Author Topic: Help/advice on Alembic Persuader 5 string plz (Read 221 times)

jd_wolf · « **on:** May 24, 2006, 10:31:11 AM »

I am seeking advice on purchasing a Alembic Persuader 5 string please. I called Alembic who guided me to this wonderful outlet. I am looking at a Alembic Persuader 5 string 90% condition and the guy wants 2000.00 for it. I was told the Persuader was a entry level type bass and probably wasn't worth the 2000.00. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jim

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2006, 01:02:07 AM »

An Alembic neck-thru bass... NO Alembic neck-thru bass... is an entry level bass -at least compared to OTHER instrument-makers...

But a Persuader is one of their older and lower-end models.

Within the context of my knowledge, $2000 seems borderline; it could be good or bad, depending on condition and features; what does 90% condition mean?

A 5-string Persuader with a nice top -especially if it's an especially gorgeous and/or exotic top may be worth 2 grand or more... that could be reasonable... or it might not be depending on condition.

What's the topwood, and how does it look? How many neck lams? Are some of them purpleheart? What exactly is the condition? How about the electronics? These things are necessary factors.

I think 2 grand would be pushing it for a 4-string Persuader... but, depending on options and condition, it could be reasonable/typical and possibly worth it (or not) to you. (Which of course, only you can say.) I think the cheapest currect neck-thru Alembic is the Essence, which I believe goes new for at least $4000? The Essence electronics are similar, just with volume-pan-filter instead of volume-volume-filter.

Go to the swap shop thread and do a little digging -including the archives. Check the showcase section to see if Persuader-owners mention the prices paid for their instruments. This should give you useful info to use as a frame of reference!

Good luck on your decision!

PS... have you been able to see it and touch it, or is this not an option?

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2006, 08:08:42 AM »

You won't find many Persuaders, Spoilers, Epics and Orions sold at 2000 USD - unfortunately for those who want to sell theirs, the maximum price for a really nice one seems to be 1500, whereas others seem to sell for as little as 800. One doesn't see too many 5 strings, so if it's a really nice one then 2000 might be a good price.

Prices in Europe are generally higher.

jd_wolf · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2006, 01:35:44 PM »

I haven't touched it but have veiwed many photos of the bass. It has some purple heart in neck. I saw it on ebay but have since backed out of trying to deal for it. Seeing how Alembic themself's said it seemed a bit high. Thanks so much for the post. Jim

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2006, 07:02:24 PM »

J D W

If possible, get the serial number!

ALEMBIC can do a search which would give you the build record (WHEN it was built, the list of woods used, etc.). This would help us give you a little better input.

There's really no such thing as a 'beginner' ALEMBIC. I would tend to think more along the lines of C-class Mercedes vs. an S-class Mercedes: May not the the same fitments or luxury, but a lot of the same foundation of build quality and high quality components in a less luxurious price point.

And of course, condition counts for a LOT. Persuader Fives are not very common and in great shape and interesting woods, $2000 might not be out of line. But ultimately it's up to you to decide whether it has that much value to you.

J o e y