(x) 1998 Essence 4 String - 98K11258

[SnarlyHovel]

Hello Everyone!

I bought this Essence from a family friend in 2002/2003 and didn't really get any information with it. I am in the midst of a complete reevaluation of my sound as a 'more adult' player and would love any details you have available.

Thanks!
Ryan

[pauldo]

Ryan,
Welcome to the camp.
I encourage you to not get into that “adulting” thing too quickly.  Sure, play tasty licks, but keep an edgy side also!

I know very little about your bass.  Other people should chime in shortly with relevant facts.

I really like the crown head stock on that body shape.

[SnarlyHovel]

Thanks for the advice, but you don't need to worry about me; my biggest influence might be Chris Wood, but my spirit animal is still Paul Simonon 🙂

I just decided to dump the equipment I procured in high school (Hartke Transporters 4x10 & 1x15) and make a more conscious choice for the sound I want. I kept the Trace Elliott GP12 SMX 4001 I got at the same time, but it's now driving two Aguilar DB112s and the growl can't be beat!

I also switched to the EB cobalt flats from Ken Smith roundwounds and boy, am i I loving that too...

[SnarlyHovel]

Also, I should have mentioned this at the top, but would you have any information about the original string gauges this bass was setup with? I see in the 'support' section of the Alembic site it says,

"You will need to change the string nut height when you change the gauge of your strings. Larger gauge strings may not rest at the bottom of the original slots, and smaller strings may "wiggle" side to side in a slot that is too large. If you dramatically change the string size, you should order a new nut than can be slotted to your new string size."

Part of my reevaluation is definitely string gauge related, so if you have any information about the min/max tolerances of the nut this bass shipped with, it would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Ryan

[gearhed289]

Great looking Essence with some nice upgrades - crown headstock, bird tailpiece, and fingerboard inlays. Looks like it might have Epic electronics? vol/blend/bass/treble?

[mica]

Here's the details I found out about your bass:

top: Bird's-eye Maple with Quilt
accent: Purpleheart pinstripe
body: Mahogany
neck: 3-piece Maple with 2 Walnut pinstripes
scale: 32" medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
pickups: MXY4
controls: volume, pan, bass, treble, mono output
originally made for: direct sale to individual
birthday: January 7, 1998

The original owner was located in California.