Ruby Red Essence 4

[henny]

Hi guys - I'm a Rickenbacker player (4004)...
 
...However, I'm a MAJOR fan of Alembic basses - and having played many It's time for me to get one.
 
I've got my eyes on an Essence 4, Ruby Red - with LEDs.
 
What can you tell me about these? Pros? Cons? What they sound like?
 
I have a beautifully mint 4004 Cheyenne II which I may part-ex (permitting) for the Essence.  
 
CII's are real rare, especially in the Trans Red colour.
 
Cheyenne II - http://www.edroman.com/avail/bass/rickenbacker/CheyenneRed_950.jpg
 
Alembic Essence 4 -  
http://www.superbass.net/superbassnet027003.jpg
 
After some advice (if anything) from seasoned Alembic playes like yourselves.
 
Cheers!  
 
Mark.

[David Houck]

Hi Mark, welcome to the group.  I have an Essence 4 and an Essence 6.  Both, in my opinion, are wonderful instruments.  For a description of Essence electronics go here.  The bass you are looking at has the addition of a Q switch, a significant upgrade.  For a description of how the Q switch works in conjunction with the filter control, read the relevant parts here.
 
There are a number of members here in our forum that, in addition to Alembics, own Rics.  However, I'm not one of them; so I don't have an opinion of your Cheyenne other than to say that it is certainly one of the nicest looking Rics I've ever seen.

[rklisme]

Mark
 
I have that exact bass minus LED's and oval inlays and I love it. I almost sold it recently and then I came to my senses. I have had my Essence for about 12 years and it still shines. I upgraded to add Europa electronics and Fat boy pickups and I am still amazed at the great tones. I have three Alembics with the fourth being built and all of them sound fantastic. I think you will love this bass if you make the purchase. The only thing that I will mention is the body is really small if you are use to a large body bass then you might want to try it first to see if it works for you. Otherwise the Essence is a wonderful instrument that will give you years of enjoyment!
 
Rory

[elwoodblue]

Welcome Mark,
 Both are beautiful basses.
  I've never owned a Ric; that has to be the cream of the crop.
  tough dilemna...
 cheers,
Kris
 
 

[effclef]

I think the oval inlays are also an upgrade
from a stock Essence.
 
I think you will like the Essence even more than
the Ric.  
 
Can you get to superbass and try it out in  
person?
 
EffClef

[mauibassplayer]

Aloha Mark, that is a really great looking Ric.  I play a 1986 Spoiler through SWR equipment.  I played a Ric a long time ago before I had my Alembic.  As I recall the only issues I had with the Ric was the pick ups, I had a hard time getting the sound I was wanting.  But that might have been partly due to my inexperience and the amp I was using at the time.  As far as adding an Alembic into your coral of basses, I say why not.  Have a great time with your alembic.

[gare]

Welcome Mark
Your Ric looks great. I've had my 4001 since 1971, and it's served me well.  I've also owned an early Spoiler and now an Excel. I'm actually preferring the Alembic neck over the Ric. The Alembic is also far easier to and more adjustable. The electronics packages cover a far broader spectrum. You'll love the Essence.
And later if you get all misty eyed and nostalgic..whip out the Ric !
Go for it!
 
Gary  

[rami]

Hey Mark,
 
Welcome to the club!
 
A long time ago, I learned a VERY important lesson, don't get rid of something you can't replace.  
I've never been a big fan of Ric Basses,  but that's a really nice one.  If it's not a financial hardship to keep it,  I think you should.  Although the Essence IS a great Bass (which I highly recommend), it's still a different animal with it's own voice and feel.  One is not necessarily better or worse than the other, just different.
I love my Alembics, but sometimes I find there's no substitute for a good old Jazz Bass.  I've played Jazz Basses for over 25 years.  Of course you cannot compare them point by point to an Alembic, but every single Jazz Bass that I've ever parted ways with I come to miss dearly.  I just keep them all now.  This way, there is no guilt or regrets.
 
Good Luck,
 
Rami

[bigredbass]

I'd agree that's the nicest Ric I've seen in a while.  
 
But that's a LOT of Essence, with the LED upgrade (RED, of course), and with the Q*Switch, you go front-pickup, crack it open about half way, use a pick, and you'll get that clavinet/Chris Squire tone in SPADES.
 
You'll find the ALEMBIC build-quality/finish quality is past most anything you've seen before. The Ruby Red finish will pull you right in.  The electronic package is mil-spec, and the adjustability of your EPIC will amaze you.  It is a relatively small body, if that suits you.
 
I agree with Rami, I would keep your Ric.  Instrument buying is NOT rational, it goes to the heart.  I own two basses besides my Ruby Red Spoiler strictly for sentimental reasons that are deeply satisfying, even though they aren't the instrument my ALEMBIC is.
 
Plus, how often in this life can you own a LEGEND?  Get it, pull it out at your next gig and watch the jaws drop! !
 
Best Wishes,
 
J o e y

[bigbadbill]

Mark, considering getting rid already? Welcome to a fellow Rick Forumite! It's a difficult question to answer really, but as you may not be too attached to the CII yet, I'd consider it. I still maintain my Triple O is the best all round bass I've played. However, nothing else can really duplicate the sound of a Rick. I wouldn't get rid of my 72 4001 or my CS, even for another Alembic because sometimes I need the Rick sound (in fact most of the time, seeing as my Ricks are the basses I use in my current band). However I have the luxury of having both; if it was one or the other it would be a difficult call. My advice would be, if possible, to keep the CII and then see if you can stretch to the Essence. If that's not possible, and you feel your P-Bass can more or less cover the Rick's ground, then the Essence is a great bass (lovely example too!); light, pretty comfortable, and appears very versatile, like most Alembics. BTW, I won't mention it on the Forum, don't worry!  What about shifting the P-Bass instead?
 
All the best
Shaun
 

[henny]

Guys - thanks for the excellent feedback, a great welcome + sound advice, thanks!  
 
...I don't believe it...
 
SHAUN! LOL
 
Hey mate!
 
Well, the only thing REALLY stopping me shifting the CII is how it looks... it.. is...stunning. Daft I know.  
 
As for it sound - I just can't dig it... She's the perfect moody blues bass, but her walnut sandwich is oh so deep and warm... I need that good old treble back.  
 
As for shifting my 76 Precision, no way, I like it too much, perfect rock bass.
 
This Essence is really growing on me, the gentleman at Superbass seems cool and is definitely game for a part-ex.
 
Gonna use my noodle and think it over some more.

[bigbadbill]

What's the chances eh?? LOL!!
 
Nothing wrong with hanging onto a guitar for looks! That's the first thing I usually consider..after all you've got to want to pick it up right? Everything else comes after for me (although obviously if it looks great but is rubbish forget it!).  
 
So you'd say the 4004 is much warmer sounding than a 4001? Hmmm. I'd probably have the same problem as you then. If you want more treble (in fact more of everything except the old Rick sound)the Essence should be a safe bet. Plus as I say that is a REALLY nice example.  
 
Had a feeling you'd say that about the P-Bass! All in all, I think I'd go the Essence route; it's just a shame you can't try it first. Although there's always that Burg 73 4001 on UK ebay (just kidding..or am I )
 
 
 
By the way, this is my Alembic...hoping to post some more pics soon....I know the Triple Os are an acquired taste but I absolutely love 'em!

[richbass939]

Mark, welcome to the club.  That's quite a decision you have to make.  I tend to agree with Rami.  Don't part with something and regret it later.  My first good bass was a new Rick 3000 short scale, first year of production.  I sold it 3-4 years later.  I had no idea what I had until I tried to find another one years later.  There were even some Rick dealers who didn't know they made a 3000 until they looked it up in a Rick book.  I've stopped kicking myself about it (that was 25 years ago) but I wish I still had it.
If you really want the Essence now and can afford to get it without selling the Rick then do it.  That Rick is stunning.  If you decide to sell it later you will probably have no trouble finding someone who really wants it.  Sell it now and regret it later, well that stinks big time, especially for just money.  Money goes in and out of our hands all the time.  We can always get more of that.  Fine, rare instruments on the other hand do not show up every day.  Good luck with your decision.
Rich

[rklisme]

Mark
 
I guess my question to you is, are you a collector or player? If you are a collector I would agree with the advice that has been given in some of the previous post. If you are a player and you don't even like the way the thing sounds it seems an easy choice to me, sell it and move on to something you can play and admire at the same time.  
I have never been a Ric fan no matter what it looks like so my post maybe a little bias. It sounds to me that you have a beautiful piece of art that you can admire but not play. When it is all said and done give me something I want to play!
In the big picture women, cars, money, and basses come and go but we manage to keep on living still the same!
 
Rory

[rklisme]

 
 
(Message edited by rklisme on March 19, 2005)