Author Topic: Elan 89H5529 (Read 562 times)

texangerbil · « **on:** October 09, 2008, 12:12:24 PM »

Rather nice Elan with Walnut top on maple. Looks in excellent condition for its age. Not mine unfortunately, currently on sale on eBay UK.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2008, 12:44:48 PM »

That sure is a great looking bass and count yourself lucky I didn't see that before your orion or it would have been a very hard call.
hahaha

Jazzyvee

texangerbil · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2008, 01:28:20 PM »

I don't know, your purple one is the business!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2008, 05:08:25 AM »

Yeah the purple one is a lovely bass especially with the Europa electronics package. I have to say I prefer alembics in their .... ahem Birthday suits :-)

Jazzyvee

jazzyvee · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2008, 10:43:23 AM »

I went to Music Live at the NEC in Brum this afternoon and the company selling the Elan (Absolute Music), were there and thankfully the bass was there.

So i tried it out in one of their Ampeg combo bass amps.....
It's truly a magnificent bass, the guitar tech was there and he had lowered the action so it was a dream to play and sounds just like a good elan should, the frets have also been dressed and one small mark about 1cm on the tip of the lower horn has been attended to. It can be seen but not glaringly obvious.

It really sounds fantastic and is in fantastic condition.
I was so tempted to buy it but i resisted. The price on the ticket was ?1899 and would only drop the price by ?50. The bass has the standard Elan electronics package, so based on the fact I paid considerably less than that for my Elan in similar condition but with the Europa package, I think the price is a bit high.

Jazzyvee

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2008, 05:04:15 AM »

It's back on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alembic-Elan-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ250323728015QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item250323728015&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

al_x_king · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2008, 08:56:02 AM »

Hi texangerbill and Jazzyvee. I am a new member as I was looking to find some history on a used alembic I have just bought and nearly fell of my seat when I saw this photo and said @*!? Thats the bass I just bought! I bought this online from the photo's! Risky I know but I loved it instantly and I am sure that all previous owners of Alembics would take great care for it and hence the good looking condition. I have never owned an alembic before and was almost about to buy an Ernie Ball Stingray (new) when I saw this. I spoke to the guys at the shop by phone and felt reasurred by what they told me but was really pleased to read that Jazzyvee had played this bass and liked it. Your comments have put me at ease and although this was expensive it drew me like a magnet. Rest assured it is going to a good home and is unlikely to be ever seen on the market again!! Next stop is the New Trace Elliot 1210 amp(12 band equalizer) but I would welcome any suggestions re pre amps that will do justice to such a beauty!

Regards. Al.

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2008, 09:21:25 AM »

Congratulations - beautiful instrument!

Personally, I would stay away from Trace Elliot stuff. Very dependable, yes, but it makes everything sound much the same - at least the full rigs do - to my ears. Certainly not much by way of high frequencies shining through.

At least try it out with one of the more up-to-date amps - Eden, SWR, EBS, Glockenklang ... but I notice you're in Ireland, and from what I hear your choices may be somewhat limited ...

al_x_king · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2008, 01:14:19 PM »

Thanks adriaan,

Yes a little limited and Trace Elliot are actively pushing there new range here, Certainly looks all singing and dancing on paper but I will be checking out the other brands as suggested. Top end amps are not cheap and not something I want to rush into! The bass on the other hand was a no brainer!!!

Cheers, Al.

adriaan · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2008, 02:08:14 AM »

You certainly have yourself a bass there that will bring out the best (and worst) of any amp!

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2008, 03:41:32 PM »

Congrats and welcome! That's a beautiful Elan!

al_x_king · « **Reply #11 on:** December 08, 2008, 07:06:38 AM »

Thanks dave,

Its like a new addition to the familly, very exciting. Will probably be on with a hundred and one questions once I have had a chance to play it a while.

Regards,

Al.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2008, 07:37:12 AM »

Hi Al, glad you got that bass, it has been tugging at my heart strings since I first saw it on ebay. It's truly an awesome sounding instrument. It sounds very much like my elan although I have to say it sound a tad heavier on the bottom end which I really like.

If I was less sensible I would have bought it on sight. Its beautiful.
I know you will love it and I'm glad that I was able to help in some way to you feeling confident about the purchase.

let me know if you end up gigging in England with it.

Jazzyvee

(Message edited by jazzyvee on December 08, 2008)

al_x_king · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2008, 09:54:04 AM »

Cheers Jazzyvee,

She arrived with me safe yesterday. Even nicer in the flesh!!! I could not put her down last night. Just a beautiful feel and in superb condition for a bass approaching her 20th birthday. I will throw it a party!!! Love it and thanks for the help.

Al.

bracheen · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2009, 10:32:20 AM »

Alembic party in Ireland? I'm in! Congratulations Al beautiful bass.

Sam