Author Topic: (x) 92K7148 Essence Project  (Read 174 times)

Bantar

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(x) 92K7148 Essence Project
« on: May 24, 2021, 09:17:38 AM »
After first checking out an Alembic in 1973, and lusting after them ever since, I have finally gotten my hands on my first one, albeit a project. The finish is rough, frets ok but sharp, routed for fatter pickups (one AXY and one Spoiler pickup... apparently the same as an AXY but older), has new electronics, and a hum. After trying a few things I was able to get the hum to mostly go away, so I'm thrilled. 

I'm interested in any history on the bass and am wondering if ferrite beads might be helpful in quieting things down more and if so what type.  I also just ordered a 3 position Q switch and am hoping it's compatible... would confirmation of that be possible?

After a refinish, this will be a thing of beauty! 

Thanks!
« Last Edit: July 29, 2021, 01:31:19 AM by mica »

Bantar

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2021, 09:40:10 AM »
Pics of electronics

David Houck

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2021, 10:08:15 AM »
Welcome, and congrats!

Yes, my Essence has a 3 position Q switch.

Apparently you bought the bass discussed in this thread: https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=26224.0

gtrguy

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2021, 11:20:24 AM »
I thought about buying that one. It looks like a nice project, especially after a refinish.

Bantar

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2021, 11:46:00 AM »
That is indeed the bass in question. I'd be curious what a factory refinish would cost.  There is some deep pitting with stains on the top so I'm thinking of black gloss...

edwardofhuncote

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2021, 01:53:28 PM »
So glad someone is going to fix that one up. I surely would have liked to, but reality is, 12-hour days when I'm lucky of my real job. 


Just a thought - gloss black would show every imperfection. There are a lot of ways you could go with this one, and a refinish by Alembic is certainly the pinnacle. If I'm the one doing it, it'd be a warm earth-tone sienna-burst with a satiny oil finish. I might even custom make some pickup rings to mask around the hasty routing job there, using maybe brass plate or a contrasting wood.


However you go, Congratulations & Compliments on your first Alembic. Welcome to the Club. 

mica

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Re: 92K7148 Essence Project
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2021, 01:29:36 AM »
Heres' the details from the instrument file:

top: Flame Maple
accent: Walnut pinstripe
body: Maple
neck: 3-piece Maple
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
pickups: MXY4
electronics: volume, pan, filter, mono output
originally made for: Rockley Music
birthday: April 16, 1992