Got my baby - a bit deflated, please help...

[nipperooney]

Hi  My baby has arrived and she's gorgeous! However, she is brand new (and looks it - mint condition), but I received no documentation and the case has a hole in the side and looks used. I got it from the authorised dealer, so I was expecting everything to be perfect for the money I paid (?3000).  What paperwork should I have received? I got a plastic bag with a couple of allen keys, a small spanner and some strap locks. Should I have got anything else?  Also, I made them an offer lower than their asking price and they wouldn't accept it because it came with a "something" hard case (Can't remember exactly what they said, but I don't think it was "knackered!"). They insinuated that it was a good case so they couldn't drop the price to what I wanted to pay. Now it's arrived and it looks used. It's a 'G & G original vintage case company' case, BTW. What should I expect as far as a case is concerned? Do they come with a case as standard or should I be grateful that I got anything at all? SHould I have keys for the locks on the fasteners? Sorry if my questions sound dumb, but I've only ever bought cheap gear before, so I'm not sure what to expect.  I was expecting everything to be perfect and unfortunately, at the moment it isn't. :-(   I haven't contacted the shop yet, as I thought i'd get the lowdown from you guys first.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks Joolz New Alembic owner!!

 

 

 

  (Message edited by davehouck on September 02, 2007)

[bsee]

The case is an option in that it isn't part of the base cost of the instrument, but it would be rare for one to be sold without one.  The is the original factory case, just appears to have been dinged in travel.  It looks like a rip rather than a hole from the pics.  If so, you should be able to glue it down if they won't/can't replace it.
 
There is usually a sheet of paper in there with the serial number and a description of the construction and probably a warranty card.  The case key should be there as well, I think, though I have never seen anyone use it.  There are usually straplock pieces, too.
 
As far as the price goes, you'd have to look at the serial number to see how long ago it was ordered and compute the transportation and taxes associated with getting it delivered to Europe.

[valvil]

Hi Joolz,
 
you should have also received a warranty/wood card for the instrument. Alembic can send you a replacement if you give them the serial number. And yes, you should have had a key for the latches. I am sure Alembic can help you there too. If you contact Mary or Jason at Alembic they'll be happy to help.
 
The case is the standard G&G case that is offered with Alembic instruments. The  Alembic price list  shows instruments  priced without the cases but most customers and stores will order them with the case.  From the pictures it looks like the case had a tear as a result of poor handling,( I've seen that happen a few times on new cases when I was at Alembic)  but I can't tell if it's used.
 
Anyways, good luck and enjoy the bass.
 
Valentino

[mica]

Valentino's right, Joolz. Email me your mailing address (click on my user name to get my email) and include the serial number of your bass. I will send you the wood card, which describes what the bass is constructed from and has the warranty registration card, and also a care and adjustment manual.  
 
It sounds like you received the adjustment tools - keep track of them since they are english units and may be hard to replace locally. If you don't see the keys in a smaller bag in the accessories compartment, ask for them in your email.
 
The case looks new except for the tear in the tolex covering. I doubt the importer has any extra cases, so you two will need to work out what will make you happy with the case (reduced price perhaps?) You can repair the tear with some glue if you wind up keeping the case.
 
I'm glad the bass itself was in good shape and to your liking.

[nipperooney]

Thanks. I feel a bit easier about things now. The tear in the case is actually a hole, the wood underneath is splintered and you can put your little finger through it, but I can patch it up I'm sure.
 
I'll be in touch Mica. Thank you. And just to reiterate, the bass is better than I hoped, and I hoped it would be amazing!

[olieoliver]

Beautiful Bass Joolz. Looks like the case may have been damaged in transit. Did the box have a hole in it too? If so ,maybe the freight co. will replace the case.  
 
PS. Welcome to the club
 
Olie
(Hi Val)
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on August 30, 2007)

[keurosix]

Hi Joolz,
Welcome to the club and Alembic ownership!
She's a beautie!
I pasted a link to the Signature controls area which explains the electronics. You need to do a bit more experimenting than standard guitars to get the most out of these babies! Rest assured, you now own one of the finest guitars money can buy!
Enjoy!
Kris
 
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16368.html?1107720661

[jacko]

Hi Joolz. If you bought the instrument from Bass World you can consider yourself lucky you got anything extra. When I bought my epic (brand new) from them in 1996, they didn't supply a case, tools or the build/warranty card. Cost me an extra ?100 or so for a hiscox case.  
 
graeme

[terryc]

welcome to our exclusive club where the member ship is indeed expensive!!!
Lovely SC deluxe, pity about the case which can really p**s you off. Mind you after a couple of gigs it will become 'gig worn'. Mine has tears, dents and numerous stickers all over it now but that means it has done it's job, my MK is in great condition.
The good people at Alembic will sort you out, I bought mine second hand in New York and brought it back to the UK. I had no wrench or documents but a call to Alembic soon sorted that. That card is like your vehicle registration document proving you own such a wonderful instrument, I can hear 'School Days' being strummed on it now plus all the other solo parts.

[David Houck]

Beautiful bass, congrats!