Essence for $1700

[maclamb]

Found one for $1700 - pics look ok, with normal wear and tear - don't have serial number yet. Year is 1999.
Is this a good price?
 
(Message edited by Maclamb on March 20, 2006)

[ajdover]

Joe,
 
    I own two Essences, both four strings, both fretted.  The first I bought without a case (but with cheap gig bag) for $1100 from a dealer.  The second I purchased through www.goodguysguitars.com for $1350, with G&G case.  Both were in reasonably good condition, with just a bit of player wear, and both are about 15 years old.  Unless you're getting one with custom features (LEDs, controls, Q switch, inlays, etc.) or if it's a 5 string, my view is that's a bit on the high side knowing what they've gone for elsewhere.  Is this an Ebay find, or something else?  Do you have pictures?
 
Alan

[maclamb]

thanks - It's a 5 string, 6 years old...
I found it here:
http://www.harmony-central.com/cgi-bin/forsale-query.pl?owner=on&dealer=on&fs=on&wtb=on&1101=on&time=21&buyerzip=
 
here are the pics:


 

[maclamb]

the seller says there is no customization and normal wear & tear.

[ajdover]

Joe,
 
    I'd ask for the serial number so you can post it here in the club to find out what kinds of woods, features, etc. it has.  Does it come with a case or gig bag?  I'd also ask for more detailed pics if you can get them.  
 
    As this is a garden variety Essence, e.g., one without extra features, custom touches, etc. I'd say this is probably closer to $1500 in terms of price.  If it doesn't have a case, or only a gig bag, that might also knock the price down a bit.  Ultimately, this bass will only be worth what you're willing to pay, so I'd ask these and other questions first before taking the plunge.  You might also want to see if you can play it first if you are geographically close enough to it.
 
Hope this helps,
 
Alan

[maclamb]

Alan,
 
All excellent suggestions and I asked for serial # right off - haven't heard back yet.
I will be near it next month - if still availble - and can try it then.
My connundrum right now is that not having a bass at all, do I go for this or an Epic($1250), or a carvin on ebay that looks nice (under $800 I imagine - had a carvin fretless and liked the palyability, not tone, and so this is same with frets) or get Jack's Epiphone while saving for a series 1 5 string
...

[bassdr]

I paid $1225 for Flame Koa Essence a year and and a half ago. Stand ard except for the Koa front and in excellent shape 93K7816 with a so-so hard case. Best money I ever spent on a bass! Go for the Essence. Michael

[2400wattman]

Hello Joe, There is a used guitar shop here (Knoxville, Tn.) called Music Room Guitars. I saw an Epic 5 string w/a very dark wood top(unsure what kind),has some dings & nicks, brass needs to be cleaned(this thing has been played) but in relatively good shape. I fooled around on it a little bit and the action was good/seemed to play very well I just did not have time to plug it in & hear it so I'm unsure on that side. I don't know if there is a case but I think Brad (the owner) wants about $1000.00 bucks for it. I'd hop on it if i did'nt have other irons in the fire. Here's the store # if you are interested 865-584-0041, or  Brad's cell# 865-789-8679. If you would like me to take a better look at it & try it out let me know, I'll be happy to.

[maclamb]

thanks - that helps

[2400wattman]

Joe, I just called him & he still has it. $1000.00 bucks w/hardshell case. It's not the original case. You might want to try him on his cell as he is out of the store on Mondays. Whatever you do, wish you all the best.

[maclamb]

thanks
 i'll try him and see

[maclamb]

I live 20 mile South of Alembic and went up there today and played an Epic, Orion and Essence. (5 strings)
it would appear I'm a through-the-neck guy.
 The set necks sound too tinny/twangy/new stringy to me (punch?)  
 
BTW they have a REAL nice 5 string orion 2003 model that is now a demo model for $2900. Call Mica