Does this sound even remotely right to anyone?

[hifiguy]

For reasons to complex to go into here I found myself having to try to pawn my 1997 SC Sig Std.  I was asking for $1500.  The guy said the most he could give me would be $500 because they sell for no more than $1200 online.  
 
From what I have seen these basses sell for $2500-3500 all day on bass boards.  The instrument is in mint condition and I am the only owner.
 
I think I was being jobbed.  
 
Any thoughts, Alembicians?

[lbpesq]

My guess is that either the pawn shop guy doesn't know squat or he was trying to rip you off.
 
Bill, tgo

[briant]

Most likely both of the above.

[willgunn]

On the other hand, if all you're trying to do is get a short-term loan with every intention of retrieving your bass when possible, the less you borrow (particularly at the rather high interest rates typical with a pawn transaction), the less you'll need to pay to get it back....

[hydrargyrum]

I'd try another shop, but be prepared for similar treatment.  Pawn shops thrive on people who are in desperate situations.

[tubeperson]

Why not differ it on this forum?  You might not get your full asking price, but you may get much closer than $500.

[hifiguy]

My former boss at Stereophile magazine is an excellent bassist and had expressed an interest in my Alembic if I ever decided to sell it.  After the experience at the pawn shop I offered it to him for $2800 with an option to buy it back dollar-for-dollar if I am ever in a position to do so.  He is interested and checking with his wife, who is a great gal who knows me well. So I am sitting tight for now.
 
I need the money to make rent in the next three days, and that is $1100.  I've been unemployed since the first of the year and have been selling stuff off to live.  I never thought it would come to selling my Alembic and I am crushed by the prospect.
 
(Message edited by hifiguy on October 31, 2013)

[tubeperson]

Is that the world renowned John Atkinson you are referring too? I used to subscribe to that magazine.  Me thinks it must be as I am aware he played bass.

[mike1762]

When dealing with pawn shops you have to remember that you are selling to a seller... not a buyer.  Same goes for trade deals with music stores.

[hifiguy]

Yeppers, none other than JA himself.  He's an excellent bassist and was a studio player for a few years before he got into audio journalism in the UK.

[oddmetersam]

Paul, sorry to hear about your situation, In the past two years I, too, have had to part with treasured gear out of necessity so I can relate. Be strong in the knowledge the Alembic family is like no other and the deep connection extends beyond the ownership of these musical talismans.  
 
May this only be a temporary bump in your road....
-Sam

[pauldo]

Darn it Paul, it is very sad to hear about your situation.
There are others here facing similar issues. . . I can't imagine how gut wrenching it must feel to be put in a place where selling an instrument that provides so much joy is apart of your reality.
 
Best wishes and positive thoughts to you and the other Alembicans who are travelling down such a bumpy stretch of road.

[jon_jackson]

This a tough situation to go through. All the best.  
 
While not meaning to make light of your situation in any way, if JA does buy it, perhaps he will revise the Stereophile test disc bass tracks to This is the sound of an Alembic bass.

[hifiguy]

John Atkinson is buying the bass and I have an option to repurchase it for what he is paying me for the instrument.  Sort of an extended pawn, though I can't see myself ever having the money to buy it back.  At least it will be in very good hands.  She is such a sweetie and I know she will be cherished in her new home.
 
And yeah, Jon, it would be mondo cool if he used the bass for some test tracks.