Hi there!
I am sorry that I did not post this message in my first visit to the Club when I registered yesterday, but I was sooo excited about the idea of getting (at last) my first Alembic bass that I did not behave as I was supposed to.
Anyway, once I checked that the bass was not reported stolen (thanks again, davehouck) I went to the shop and I can now say that I am a proud owner of a great Alembic Essence. I have been playing a bit right after I got it and I can tell that I am not only excited, but sincerely touched for the quality of the sounds that I am getting out of it.
I started playing bass guitar when I was 14 (now I'm 45). Nonetheless, I had to quit playing for a long while and never played as a professional.
I do play with a semiprofessional band; we do it mainly for fun, but our main goal is sounding neat and clear. We cover classical rock, blues and Texas Blues songs mainly, although we have been working on our own songs.
As for the bass that I purchased, it's a '91 Essence in very good state. Just a few scratches here and there, but with all of the original components by Alembic. I will post a message somewhere to clear up a doubt regarding this issue.
I have owned great basses by Ibanez and Fender, but I have never felt as proud of owning a new gear as I feel today.
Best Regards