[quote name='Chris2112' post='959018' date='Sep 17 2010, 12:31 AM']Carl Thompson basses are already really expensive! Very rare too, given the size of Carl's operation, apparently he makes approximately 10 a year!
I don't think even think Carl is making instruments now, last I hear a couple of years ago was that he was completing his order book and taking repair and refurb work on basses he had already made. They all seem to circulate in America too and I've not seen one for sale in this country for ages.
Alembics, as mentioned, will just hold their value. Some of them have been sold for "giveaway" prices but they are what they are: beautifully finished handmade instruments. There are plenty around too, which is encouraging. If I had a 4 string series I or II I'd be happy man![/quote]
I would be the first to say Alembic. However, I used to own a 20th Anniversary model, one of only 200 worldwide, but looking at current prices, this instrument hasn't really appreciated in value very much.
I'm biased, but I'd go with Roscoe. Truly hand built. And early pre-Gibson Tobias, too.