Series II, Update 1980 vs Buy New

[j_gary]

Hello, Gary here. A question if I may.
 
I have sent my 1980 Zebrawood Series I bass to Alembic to have the electronics update and a few other electronic repairs which the end result will make her a Series II.  The old girl is in great shape, plays, feels and sounds wonderful.
 
While she is there, I've been thinking, which usually leads to no good. I've talked to Val about getting a complete overhaul including laser LED's, amber lighted fret markers, and the required refinish the neck work would trigger due to new frets and fingerboard. The entire job, including the Series II electronics upgrade, would cost in the neighborhood of $6500.
 
Using common sense and logic, Val has suggested I explore a new purchase prior to investing that kind of money in a 1980.
 
Pricing out a new Series II with all the goodies I'd like, comes to about $22,000. A little less if I bought two I think. The price is before any discounts or special considerations.
 
I would be interested in the memberships thoughts about whether they would rebuild a perfectly good old Series I into a nice Series II, or use the money to put it toward a new Series II custom built.
 
Thank you for your time.
 
(Oh boy, Val is probably gonna kill me)

[rami]

$6500 in itself is quite a significant amount to spend on an instrument.  If I were you, I'd wait until the 1980 overhaul is returned and see how I feel about it.  You'll certainly be impressed.  
 
If a no expense-spared work of art born of your wildest dreams and imagination is within your means, and you have no one to apologize or explain to, then I say go for it.  Life is too short and fortune is too fleeting.
 
Good luck,
 
Rami

[bob]

It sounds like you really love the old girl. To me, the key questions would be, do you want another bass, would you end up playing the new one so much that the old would sit neglected in the corner (after still spending a few grand for electronics, if not the LEDs), things like that.
 
If cost is no object, and perhaps you're not just being sarcastic about getting a discount on two, and you like having a number of different basses, and just maybe you're far enough in your thinking to have a really special custom spec'ed out... sure, go for it.
 
But if you have a real attachment to the old one, I don't think it would be a waste to upgrade it - perhaps just the opposite.
-Bob

[lbpesq]

I wouldn't be surprised if you could clean up the old one without adding the LEDS, and then find a more recent used Series bass with all the bells and whistles, and still bring it all in for significantly less than the cost of new.
 
Bill, tgo

[j_gary]

Thank you for some quick & thoughtful responses.  
 
Some ideas that make one go hmmmmmmm............
 
Let me roll around on the floor for a moment.

[lbpesq]

J Gary:
 
Have you seen this one?
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/35145.html?1168374676
 
Bill, tgo

[j_gary]

Rami, I hear you loud and clear about our delicate existence here. I hope one day to save enough to do a custom order, but that is at least three years away. Massaging the old girl would be a great way to semi build one now, but that money would come in handy with a new build.
 
Bob, you and Rami bring up an excellent point as I really liked the old girl as she was. I was leery of having anything done to her as it may change what she is. Several noise and switchgear issues forced my hand.
 
Bill, thanks for the heads up. She looks dangerously sweet!

[germansal]

No way man!!!!! Do not touch that amazing tone from the \80
You shuold know that vintage sound is some kind of gift that you owned

[keavin]

I would buy another one if i were you,,,,you would want to keep your bass as origonal as possible. my bass (#12)is a seriesI with seriesII electronics the only thing it doesn't have is a pick-up selector which i've thought about adding over the yrs but keeping it as is ive gotten used to.

[j_gary]

G man, I am thinking more and more that the old girl should be left as she was built. To get the electrical issues repaired and bring her home.  I only used her at a couple rehearsals and to this day the guys are wishing for her return. I own a bunch of basses, including other Alembics, and this one they actually noticed the sound. I felt it!  

 

 

 

 

  (Message edited by j gary on January 15, 2007)

[eflat]

Thanks for the pics, she sure is a beauty!

[bsee]

Got to say that I wouldn't make the slightest modification at all to an instrument that has the mojo.  I think you've come to the right answer.

[malthumb]

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably do the electronics upgrade and maybe a re-fret if it needed it, then bring it home.
 
I'd also start combing the 'net for nice used Series II and start shopping dealers for pricing on a new custom.  If $22,000 didn't scare you off, then you should be finalizing what you want in your dream bass and go for it.  My math tells me that $22,000 retail will land you around $14,500 - 15,500 with most dealers and you'll get EXACTLY what you want.
 
Peace,
 
James

[j_gary]

Thank you all for the helpful input. Sometimes the old trees are blocking the forest thing happens to me, and your thoughts are a great comfort in finding the right frame of mind.
 
To his credit, Val stood on his head trying to gently suggest I consider making this old girl her best as she is. Then, as James mentioned, order a Series II built just as I want.
 
Great advice from all thank you.

[Bradley Young]

James,
 
Alembic dealers aren't allowed to put that much of a discount on instruments anymore--  there's a max discount.
 
Bradley