Pictures, as long as they show us the problem, are always helpful. Also, it might be helpful if you tried to describe the damage that these 'black specks' are doing. What problems do you notice?

I am definitely keeping an eye on it to see if that is it or not. Something occurred to me though.....we have only used our air conditioner once this season, and the warm air blows in the direction of (you guessed it) the sambucus. I am thinking that could be a probablility as well. DoH

I've the exact problem. Can Confirm, as secretmail021 has identified, it is a very very very small insect. White-green color, approximately as wide as 1-2 human hairs, about 1.5 mm in length... you won't see them on the leaf, Instead, pick a leaf and shake/tap it over a well-lit preferably dark surface.... if they fall off, you can see them crawl. Happened with indoor potted plant that was otherwise healthy for the last month. No idea for the solution, but act fast, because it spread from a few just a few leaves to a few plants over the course of half a week. RIP basil.

Thanks! I didn't even know where to begin looking, and this definitely helps. :) Cricket