| Author | Message | ||
| dumfuxx
New Username: dumfuxx Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2005 |
Bass NW has a used essence bass and a few different places have used epic basses. Which would be better for a first time alembic owner? I have a MM Stingray and a dean fretless. I am just not happy with the stingray's tonal options and precision. Looking for good playability and multiple tones. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 648 Registered: 3-2004 |
Are you near Bass NW? The two basses you mentioned may be in a similar price range, but they are very different instruments. Essence basses sell a little higher on the used market in my experience, and I would choose one in a second over the Epic. It is a neck-through bass and the electronics include the Alembic filter, which is key to the Alembic sound. It may seem like having only one tone control knob would be limiting, but there is a surprising range of usable tones. The Epic has an unusual body shape. Some people like it and some people don't. The neck woods will typically be the same as in a new Essence, but the neck is glued in to the body. These basses have the more traditional bass and treble knobs for a great variety of tones. Epics can often be had on the used market at or below $1000, so they are the least expensive first Alembic. Also, while less common on the used market, the Orion bass has the same electronics as the Epic and a more traditional body style. These basses are a good bargain if you can find one used. Based on the above, I consider the Epic to be a high quality bass for the money, but it is relatively unique in the Alembic line. The Essence is the real entry-level Alembic. If there's any kind of Alembic dealer near you, see about getting there to put your hands on one. Buying a bass with which you are unfamiliar site unseen is always a gamble. | ||
| dumfuxx
New Username: dumfuxx Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2005 |
I live in south armpit Louisiana, so there are no alembic dealers nearby (I think) I'm still looking and I have a budget of about $2500. From the tones of different alembics I've heard live and recorded, I'm sure that I will be satisfied. I've also talked to a few owners who love them. Also making the jump to 5 string for the first time, would consider a six also. Months of agonizing research has come down to Alembic and Ken Smith. Finally in the position to buy and the scales have been tipping heavily in the direction of alembic. The testimonials are better with Alembic. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 649 Registered: 3-2004 |
If your budget is $2500, I wouldn't be looking at either of the basses you mentioned. With some patience, you should be able to get a Rogue/Europa model with a little more tonal flexibility than an Essence, or even a Signature Standard with individual tone control per pickup on the used market. Also, the Austin, TX dealer has a new Essence with some upgrades (Europa electronics) listed on their website brand new for $2869. That's a great deal on a great bass with a bit of a budget stretch. The closest dealers are probably in TX, (Houston, Dallas burbs, and Austin), Nashville burbs, or Pensacola. If you're on the western edge of Louisiana, the TX dealers aren't that far when you're talking about the protection of a $2K+ investment. | ||
| richbass939
Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 88 Registered: 11-2004 |
dumfuxx, I have owned my Epic for 3 or 4 months. I am very pleased with it. It is the only Alembic I have ever played, even for a few minutes. When I bought it I didn't know anything about the filters and switches that Alembics have. Now that I know a bit about what they do I wish I had them. BTW, there was a recent thread that explains it very well. It is called "Low pass filter and Q-switches" or something like that. Don't get me wrong. I am in no way displeased with my Epic. It has a great tone. But it seems that the more advanced electronics on other Alembics give you better control of the sound. 5 string. The bass I played most until 3 months ago is a 5 string. I really miss the low B. I didn't really hang out on the B string much. But there were many times that I would want to go down onto it and have to go up instead. My next bass will be a 5. With your budget I think you should be able to find what you want. I bought my Epic on e-bay from West Chester Music. It is in W.C., PA just outside of Phila. The bass is exactly what it was advertised to be. It arrived packed well, in perfect shape, and the transaction went smoothly. However, not everyone on e-bay and on this site's Swap Shop has those standards. Go into the Swap Shop or Misc and read a recent thread called "97 Alembic Series I FS". BUYER BEWARE. Fortunately, members of this club have their eyes open and are watching out for us all. Great club, thank you, members all. Rich (Message edited by richbass939 on January 02, 2005) | ||
| dumfuxx
New Username: dumfuxx Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2005 |
I found a dealer in Baton Rouge called The Perfect Bass. I'm going to go check them out when I get back inshore (I'm on a drillship in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico right now). | ||
| dumfuxx
New Username: dumfuxx Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2005 |
correction, The Perfect Bass does not carry alembic. | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 363 Registered: 1-2003 |
I have display models covering pretty much the full range, but I could quite happily live with an Epic as my only bass. It is a great sounding and very playable bass - and it has that elusive "personality" that not all instruments have. But, as others have said, its not fully representative of the classic Alembic experience. I find the single filter on the Essence a bit limiting, so I support Bob's recommendation that you hold out for a Rogue/Europa/Signature model if you can afford it. David B. | ||
| 1stbass
Member Username: 1stbass Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi Gary, I now have 4 epics, they all sound a bit diffrent.Even the same wood combos. I all so have an essence with a filter and Q, with gives me a bit more to work with sound wise. but i play the epics most of the time. They give me all the tone i need for the stuff i play. Both of these are great basses, and are a great value for the money. And can be purchased on the secondary market for much less then other models. I don't think you can go wrong with any Alembic, it's all up to your Budget. LOL Doug | ||
| dumfuxx
New Username: dumfuxx Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2005 |
I've tentatively decided to go with an epic 5 for now and save up for a rogue or series later. Bass nw got rid of their essence and got that series with the zircote top for $5000, sweet. | ||
| dgcarbu
Intermediate Member Username: dgcarbu Post Number: 101 Registered: 6-2004 |
Hi Gary, Patience is a virtue...every now and then, I see a Series I on ebay for a reasonable price. I don't know what your budget is, but I think you'll come across one sooner than you think. Best of luck... Darrell | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 674 Registered: 11-2003 |
Gary, there is an Epic 5 string for sale by a member in the Swap Shop and Wish List section. Look in the Two Alembics for Sale thread. Sam | ||
| 57basstra
Junior Username: 57basstra Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2005 |
Bob had mentioned there may be Alembic dealers in the Nashville burbs. If you can direct me to them please do because I sure haven' been able to find them. Gruhn's Guitars say they don't even get or see them very often. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2049 Registered: 5-2002 |
The dealership list shows a listing for: Fast Cash Guitars 235 E. Main Street Hendersonville, TN 37075 (615) 824 3245 phone |
