https://reverb.com/item/50685206-alembic-fretless-4-string-bass-pre-owned-w-bag

ooooo, that's the bomb 😍

The 'SN' letter code is odd... I don't remember that one... maybe had something to do with the Series prep humcanceller?


Whoever is selling this one has a couple interesting Alembics, one of which belonged to former Alembic employee, and regular on the Club here, Val. I'm absolutely certain it's his long-scale converted export Distillate, with flatsawn Zebrawood top.

Quote from: edwardofhuncote on February 12, 2022, 05:11:31 AM
The 'SN' letter code is odd... I don't remember that one... maybe had something to do with the Series prep humcanceller?

I was wondering the same thing.

Something about look of the wood on this bass is particularly appealing to me. I am a five-string guy and terrible fretless player so not tempted. Bass is about a half hour away from me in San Rafael. Not sure it will move quickly at this price but eventually someone will be really happy...

"SN" for shop night maybe?

SN for "So Nice" ?

Series Nearly. 

Yeah, Shop Night. We eventually started issuing serial numbers and logos for official Shop Night instruments, since they generated so much confusion over the years.

So Nice seems appropriate!  The logo inlay and even the pattern on the maple neck are popping. 

I'm new to this universe as I just bought a Brown Bass a few months ago. I've been enjoying reading through the many posts on lots of interesting topics. I especially appreciate the sections on setup and tone. Those are very helpful.

I also noticed this listing on Reverb, and am wondering about the asking price. It seems kind of high relative to other listings I've looked at. But I do enjoy playing fretless. What do you more experienced folks think a bass like this should sell for as a fair price?

Thank you for your thoughts!

Welcome David.

Well, that's literally the $10,000 question now.

I can only tell you, that's more money than I paid for my Custom fretless 5-string bought new in 2017, and while this one has some tweaks and switches my bass doesn't, it isn't that much more bass. I could almost justify the asking price if this were a Series instrument, but it isn't. Beyond that, it's apparently a Shopnight build, obviously by a very skilled Alembic employee. It has a logo and a serial number, which grants it a bit of legitimacy beyond just being a well-crafted bass. I think the asking price is about double-plus-something what I'd expect to pay for this bass. My guess is they would accept a lesser offer. I seriously contemplated a guitar they are selling a while back, and thought better of making the offer.

Again, Welcome. Now, how about posting some pictures of that Brown Bass in the Showcase?   

To give you a feel for the pricing...I purchased a Series I shop night bass about two years ago from a club member. It's was in perfect condition and is an absolutely gorgeous instrument. Price...$3600. Now that was two years ago and prices have gone up somewhat but that one was a series bass.