(x) 97K11044 1997 Essence

[B2sc]

Recently picked this up and I am LOVING it.   Having owned an Epic previously, I knew this one would be awesome as well.

Serial no. 97K11044

I can see this one has several added options and would like to see the official listing. Thanks!

[soflbass]

Beautiful! Congrats and enjoy!

[gearhed289]

That's one of the nicest Essence basses I've seen, and the upgrades really set it apart. What are the electronics? vol/pan/bass/treble???

Nice SVT back there too. Looks like about a '76.

[B2sc]

That's one of the nicest Essence basses I've seen, and the upgrades really set it apart. What are the electronics? vol/pan/bass/treble???

Nice SVT back there too. Looks like about a '76.

Thanks for the compliment on my new Essence. Your assumption of the controls is correct, I believe this is the Epic/Elan/Orion electronics package. The mini switch turns on the factory red LED side markers.

Good eye on the SVT! It’s a mid-70s Magnavox all right, not sure of the exact year. I’ve typically been playing through the PF800 sitting on top of it but will still bring it out on occasion for outdoor gigs. Like this Alembic, I’ll keep the SVT forever too...

[allgood]

Beautiful.  I had an Essence... strongly recommend letting The Mother Ship add a Q switch, or do it yourself if handy.  They sell the switch.

[StephenR]

Amazing score on a unique and beautiful bass! No filter in this one for the Q-switch at this point but I think that it would be worth seeing if you can add a filter and Q-switch. The Alembic bass/treble circuit is top notch and all some folks ever need to reach bass bliss. The filter and Q-switch, though, allow you to change the characteristics of the pickup in a way that is unique to Alembic and opens up lots of tonal options. What a nice bass!

[gearhed289]

Good eye on the SVT! It’s a mid-70s Magnavox all right, not sure of the exact year. I’ve typically been playing through the PF800 sitting on top of it but will still bring it out on occasion for outdoor gigs. Like this Alembic, I’ll keep the SVT forever too...

I've played through a PF (I think it was a 500) a number of times at a rehearsal spot in Chicago. They really manage to keep that Ampeg vibe. My mini amp of choice ended up being a Genz Benz Streamliner 900, though I still use my SVT III the most. And I have a '74 SVT that comes out to play occassionally. And yes, it will be with me forever!

[pauldo]

Very pretty.  The wood is liquid.  The crown headstock looks awesome on there also!

[mica]

Here's what I found in the instrument file for this bass:

serial number: 97K11044
model: Essence
model number: KMB4
top: Lacewood
accent: Maple pinstripe
body: Mahoganypeghead shape: Crown 2+2
neck: 3-piece Maple with 2 Walnut pinstripes
scale: 32" medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
side markers: red LEDs
pickups: Alembic MXY4
controls: volume, pan, filter, mono output
originally made for: B&B Music, DE
birthday: September 25, 1997

It's a little funny that this is a medium scale bass. The main salesperson at B&B Music almost always order 35" scale basses, even as 4-strings.

There was one registered owner in Delaware.

[B2sc]

Thanks Mica.

Well knock me down with a feather. I had thought this was 34” scale all along but now measuring it, I see it is 32”. No wonder it feels so comfortable.

I see there is no mention of the wing tailpiece or sustainblock under the bridge that’s installed on this example.

And finally, your spec sheet states volume, pan and filter controls but this one is actually volume, pan, bass and treble. Now I WOULD  like to talk to you guys about adding a Q filter...!

[StephenR]

Great looking Essence bass! If there is room a filter and 3-position Q switch is highly recommended. Those will greatly increase the range of tones available to you.

[pauldo]

Brian,
The Wing Tail Piece and Sustain Block under the bridge are standard equipment!  :-D

[gearhed289]

Brian,
The Wing Tail Piece and Sustain Block under the bridge are standard equipment!  :-D

I thought the Essence came standard with the crescent moon tailpiece and no block? Or maybe a block on 5 and 6 strings?