A Rogue is a great bass, Art. The standard package has Europa/Rogue electronics (Volume, Blend & Filter knobs, 3-position bass & treble boost/flat/cut switchs, and a 2-position on/off Q switch), either long or extra-long scale (34 or 35 inches), and a extra long horn that makes balancing and reaching easier. They also come with both the tummy & elbow contours -which make it more comfortable & easy to play- and plastic backplates -which are less expensive and snazzy, but also lighter. The standard neck is all Maple (with Walnut accent lams) although sometimes they're ordered with Purpleheart neck laminate upgrades.
Currently, a 5-string with no options goes for $6,900 list -$5,175 after max. dealer discount.
On the thread Chuck started (here's the link:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/41597.html?1183144615 ) there was speculation these Rogues could be near todays used prices. If so, this might be one of the best deals you could possibly find. But of course it begs the question whether it's the right bass for you. Do you want a 4 or 5 string (or more)? Do you have a scale preference? Is long or extra long okay/desired? Or do you prefer a shorty or medium scale? Or can you go either way? What kind of options/upgrades if any, do the Rogues have? LEDs, topwood upgrade and/or Purpleheart neck laminate upgrades are the most common upgrades. If these basses have any of these, there's a good chance they were ordered with these as part of a monthly special, in which case they arguably should not entail extra cost, or not full extra cost -depending on the special. I think there was a free Rosewood upgrade on Rogues only a few years ago... that would be a good one to get, if they had it.
Paul's a good guy -I've dealt with him and Todd more than once- but I agree it's best to go thru Todd... and be prepared to haggle. (Assuming you'd buy or consider buying). You've made it clear you may not be able/willing at this point. But if you were able to get a great deal...? (You'd want to) do your homework. Have the list and adjusted prices in front of you. Have the quote generator in front of you when you call. Ask if there are any options/extras on the bass/basses.
Here are links for the past 3 price increases. You can check the dates, and do some math to figure out the approximate price in a given year. Also, I think the 25% cap is fairly recent; I got my first two Alembics for about 60% of list. Depending on how old it is, you may be able to get more than 25% off (from that years price) without any rules being broken.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/33959.html?1165333035 (most recent increase -for 2007)
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/22065.html?1131045813 (2006 increase)
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/13729.html?1099079523 (2005 increase)
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/4208.html?1049493113 (2003 increase)
As you can see, there have been several price increases in recent years, so depending on how old these new stock Rogues are, you could conceivably get a REALLY killer deal on a BRAND NEW Alembic.
Of course, whether one of these is the bass for you, here and now, and whether you're prepared to swing it and deal with the financial aspect of it here and now... well, obviously only you can say.
Best wishes, Art.
(Message edited by the 8 string king on August 17, 2007)
