Author Topic: Alembic Essence 5 string bass - $1895 (McDonough) (Read 334 times)

jack · « **on:** March 10, 2011, 03:12:04 PM »

I guess near Atlanta somewhere, nice looking Essence.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/msg/2250980974.html

thumbsup · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2011, 08:21:56 PM »

Thanks for the tip...coming my way!

jack · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:05:31 AM »

I didn't even notice when I posted that- does that have Europa elecs?

Two thumbs up!

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2011, 03:09:07 PM »

if you asked me.... I'd say it has aftermarket electronics. pickups are clearly Alembic but electronis aren't. The give away for me is the stacked pot because i remember reading a post where Mica said they once did stacked pots for this bass(http://www.alembic.com/info/doubleneck.html) and said they would never do it again because of how difficult it was and how thick the body had to be. for anyone buying this, please do not think this has Alembic electronics

~Taylor

jack · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2011, 03:16:40 PM »

Hmmmm, hopefully Thumbsup will let us know. I'd hate to think I inadvertently pointed someone in the wrong direction. The listing was pretty upfront re electronics:

pickups; mxy56 Alembic active w/ alembic pre amp
controls; vol, pan, low pass filter, bass boost, treble boost.

And the dude listed his phone number, so hopefully everything is above board. At any rate that will teach me to look closer before throwing things up on the board here.

thumbsup · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:32:28 PM »

dbl hum....I talked to him a couple of times and he said all Alembic guts....He did tell me bout the stacked pots.....sounded like an upfront dude but he may know as much about it as I do (not enough) he hasn't shipped yet so I may have time to renig on the pay pal...
we'll get back later

thumbsup · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2011, 07:46:15 PM »

He's going to send me a photo of the eletronics and I'll post it here tommorow! Said he always thought they were alembic Eletronics. Never had the cover off. I believe him but like I said, he may not really know either.
will keep you posted

thanks

thumbsup · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2011, 01:58:51 PM »

heres photos 1

thumbsup · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:02:21 PM »

heres photo 2

close up 1

thumbsup · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:05:08 PM »

heres photo 3

close up 2

jack · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:06:50 PM »

It all looks nice and tidy and Alembic-ish... I'd wait for others to comment though. The seller sent you the pictures or you already got the bass?

thumbsup · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:10:45 PM »

This is what seller listed in add:
pickups; mxy56 Alembic active w/ alembic pre amp
controls; vol, pan, low pass filter, bass boost, treble boost.

Maybe Mica will check in!

Thanks Thumbs

thumbsup · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:14:54 PM »

I've already paid seller...Talked to seller who is very understanding and appears to be forthcoming.
He quickly sent photos and we've have congenialy communication.
He would return money as he said he has another interested party.

mica · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2011, 02:34:26 PM »

Most of that cavity is original - the jack has migrated to the side and the stacked control looks like it occupies the jack's former location. The stacked pot and the switch are not original, and I don' know what their function is, sorry.

thumbsup · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2011, 04:19:24 PM »

I've desided to take the bass!
And thank you Mica and Art for your input.
Mica did point out the switch being silver (which Alembic would not do) I will see if I can locate a brass one to match!
Also Mica said the location of the switch was not the most desireable and they used the exsisting opening for the pot when the jack was migrated.
I actually like the location of the jack.
I don't tamper with settings much during play so location of switch is fine with me.
I will request a build sheet and include changes on my records ie..if I ever sell this one, which I seriously doubt that happening.
I am an avid 5er and haven't sold an (Alembic) 5er yet!

(Message edited by thumbsup on March 15, 2011)