Author Topic: Which Alembic to buy (Read 142 times)

jphilauren · « **on:** May 27, 2008, 02:38:15 PM »

looking to buy my first Alembic bass, wanted recommendations between Epic, Essence and Distillate. Looking on the used market and ebay. Noticed a couple of Distillate approx $1500.00, can buy Epic for approx $1300.00 all 4 string

pauldo · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2008, 03:36:56 PM »

For obvious reasons (see profile) I will steer you towards a Distillate. Wide tonal range, comfortable and looks good too! ;-)

good luck shopping!

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:04:53 PM »

Hi John, welcome to the board!

As a gross generalization, the desirability of those three models would be ranked Distillate, then Essence, and then Epic. These general rankings are reflected in their cost new, their average used market price, and their electronics packages. But of course there are other considerations such as condition, scale length, neck taper, woods used, and other options that can come into play.

These models differ in other ways besides electronics packages. Unless they were custom ordered, generally the Epic has a set neck with a Comfort taper, the Essence is a neck through with a Comfort taper, and the Distillate is a neck through with Classic taper. The Epic and Essence are generally 34 scale length, and I believe the Distillate was generally 32 scale length.

Later Distillates have a longer upper horn than earlier Distillates. And the body shape on the earliest Essences was also a little different than later Essences.

oujeebass · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:35:44 PM »

The Epic is the most wood dependant of the Alembics when it comes to tone. That being said I wouldn't go for an Epic without being able to play it first. The thru-necks are more desirable, in that you can expect the Alembic hi-fi sound, with a smiley face EQ curve built in and with that you can tailor your sound more. The standard Epic electronics help tame the inherent sound with the non-filter based high/low EQ, but you will have a wood dependent tone. Darker woods dark... Lighter woods Bright. with all the variations in between.

(Message edited by oujeebass on May 27, 2008)

jbybj · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:21:05 PM »

I think you should get all three!! You only live once.

Good luck, James

keurosix · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:58:26 PM »

Hi John,
Welcome to the club!
Tell us more about your playing style, and instrument preferences. Do you play jazz, blues, or rock, etc.? Any particular bass sound you like or dislike? Any specific set up that is necessary to your playing - for instance drop-tuning, slap or tapping styles? Play with fingers or pick or both? Looking for fretted or fretless? What string spacing do you prefer? (Classic is a narrow spacing, while Comfort is wider). Do you need your new Alembic to perform live and in the studio too? What type strig do you use - gage and construction. These considerations will help narrow down a good fit. For the classic Alembic sound, I would lean toward one with the low-pass filter electronics. The Epic has bass and treble boost, but can be modified with a kit from Alembic to the filter & Q switch at additional cost. The Essence has the filter but with a fixed Q. The Distillate has the most flexible electronics package, but with a medium scale, so it may not fit your needs for certain styles. Happy hunting. Hope we can help you to decide which one is for you.
Kris

keurosix · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2008, 11:10:45 PM »

John,
A nice Europa is for sale on Ebay:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/52194.html?1211910792

Price may be a little higher than what you are looking to pay, but it is a beauty! Europa electronics are similar to Distillate.
Kris

danny_bryant · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:26:30 AM »

Hello and welcome to the board. I have owned an Epic and have played a Distillate bass. If it were me I would lean towards the Disillate. The tone is excellent and the resell value is better if you ever want to sell or upgrade in the future.

bassjigga · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2008, 05:54:53 PM »

I can't tell you about the Epic or Distillate but I own an Essence 4 and a 5 string fretless Europa. Even with just the pickup blend and filter the Essence is very versatile. I can get anything from upright tones to the Jaco sound, to a really punchy tone and most things in between. The Europa is even more versatile with the bass and treble switches as well as the 3 position Q switch I have.

keurosix · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2008, 12:26:52 PM »

John,
In case your interest is piqued for the Europa bass for sale, here is a link to the Europa controls:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16370.html?1107721317

The bass & treble boost switches really add tremendous control, and can make up for insufficient cabinets or power by boosting or subtracting in either area. They also work in conjunction with the filter and Q switch to give you alot more tonal combinations. Worth a consideration.
Kris

jphilauren · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2008, 06:52:54 PM »

Thanks for all the info,getting close to making the jump into Alembics. Looking at a Distillate and a Series 1 right now. Debating with myself if jumping to a Series 1 is the right move.

pauldo · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2008, 03:52:43 PM »

If I had the choice back in 84' I would have went with the Series I - more $$$ but alot more tonal choices.

Actually I did have a choice,,, I just didn't have the $$$. :-`

bonesrad · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2008, 05:37:11 PM »

JP,

If you can financially swing the Series I, I would go for it (assuming that is used). It really is the essence of what Alembics can do and it's an amazing tonal electronics package. If it turns out it isn't your cup of tea, you shouldn't have too much trouble flipping it for what you paid for it.

Happy Hunting,
Bones

ajdover · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2008, 09:43:07 PM »

John,

I currently own two Essences, a Stanley Clarke Signature Standard, a Dragon's Wing, and a Europa. I have a Series II custom on order.

I'd offer this ....

It really boils down, IMHO, to a few things ...

Body Shape
Electronics Package
Kind of Music You're Playing

The Essence is close to being the smallest Alembic body. It does not come with a Q-switch (though you can spec one on an order), and has only a filter, volume, and pan. It is a neck through, but without the thicker laminates of higher Alembics. I don't view this as a bad thing, merely different. I used a '91 Essence in Baghdad, Iraq from 2005 to 2006, and I can say unequivically it performed flawlessly. We played a variety of music, and the Essence handled every task. It also never failed me in the most demanding of conditions (temperatures of 100 plus degrees Fahrenheit; varying humidity; questionable voltage).

I've played some Epics, but only in passing. This being said, it is a very versatile and light instrument, along with the Alembic quality. You can't go wrong here IMHO.

The Distillate, on the other hand, has Europa electronics from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong guys). It has the boost/cut treble/bass switches, a Q-switch, a filter, a volume, and a pan pot. It will give you a lot of flexibility tone wise if that is what you're looking for if my Europa is any indication. I can't speak to the body shape, but most Distillates I've seen have the neck pickup too close the neck for my tastes. Again, it all depends on what you're playing and what you'll use the instrument for.

Regardless of which instrument you choose, I think you'll find, as most of us here have, that Alembic produces the finest instruments we've ever played.

Best of luck,

Alan

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2008, 05:26:27 AM »

Alan,
I believe most Distillates have a 4-position pickup selector switch, rather than a pan/blend control, which is standard on the Europa and Rogue. I know my '81 Distillate has the selector.
You're 100% on everything else!

Mike