Why do used Fenders and Gibsons sell for more than used Alembics? I believe this can partly be understood when one realizes A LOT more people are familiar with Fender & Gibson. I suspect if you stood outside a Guitar Center and conducted a poll of the people coming out in which you asked them which new bass would they prefer for free: Fender Precision or Alembic Series II, the overwhelming majority would choose the Fender, simply because they never heard of Alembic. Obviously anyone in the know would pick the nearly $16,000 Series II over the $500 Precision, but most people aren't in the know.
Last year I discovered an instrument company called Daion. They were based in Waco, Texas, and the instruments were built in Japan. The company existed roughly from 1978 through 1982 or 83. Their problem was that they made their instruments too well - not enough profit. They made a guitar, the Power Mark XX (and it's bass brother) that is the finest mass production Alembic-style Hippie Sandwich I've ever seen. Absolutely kicks ass on the Ibanez Musician's and Fernandes' of this world. I brought one up to show Susan at Alembic and she said they would need to charge at least $3000 for just equivalent woodwork. Yet I have obtained two of these guitars at about $800 each. I paid $1300 for a new PRS CE24 (a helluva deal) and the PRS still can't hold a candle to the Daions. I guess my point is that fair market value in the used instrument market has less to do with quality of instrument, and far more to do with perception, status, and what other people think.
I go to the World Guitar Show twice a year when it comes around to Northern California. It seems like 90% of the instruments displayed are Fendsons or Gibers. EVERYBODY wants a Fengibderson. 90% of the vintage market focuses on a handful of brands and Alembic ain't one of them. There are many, many fine used guitars out there that bring little money because their manufacturer isn't in this clique. Of course this could change in the future. Old Alembics could easily become the new vintage flavor at some point. A couple of good stories in the right magazines and used Alembic prices could see a steep climb. One thing I do believe is that the price of used Alembics won't be going down any time soon.
Of course the reality of used Alembic prices might be disheartening when one is selling, but aren't they wonderful when one is buying?
Bill, tgo
