Hi folks, Im a new guy and I need help from you Alembic experts/lovers! I am finally, after 25yrs, about to buy an Alembic. Its a 1987 persuader (Walnut face, PJ pickups)in totally pristine condition. The asking price is $2140 set up, new strings and shipped. What do you think, is the price right?

Sounds a little high to me.  I'm thinking more in the $1,000 - $1,500 range, depending on the condition of the bass & the top wood.

Hi John, welcome to the board.  Paul's assessment sounds about right for Persuaders from private owners on Ebay in the US.  Dealer prices are generally higher.  However, as you are in Scotland, I would think that prices there will be higher as there aren't as many Alembics available.  There are quite a few UK members here; hopefully one of them will notice this thread and give their estimate of local prices.

Guys, many thanks for your help on this one! The persuader is from a very reputable dealer..and is in an absolute first class condition! I often look at Alembics on ebay but am somewhat nervous about buying such a high quality instrument without actually seeing it, holding it, caressing it (did I just say caressing it!!!!!) Believe me you dont see many Alembics in the UK never mind scotland for that matter so I think that Im just going to bite the bullet and pay for her! The dealer has a really nice EPIC for similar cash also, but I prefer the persuader (have wanted one since 1986). Anyway, just want to say its great to finally join the club and interact with you all!

If you get it, post pictures!

Absolutely, thats for sure! It must be great to live in the USA and be able to cherry pick from such a wide variety of Alembics..I am jealous! Believe it or not I have beaten the dealer down a fair bit from the ticket price!! Just imagine that!

Enjoy that Persuader John and welcome to the club!  Play it healthy! Can't wait to see it!

Thanks folks, have just bought her. She will be with me next tuesday, cant wait! Will post pics on the showcase in due course!

Congrats! It is usually a life changing event. The equal of coming of age for bassists.

Very cool, congrats John. I remember how excited I was when I gotr my first Alembic.
 
Olie

Welcome to the club from another Scottish Resident John. Although I'm near Edinburgh, my band Big Tuna try to play all over central Scotland. We'll be playing at Glasgow's Walkabout bar on 12th December. If you're able to make it, come up and say Hi. I'll be playing my 5 string balance K signature and my 5 string fretless rogue.
I'm aware of 11 Alembics in Scotland although I've only seen 6 of them in the flesh.
 
Graeme.

Thats  great Graeme, really appreciate the kind words! I have actually heard of BIG TUNA!! Its excellent to talk to another scottish Alembic fanatic..I am going to try hard to get to the Glasgow gig and hopefully catch you for a chat! I cant believe that there are only 11 Alembics in Scotland, suddenly I feel extra priveliged! I realise that I payed a little too much for my persuader, but it is very clean and has been sold to me by the guy who builds the excellent SEI basses. Hes going to give a her the full treatment before shipping to me from London on monday! Thanks to all the kind words and warm welcome everyone, really enjoying being a member already!

Hi again guys, if anyone out there would like a look at my persuader go to www.thebassgallery.com and click on the Alembic section! Cool web site for bass lovers!

Nice top and it looks like you may have an LED switch next to the jack. I was in the gallery in february when I was down for the Stanley Clarke gig. It's a pretty cool shop - loads of bass porn on display (the really nice stuff is untouchable). To be honest, ?1200 is pretty good for a shop bought Alembic in the UK. You'll occasionally see a used Epic or Orion being sold privately - these don't usually fetch more than ?1000 but you don't get the security of buying from the shop.  
 
Graeme

Very nice bass!
 
I'm 99% sure it's actually a coco bolo top, and not walnut.  
Also curious about the switch, might be a simple on/off, but if it's got LEDs that's a fine bonus!
 
Wilfred