Hello everyone.  I'me new to the Alembic scene and am shopping around for a good condition, used Alembic.  I play in a church worship band with a wide range of song styles - driving rock to anthems.  I seem to be gravitating to the Essence model as I've only ever had one neck-through bass before (my Warwick phase) and like the musicality of the thing.  I'm open to all advice for my first purchase.  
 
I have a good community and trading history, same user name,  over at TalkBass and the MusicMan forum, where I could be considered a fanboy.  My first impressions of the Alembic community are very positive.  It seems the family business spirit of the company infects this place, too.  
 
Thx... projectapollo

Im seriously looking at this Essence if anyone has an opinion for me.  Greatly appreciated.  
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/111423.html?1314628122

Bill - Welcome to the club.
This is a nice community here and you should be able find answers to all of your questions.
 
I'm a Distillate guy myself - can't really offer much opinion on the Essence. Any Alembic you go with will offer up a ton of tonal flexability to accomodate your gigging needs!  :-D

Hello Bill ,Welcome .  
      I have a long scale Essence  as well a medium scale Distillate .  
I love them both for different reasons . My 91 Essence is all Maple and is very bright , it does not have a sustain block . My 81 single pickup Distillate does have a sustain block and has many sounds as well .  One of the things that I love about the Essence that  is the lightness ; I can do 4 sets without any shoulder fatigue . The pan pot pickup blend is nice to get a fast tone reset for an eclectic song/tune list .  I think you might fall in love with the Essence as a serious professional tool to please your band  and give the listeners a well defined Bass sound while giving your self an  instrument that will continue to amaze you  every time yo play it.  Everyone loves my Essence that I have played with.   Now I feel like playing MY Essence! Go find one and play it too and see if you are a match !  
 
  Sonic Regards !__________