Essence 5 - 93K7653

[liquidambar23]

Hello all, first post here on this fine forum. I inherited two Alembics from my father, who passed away in 2020. I'm eager to learn more about the build and history of these instruments.

The first one I'm posting is this Essence 5 string, serial number 93K7653. It's a beautiful instrument and sounds and plays great. The trussrod cover is gone, and I think one or both of the strap buttons have been replaced (there are strap buttons in a baggie in the case).
The corrosion on the bridge and saddle is a testament to how much my dad played this one. I think it was his main gigging bass until he switched to a Modulus 6-string in the early 2000s.
Hopefully the attached photos come through.

Thanks in advance!

[StephenR]

Welcome to the club! That is a pretty Essence. The brass should clean up nicely using Flitz metal cleaner. If the fingerboard hasn't been cleaned and oiled you should do that next time you replace the strings. Be sure to use pure lemon oil, a health food store is a good source.

Enjoy and play it in good health!

[liquidambar23]

Thanks! I think I'll keep the play wear on the brass for now, but that's good to know it should clean up easily in case I ever wish to sell it. The fingerboard definitely needs some cleaning!