Author Topic: Where can I find a case for my Essence? (Read 307 times)

fendaholic · « **on:** November 18, 2011, 03:58:40 PM »

The case I got with my used Essence 4 earlier this year does not fit the bass well at all. Just yesterday, I e-mailed the mothership to find out if I can get one from them. But in case I can't, do any of you know if there is an aftermarket HSC that would work? Forgive me if this question has been asked before but I didn't find it after looking through threads for a while. Thanks!!!

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2011, 08:31:13 AM »

I don't know of any reason why you wouldn't be able to get a case from Alembic. You could probably find something cheaper that would work from another source, but you should have no trouble getting a high quality form fitting case from the mothership.

Bill, tgo

fendaholic · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2011, 09:01:49 AM »

Getting a form-fitting case from Alembic is my first choice. I'm just curious if there are good alternatives in case they can't.

rami · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:27:27 PM »

None of my Essences' (which I purchased new) came with a case. I just settled for a generic (but good quality) P-Bass HSC.

To keep it from sliding side to side, I add a little extra padding. Or I just use a gig bag.

I think they should come with cases as standard for what they cost. My dealer (who agreed with me) included the cases at no extra charge.

rami · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2011, 01:14:23 PM »

As an added note, the lack of a case was due to an arrangement between Alembic and my dealer. Mica explained it in detail to me a while back, so I don't blame anyone for that. My dealer recognized how much I was buying from them and included cases for them (although they were not Alembic form fitted which would have been ideal).

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2011, 03:23:08 PM »

We don't include cases since like everything else we do, it's all about custom. If you use gig bags, we won't force you to purchase a hardshell case. Likewise, if you really only need a roadcase, we'll arrange that for you.

It's up to the dealer what type of case they order from us, if any. The only exception is any instrument with an Omega body shape. Those MUST be shipped in a hardshell case.

For the Essence, it's so small that it will fit in many aftermarket cases, but it's also so narrow that it may swim around a bit as Rami noted, so some extra padding is usually in order.

You can order an Essence case through any of our dealers. It's helpful if you provide the serial number, the Essence body shape has changed slightly over the years, so the specifics are important for the best fit, and since the cases are not cheap at $350 retail, we're just as interested as you are to get a great fit.

fendaholic · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2011, 05:36:54 PM »

Thank you all for your input. Earlier this afternoon, Mica left me a phone message to talk about options including arranging for a case through an Alembic dealer.

My problem with the case I have is not with the length, rather it's the width. Given the Essence's small body size, the bass swims from side to side. It would be nice to have it form-fitted whether in my case or in an Alembic.

She also answered my other question about going to Santa Rosa to have them set up my Essence. Since my wife's family lives in Napa, I can go over the hill to tour the facility and have them do it while I'm in the area.

I can't get over how very helpful everyone is on this site and at Alembic itself.

As a Fender fanatic most of my life, I can't believe how much my Alembic and I have bonded from the very first time I played her.

Thank you all...

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2011, 05:43:20 PM »

A tour of the shop is special; enjoy!

terryc · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2011, 01:00:17 PM »

Factory tour is awesome...go there, enjoy, soak up the atmosphere...the employees are the luckiest employees in the world

rami · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2011, 07:24:10 PM »

I have relatives who live in San Francisco. They keep inviting me to visit. When I do, I'd love the opportunity to detour and visit Alembic - It would be a true highlight in my life. Is Santa Rosa within a reasonable driving distance from San Francisco?

poor_nigel · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2011, 02:48:42 AM »

55.11 miles north of San Francisco, and accounding to MapQuest about one hour and seven minute drive. Meet a club member in SF and both of your take the tour together! Large stock piles of exotic woods and laminates from heaven! Who could say no?! I do not believe I have ever read a bad review of any facet of a tour taken by anyone on here. And the price is perfect, except if you brought yer chack book and found something you could not leave behind. . . .

rami · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2011, 05:45:58 AM »

I suppose that considering the high price of the cases that it would make sense that my dealer didn't order them thinking that that there are less expensive alternatives. The Excel, Orion and Epic all fit nicely in a generic P-Bass hsc. The Essence has a narrower body so you can add a little padding. It's also a great Bass for those long gigs where you are on your feet for long periods of time. Very lightweight and comfortable to play, and not forgetting its wonderful sound and many other great features.

fendaholic · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2011, 10:31:07 PM »

Rami, let me know when you plan to visit your family in SF. We can meet there and I will drive you up to Santa Rosa. It's a short and beautiful drive accross the Golden Gate Bridge and through Marin County. I live outside Sacramento, so driving to meet you in SF is NO problem at all.

rami · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2011, 03:48:38 AM »

Thanks so much! I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Cheers,