I'm looking at getting a new bass.  I was negotiating a deal on a bass when the owner mentioned, out of the blue, that he had a lefty Orion 4 string he was looking to sell too.  He offered it to me for $1200.  It looks like its in pretty good shape.  Late 90's, vermillion top, looks pretty much like a bone stock standard model lefty orion.  I was looking for a 5 or even a 6 string, but I've wanted an alembic since I was in high school!  What do you guys think?  Is this a good deal?  Anybody that can pass on any info or soundclips on the Orion's I would appreciate it.
Thanks

That's a good price.  Lefty Alembics don't come-up that often, so this might be a good opportunity to nab one.  Orion's are great basses, but understand that they are set-neck rather than neck-through and they have a more standard electronics package.  For many people that actually may be preferable to usual Alembic configuration.  I have an Orion (well... I actually sold it to Precarious but haven't delivered it yet) and I have no complaints... I just prefer my SC and BB.

Assuming the electronics are original and haven't been tampered with and that there isn't any major issues with playability (damaged truss rods or cracked headstock, etc), that is a very good price on a lefty Orion (IMO).  Lefties sometimes have to pay a premium, and if I was in the market for a right handed Orion for that price I would snap it up in a second- I think you'd have to wait around for a VERY long time to find any left handed Alembic model at the price you're being offered.  
 
In terms of the electronics- take a quick look in the control cavity.  You shouldn't see any sloppy soldering jobs, electrical tape, etc.  Scroll down in the thread linked below and you should see how neat an Alembic control cavity should look- the one in the picture has more guts in it than you might find in an Orion, but the connectors, etc will be the same in all Alembic basses.
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/394/96167.html?1299446082
 
Good luck and let us know how it goes.  If you have any pictures of the bass, post them here and we'll be able to help you sort out anything that looks out-of-the-ordinary.

please be aware that it isn't that easy to play a lefty alembic upside down. if you play lefty, you're fine. otherwise...  
see this thread for mica's comments: http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/82284.html?1281252500
 
 
Please don't attempt to change a left handed guitar to a right handed guitar. Also, please don't try to change a right handed guitar into a left handed guitar. It's really not even a slightly good idea.

smalls....go to the For Sale thread....Craigs list.....Lefty Epic for $700   wow!

smalls go to Swap Shop Wish thread  Craig List
http://nashville.craigslist.org/msg/2246282807.html

yep, I saw that one.  Unfortunately I'm nowhere near nashville.  Plus I need to sell my Martin D16RGT lefty acoustic first to raise some of  the money for this.  The orion is near my inlaws, where I'll be visiting in a week or so.  Hopefully I can sell the martin before then.  Thanks for the advice, keep it coming!

How common is it to see on orion with the cone peghead?