My first impression was that the spacing was indeed wider than I was used to. For some reason, it even feels wider than the Essence 4 spacing and the neck radius is noticably thicker. It is however very playable. The specs indicate the Essence 5 nut width is 1.875 and the S2 is 2.00 and the 24th fret width is 2.93 on the Essence and 2.50 on the S2. I suspect this results in the S2 having closer string spacing. I would bet the S2 has a thinner neck also. I had a Europa 6 that I loved, but I simply could not play it and developed cubital tunnel because of the thickness, not necessarily the width. I wish that Alembic would quote these specs as well. Nut width alone is not the only consideration. I assume that part of the reason for width and thickness is these necks have to be fairly hefty in order to accomplish the wood lamination and get two truss rods through them. When I get really rich (probably never) I am going to bring my other (brand deleted) 6 string to California and let them make me a Series with that neck on it. Very thin with nice narrow spacing and very playable. In the meantime...it's the Essence twins!
