Author Topic: Alembic Essence 5 (Read 244 times)

navymike · « **on:** May 21, 2004, 08:19:30 PM »

I just started playing bass about 2 years ago, and i have heard of an alembic and played one once, then shortly after i joined the navy i saw my essence 5 on ebay i believe it is a 1999 and i payed 1400 for it, and i love everything about it. However, im new to the alembic world and i was wondering if anybody could give me some information about the essence series, like if i got ripped, got a deal, or really tell me about the bass i have, anything and everything will be greatly appreciated. thanks.

valvil · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2004, 10:54:34 PM »

Hello Mike,

welcome to the club.
It sounds to me like what you paid for your 5 string Essence is fair, particularly if it was in good condition.
If you post the serial number of your bass I'll look up the file when I am at work next week, and I can tell you all the specs of your bass such as woods, electronics, etc.
If you have not browsed around here much, don't be surprised if a brigade of people (mostly called 'Paul') come around asking (more like yelling) to see pictures of your Essence. We have many other Essence owners in the club who love talking about their instruments (as we all do).
If you have not done so already you can check out this link for the basic specs of an Essence bass :http://www.alembic.com/prod/essence.html

Valentino

bob · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2004, 11:09:50 PM »

Welcome, Mike.

First step is to post the serial number. The folks at Alembic can then look it up in their files (usually) and give us all a nice summary of the woods and any special features.

I think it's pretty safe to say you didn't get ripped - especially since you love everything about it. But if we get the specs, and you say a little about the condition - or better yet, post a few pictures - I'm sure one or two other members will have something to say about the approximate value.

Nevertheless, the deed is done. You've got, you love it, and my guess is you're within plus or minus a couple of hundred bucks at most. So I encourage you to hang out, maybe learn some things about setup, strings, rigs, and so forth.

Anyone fottunate enough to be playing an Alembic within their first two years of bass playing should feel very lucky indeed. Enjoy.
-Bob

(Looks like I type a little slower than Valentino - he beat me by a few minutes. But you get the idea... now, best to get working on those pictures, I think I hear some Pauls approaching...)

(Message edited by bob on May 21, 2004)

navymike · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2004, 01:54:10 AM »

hey guys im working on the pics but here is the serial number :99k12203 and thanks for everything

keavin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2004, 03:53:44 AM »

Hello navy mike, be careful if your going to iraq my friend,and welcome to alembic!

lowlife · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2004, 04:29:22 AM »

Welcome to the club.

Ellery (Lowlife)

bassman10096 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2004, 04:37:43 AM »

Welcome Mike. If I understand the things you had in mind with your initial question, the Club can definitely provide that and even more (questions you haven't thought of yet - believe me, others have!). Only one of the nice things about the Club is that you get the benefit of facts, opinions and friendly advice from others who have a variety of experience with Alembics, instruments, bass, electronics and gear, etc. to draw upon.

It sounds to me like you should feel good about the deal you found on your Essence!! Looking forward to pictures (Not sure where the Pauls are, but you'll know when they've arrived!).

Glad to meet ya.

Bill

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2004, 05:02:47 AM »

Hi Mike, and welcome. Most of the members of this discussion group believe Alembic basses to be the highest quality you can buy; and believe Alembic electronics to be of the highest quality as well. I have an Essence that I love; it's a '90 that I've owned for 8 years. Essence controls are Volume, Pan and Filter. These are the controls you have unless your bass came with an electronics upgrade or have been modified. The Volume and Pan you've probably figured out. The Filter is a low pass filter; as you turn the knob you change the cutoff frequency. Frequencies above the cutoff are rolled off at a rate of 12db per octave. The cutoff frequency ranges from 6,000 to 350Hz. This feature is a significant difference in shaping tone compared to the tone controls found on other basses. The Essence also has a Q that it is always on. The Q is an 8db boost at the point where you have set the filter's cutoff frequency. This gives the Essence a growl that you probably have noticed when you pan toward the neck or bridge pickups. I believe the Essence body style is the smallest and lightest standard Alembic template. I find it very comfortable. There is one modification that some Essence owners make; they add a Q switch to turn the Q on and off. This gives you an expanded pallet of tones from which to choose. But that's something to think about for the future. Right now just have fun playing your Essence. There is a lot of information in this forum about setting up and taking care of your bass; so spend some time here and, again, welcome.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2004, 09:34:38 AM »

Welcome Mike,
You'll have a good time if you hang out here, and you'll learn a bunch of stuff as well. Tha Paul patrol is usually here by now, they must be having a secret meeting in some hidden lair

C ya soon
Another Mike

lembic76450 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2004, 02:37:25 PM »

Just a welcome from me Mike, I'm sure that you will enjoy your time spent here.
It's been about 18 hours without a Paul, I bet that this could be a new record.
Kenn R.

rklisme · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2004, 02:48:41 PM »

Welcome Mike

I am a long time Essence user myself and I love my bass. I did add Europa electronics to mine and different pickups but I find that is more of a personal choice than one you should make. I have a student who just purchased an Essence and I think he sleeps with it at night. He really loves his new Alembic. If you are like the rest of us I am sure it won't be long before you are planning on adding another Alembic to your family. If your instrument is in great shape and you love it, then I think it is hard to put a price on it so enjoy and hold the bottom down!

Rory

essencetimestwo · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:32:29 AM »

I loved my Essence 5 so much I added a 4 string version as well. I think you got a good deal on it. I paid $1700.00 for my 5 string but it was NOS (new old stock). It is a 1998 model with a quilted maple top. I have been very happy overall but recently I have found myself wanting to try a larger body Alembic. Welcome to the club!