I was at bike show in Raleigh over the weekend and spotted an Essence in a local instrument consignment shop, Conn Music. I didn't have much time to look (I was with the wife) but it appears to be very clean and if I read the price right they are asking around $1700.00. The top appears to be Birdseye Maple. I hope to get up there  again in the next week or so and will get more specifics.  
I don't remember the owners full name but his last name is Conn and he said he worked in the San Jose Showcase store for a number of years (just in case anyone is interested).
 
Keith