Hi,
I don't know if you're interested in some rehearsal room experiences. We always do some recordings when writing songs. These recordings are pretty straight, the bass signal is picked off the D.I.-out of my Ampeg directly into the mixer. No compressors, nothing.
When I compare the bass sound to the sound of my Precisions, there are about 3 main differences (aside from sounding absolutely cool ;o) ): Less attack, more sustain and very clean chord sounds. Even with a chorus, voicings are very clear and not blurry at all.
Another thing is, that it is really responsive, even at high volumes you have to play very exact, but if you do you're rewarded with a great tone, which can be formed very subtly. The tone comes also with a great character, the Status Matrix I own sound comparatively dull compared to the Essence.
I was starting to get a little disapointed, when I first played the Alembic in a rehearsal. But this was because of the old strings, which came with it, when I bought it. Now I have put on some very heavy (50-115) nickel strings (I also play those on my Precisions) and it has much more bottom than before and it sounds a lot more like me.
I'm very happy with my Essence, the other guys in my band are convinced, too. Even our guitarist, who already loved my Precision sound, admidded that this bass sounds absolutely great.
Well, I still have no name for her, but I'm very picky with girls anyway. (And they with me ;o) )
Gruesse, Pablo
