Author Topic: My first weeks with an Eseence... (Read 211 times)

suatie · « **on:** February 09, 2013, 08:37:46 AM »

This 1992 bass has really exceeded all my expectations. I bought on reputation alone I just can not believe how much superior the tone is to everything else I have.

I am a real newbie, I have been around music and musicians (managing, event organization etc.) most of my life, but never really picked up an instrument till I made a new years resolution to learn to play the bass.

As a watch and art collector,and sometime gadget freak, I went crazy buying a lot of basses in a couple of months (14 and counting), I decided that I want to find one that I will make my best friend and really try bond with. I didn't want to outgrow my bass.

I bought the Essence, 3 Warwicks (German corvettes), 3 Fenders (jazz and 2 Ps), 2 Spectors (Rex 4 and Q4Pro), 3 Music mans (stingray classic and H, bongo 4H) , a Steinberger Spirit and a couple of Peaveys. I am amazed how different they all sound. I bought them all used so, I think I will break even on most, as I am a pretty sharp buyer.

I think now I am just going to keep the Essence (by far my favorite), the classic Stingray and one warwick. Sell the rest maybe buy a new Alembic??? Next year...

As I don't really play music yet but just do the scales and noodling on my own; maybe I am more focused on sheer tone than real musicians making real music in a music.

The clarity is amazing, as you all know, and I am surprised how much easier it is to play, how right it feels. Feels amazing to have such a work of art in my hands, even if I play crap, but hey I am REALLY enjoying it, and I suppose that is all that matters.

Just wanted to share this, this is a great forum...

suatie · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2013, 10:29:53 AM »

Maybe I should also learn to spell Essence.... Couple of photos...

that_sustain · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2013, 02:02:26 PM »

Welcome to the club! The Essence is one of the best basses in all musicland.

alembickoa · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2013, 06:24:57 PM »

If is says Alembic and it's a legit one, it will sound wonderful.

rami · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2013, 06:50:52 PM »

That's some collection! All great Basses that sound unique. I'd keep the Essence out of the lot as well. Are you sure that it's a '92? I believe that the Essence had a slightly different body shape then. Yours looks more modern.
Wishing you a lifetime of enjoyment with it.

Best regards,

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2013, 05:43:15 AM »

Great way to begin on playing, Suatie!

Musicians tend to excessively focus on dexterity, speed, endurace and finger's strenght (specially when starting and when we are young) but music is about melodies and textures (tone, chord shapes and progressions), too. Good that you are mature enough to start with tone in mind from the very beginning... and even better being able to afford an Alembic superior circuit to explore tone in its maximum.

Funny, it is not unusual that one start to thinking on selling his other basses after pursuing an Alembic. I keep my basses since all of them have a history with me, but they are all retired now (they are all cheap basses, too). I remember how impactfull it was on the first time I got it in a gig. The percussionist and even the roadie came to ask me about it, the sound guy kissed me! So I almost play my Rogue solely now... and Rogues are not Series!

Stories about Alembics, ha ha. But doesn't sell all basses too quick, though. They are all fine basses and may sound particular, giving you tones Alembic can't.

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2013, 11:13:30 AM »

Nice collection! I'd only add that you should check out a Series I or II and also a Modulus Q6 should fill out the stable nicely! Preferable with Alembic guts.

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2013, 11:19:38 AM »

NICE !

briant · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2013, 02:02:45 PM »

That looks an awful lot like my old Essence. Did you by any chance buy it through Bass Northwest?

I absolutely love my custom Essence. It's simply the most amazing bass I've ever played. It sounds like thunder and is light enough to play all night.

welcome to the club!

suatie · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2013, 05:47:54 PM »

Thanks for all the kind remarks.

Rami: the serial number starts with 92, I posted a history request, but it looks like Mica is almost 2 years behind so I won't hold my breath.
Briant: I bought it from a cool guy from Tampa who had it for 10 years, he told me he had bought it in Atlanta. Could it be yours?

briant · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2013, 07:46:25 PM »

Nope, not mine! I also realized after I posted that mine was a 91. Oops. Same finish though. Absolutely fabulous instruments!