Buying the first alembic

[savuok]

Hello
I am currently searching for my first alembic and I have a couple of questions. My budget will allow for either a 5 string epic or essence (around 1500 euro)  Concerning the sound, since I do not have the opportunity to play an alembic here, what are the major differences between the two?  I play a lot of slap and rock/ blues music and I would fancy a hi-Fi Jazz bass sound with some options on tone shapping. Moreover apart from the above mentioned models are there other alembic models that may fit my needs and are in the budget?  Thanks in advance.

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome savuok!  
 
I'm not certain which of those two models would suit your needs best, but I can tell you either of them has a wide variety of tonal possibility. There are many players here from virtually every kind of music, who might better advise you.  
 
Some differences between these models:  
 
Essence has low pass filter for a tone circuit, where Epic (also Orion & Excel) has a Bass & Treble boost and cut rotary control. Opinions and tastes vary, but Alembic is known the world over for these filters. It's a totally different way of shaping your sound. I cannot describe it.  
 
Here are links to information on the controls of each model:  
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16345.html?1307055464
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/18781.html?1307501227  
 
Essence also is a standard neck-through design, where Epic & Orion are set-neck. This feature has much to do with sustain/decay of notes.  
 
Again, welcome to our little corner of the internet. There is a wealth of information here in these pages, and a large group of Alembic-experienced players are always happy to help. Quite often the General Manager (we sometimes refer to her as the Head Elf) Mica Wickersham Thomas drops in to opine or respond to questions.
 
Happy Hunting for your first Alembic! Keep checking the Swap Shop here for a good deal on a used bass.

[savuok]

Thanks a lot for the informative feedback Edward!

[jacko]

Hey Savuok. Welcome to the club from Scotland. Whereabouts in Europe are you? there are quite a few club members over here so you may be able to find someone close enough to let you try their instruments.
 
Graeme

[savuok]

Hello Graeme. I am from Greece.

[pauldo]

I would fancy a hi-Fi Jazz bass sound with some options on tone shaping.
 
Any Alembic will give you tone shaping options that will blow your mind.