other specs are standard. I'm thinking it a pretty good price (3K) and a chance for me to check one out.

> > >

tsarter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2004, 06:06:29 PM »

Every time I try to upload pictures the site times out. So, here's a link to some photos:

http://www.shplack.com/tsarter/Series2

I'd really appreciate any input that can be offered. I'm looking at spending $3000 plus tax on this. If I buy it I need to feel fairly confident that I can re-sell if for about that much if it is not a fit. Thanks fo your help!

- tim

dela217 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2004, 06:48:54 PM »

Not my cup of tea, but really nice. I love the series II electronics. Very versatile when you finally figure them out. As far as 3K goes, seems fair, it seems that what series II's are going for. It is just that this body style may be harder to sell. You have to love Alembic and be a Fender fan too.

hollis · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2004, 07:01:51 PM »

Tim,
You're in Santa Rosa, right? I suggest that you pay the folks at Alembic a visit..... I can't think of a better place to get Alembic advice...

BTW, the bass is very nice indeed, but what I've come to understand is the instrument is only worth what you're willing to pay for it. That being the case, the resale value is only worth what someone who is in the market and has the dollars is willing to spend.... What I'm saying is; The value is very subjective.... I don't plan on selling my Alembic, and if I am fortunate enough to aquire another along the way... they will go to family members after I'm outa here.

Give Alembic a call.....Hell, if I lived in Santa Rosa, I'd be camped out in the Alembic Parking lot.......... Lucky for all involved I'm in Washington State!! LOL

valvil · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2004, 07:45:33 PM »

A minor correction, that body style is a Vector, not an Elan.

Valentino

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2004, 09:22:23 PM »

The body on the S2 Vector is widened out (to make room for the Series electronics and controls, no doubt). The standard Vector body is slimmer. Pictures of a Vector-style Spoiler (That was my first Alembic.) are at http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/5426.html?1059921530 .

There was another S2 in a Vector body on Ebay about 6 months ago. If I recall, the top was quilted like the one we're talking about here. When I tried to link back to the Ebay ad, the ad had expired. So - can't tell if it's the same one. I don't recall what was being asked for it or whether or not it sold.

Bill

tsarter · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2004, 09:24:39 PM »

Thanks to you all. Good points. Having worked a lot with my Superfilter I think I'd like the Series II electronics. At this point my favorite package is the Signature or Anniversary electronics, but I'd really like to check out a Series II as well.

Hollis, I'm quite close to Alembic and have been there on a number of occasions. Great fun to visit and I've always found the gang there most helpful, but it is really not the place to get a sense of used prices, if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the correction Valentino - I had not heard of that body style before.

- tim

knight · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2004, 06:53:38 AM »

Bill is right, the same bass was on Ebay a few months ago, and sold for slightly under $3000 (something like 2700??). I recognize it from a chip on the top of the peghead (you can see it in the pics you posted). As far as I remember, it's a 32 scale.

Given all this, I'd say it's worth the asking price. I believe the electronics from '86 don't need to be upgraded (please correct me if I'm wrong), which is a plus. If I had the cash I might be tempted.

knight

bassman10096 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2004, 07:43:04 AM »

With the body widened, it has a look vaguely akin to a Rickenbacker. At least I see it in the shape of the butt and the crook of the top horn...

If you like the 32 scale (I happen to love the ease of fingering) and the body shape (which is unusual, thus maybe not everyone else's cup of tea), I'd go with Knight on this. S2 electronics (assuming all works OK) will not disappoint.

Bill

bbe1020 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2004, 09:25:37 AM »

Nice bass, I really like this one. The asking price is certainly fair in my opinion. Series II electronics too? Don't think that you're the ONLY person eyeballing it...hmmm, April 15th, electronic refund=sold.(Someones going to be very, very happy) If I could, I would!

tsarter · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2004, 10:22:34 AM »

I certainly don't presuppose I'm the only one looking at this bass. I'm basically waiting to hear from the seller if it includes the power supply and cable. They are notoriously bad in the customer sevice area...

dela217 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2004, 10:50:09 AM »

I would be worried about the power supply too. I did not see a battery cover plate on that bass. Maybe it does not have batteries?

I don't keep batteries in any of my basses. So, I don't think it is a problem as long as you have a power supply.