Author Topic: Does this price seem about right? (Read 257 times)

echo008 · « **on:** October 08, 2014, 12:26:57 PM »

Hello, I appreciate your comments... I have some interest in this bass, was wondering the general opinion regarding price. Do you think almost $3500 seems fair?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-Alembic-Spoiler-5-String-Bass-32-inch-scale-/261603901944?ssPageName=ADME:X:COCE:US:3160

Thanks!
- T

pauldo · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2014, 12:46:29 PM »

Tom,
Keep in mind that 'fair' is where you go to see cows, pigs and horses and eat food on a stick.

There have been numerous conversations here about 'what is the right price?'

I think the price is not unreasonable and would expect there to be some wiggle room for dickering . . . However looking at the bass is one thing, playing it is another.

Good Luck

echo008 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2014, 01:04:50 PM »

Thank you, the description is interesting, judging from the pics, the bass looks better than the description as I cannot see the bubbling etc... and the guy provides a ton of hi quality photos.
To me this still seems a bit high, I did ask if the price was negotiable, he took $100 off the top plus shipping.
Ive been around Alembics for awhile I havent seen too many of these so I guess its not totally out there price wise.
Yes looking and playing... I would hate to wait over a week most likely to get it to find out its not what I expected. I hate dealing with ebay especially with BIG purchases. Im not buying at this point Im making a short list of basses Im considering.
thanks.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2014, 01:16:04 PM »

I have been watching that same Spoiler... more just to see if there was any movement on one priced in that range. It's a beauty for sure, and from what I can tell, it's all correct. Agree with pauldo - that price is not particularly unreasonable, but IMO it's on the higher side of the normal. Good Luck in your search.

FWIW - If it were $2500, I'd have already bought it. (and had the Mothership do a fretless conversion)

echo008 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2014, 01:22:49 PM »

I agree if it was $2500 the desire would be too great to resist. lol

keith_h · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2014, 02:08:00 PM »

It seems on the high side to me even with the Coco Bolo top. There is a maple topped Spoiler on e-bay for $1995 and a couple of Persuaders, one at a bid of 1333.33 and the other in the Vector body shape for $2195 buy it now. For the single filter models I would much prefer to have the pan over the selector switch to increase the sound pallet.

Keith

echo008 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2014, 02:17:25 PM »

I think that top is Bocate, I agree it is a bit high, even though it has the three PH laminates down the neck.
And I absolutely prefer pan over pickup selector as well. But PU selector switch is not a deal breaker for me.

hammer · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2014, 09:11:25 PM »

I would agree with the group here. I just sold an extremely nice Distillate for $2,100 and purchased a 6 string Europa in pretty much perfect condition for $3,000. Most 4 string Spoilers I have seen that have sold go for $1,300 to $2,000. A fifth string isn't worth that much more. People, however, will charge what the traffic will bear so if it's worth it to you and you're willing to pay that price, the price is reasonable and fair for you.

pace · « **Reply #8 on:** October 09, 2014, 05:38:53 AM »

I concur.
I posted my thoughts on this last night, but it didn't go thru~ verbatim what hammer said.... $3,500 is Series territory.

The specs on this bass are sweet though...

echo008 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 09, 2014, 05:43:23 AM »

I understand it's what the person is willing to pay. I wanted to get others opinions. I agree this is priced high I can't see spending almost 3500 on this. Personally I can see spending 2500-2800 shipped mostly because of the rarity of 5 string med scale alembics. They dont come up too often. Having said that it might be someone's holy grail and they might be willing to plunk down the dough.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2014, 07:22:18 AM »

Tom,
It's been sitting there for awhile, maybe make him an offer using the contact seller option. Granted this could backfire but it sounds like your not willing to purchase at his price.
Who knows? I've had mixed results mostly positive.
Good luck!
Peace,
Pete

echo008 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2014, 07:28:13 AM »

Hi Pete, I did inquire about the price, the seller just sent me an offer, that was $100 less, no message or anything, which is fine I guess, but personally I would want to get a feel of the guy before I buy anything high priced on ebay. I want ALOT of communication.
Anyway I was just testing the waters, if it worked out that would be fine but it doesn't look like theres too much room in that price.
At $3400 this is not for me.
- T

rustyg61 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2014, 07:45:42 PM »

It looks like the action is pretty high, so if you buy it plan on reading J o e y's thread on setup to adjust the truss rods & get the action lower.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16318.html?1107545766

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2014, 11:54:05 PM »

Looks like this beauty sold today... somebody got a nice one.