This 6-string Essence should keep me busy for a long time....

[freys]

After lots of back and forth, I moved ahead with the purchase of this beautiful 1993 Essence 6-string. In my late teens I coveted Phil's and Stanley Clarke's Alembic basses. It it has taken me until age 57 to be in position to actually make it happen. I figure I will have about 30 years to get things sorted.

Still not entirely certain about the woods as I await details from the serial number search.  It matters little, however, as love is blind. 

Would love to hear about folk's experiences with similar instruments, and the transition to 6-string.

[rv_bass]

Beautiful bass, congratulations!  I think the top is schedua.  The neck is maple with likely walnut pin stripes.  I think the fingerboard is Paul ferro. Very nice!  Do you have a picture of the back of the body?

[freys]

rv_bass,
Thank you for this! I will add a photo of the back as soon as it arrives....hopefully Monday. Had some before I purchased it but cannot get my hands on them.

Best,
Scott

[rv_bass]

I can see a little bit of the body wood on the side of top horn, but can’t tell for sure if it is mahogany from that photo.  Also, there is a thin maple laminate between the top and body, and the fingerboard could possibly be Macassar ebony as well.  Nice!

[edwardofhuncote]

I agree with Rob, that looks like a schedua top. A little bit unusual for its time, but was often seen on classic Alembics. My second guess would be bubinga. Whatever its origin, that made a nice-looking top! Also agree, maple neck, w/walnut stringers. Probably mahogany body core. I see the Volume/Pan/Filter circuit, a very user-friendly interface. The very Essence of an Alembic. I think you're going to enjoy that one.

[rv_bass]

Greg, bubinga is a good suggestion.  Here’s an example from the Alembic site that looks similar…

http://www3.alembic.com/img/DET_OLG_bubingaL.jpg

[freys]

I was also thinking bubinga, but I guess we will know for certain once I hear back on the serail number search from Mica.

Was thrown off by the straight bridge at first. I loke the look of the curved Alembic style, but perhaps this gives some more flexibility in 6-string spacing....

Thanks for all the nice feedback and wishes everyone.  Much appreciated.

[gtrguy]

The Bubinga I have seen is somewhat darker and tight grained but I am no expert.

[freys]

Finally some photos! I think that this instrument saw very little use over the past 29 years. A new set of strings, and it plays amazingly well. I am grateful to have large hands for this beast.

Still not sure about the woods, and hope that these may clarify in the hands of you experts.
Thanks in advance.