Find this gorgeous.  
Would make a great match with my 2 '70s BC Rich Koa Eagle basses!
http://cgi.ebay.com/1993-Alembic-Essence-4-String-Neck-Thru-Koa-Upgrade_W0QQitemZ140331339150QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item20ac664d8e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Very nice.  I find this Essence design very appealing. I have thought of the possibility of getting one made with my own custom features in the future. GO FOR IT MAN . get this one ! buy it now !

Nice!  And a good opening bid price.  No case.
 
(Message edited by davehouck on July 05, 2009)

Hey guys, that is my essence.   Let me know if you have questions or need more pictures.   I am keeping my elan and just can't afford to have them both laying around...   I also have not sold the Series 2 Custom guitar that I posted about several months ago if anyone is interested.    
 
Take care friends,
 
David

Looks nice David!

I don't think $2K for a koa Essence in a bag is a particularly bad deal these days.

David, you ought to read up in the FAQ section on Alembics pickup mounting before you break something on one of your instruments.

David, if you find it helpful, a few corrections for your listing.
 
If you look in the holes in the pickups that are missing the screws, you should see adjustment screws underneath.  There is a discussion of how the pickup adjustment system works here.
 
Alembic electronics do not have parametric EQs.  Your Essence has, in addition to the Volume control and Pan control, a Low Pass Filter.  An explanation of Essence electronics is here.
 
That you find the Koa top more attractive and gives better tone than the normal maple tops is a subjective opinion and not necessarily a factual statement.  Personally, I think my Maple top Essence sounds pretty good.
 
While less expensive than an Essence, an Epic is not a cheap bass.  The quality of construction is every bit as good as an Essence.  The set neck is not a cheap alternative to a neck through; rather, it is an alternative tonal concept, as the set neck gives a different frequency response, emphasizing the mid range.

Dave,
 
Thanks very much for the guidance, I have modified the description to reflect my better understanding.
 
Also, I do have the case for this Essence, but plan to keep it for my Elan.  If someone from this list wants to discuss selling it privately I am inclined to pass on the savings from ebay/paypal fees to the buyer.  I will also negotiate on the case but would prefer to keep it and simply pass on the bag that I got with the Elan instead.

Just for giggles, this is me pretending to be a rock star with aforementioned Elan...

Long time lurker, first time poster. I bought the Essence from David and now have my very first Alembic! I'm very pleased with it, and my dealings with David. Now I'm off to the FAQ section to learn more about it!
 
Here's a pic for those who are interested:

Hi Brian; welcome to the board and congrats on picking up that really nice Essence!  Great picture of the bass too!

Hi Brian,  Congratulations and welcome!  Nice Essence, enjoy!  Play it Healthy!
Art

Very nice bass, congratulations and welcome in the exclusive Club of Alembic owners.
Now prepare yourself to be addicted !

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I'm really enjoying the Essence so far, and I can see how this could easily become an addiction!  
 
This seems to be a great community based on my extensive lurking while I researched my purchase. My other two electric basses were handmade by Peter Elias in the '80s... lovely instruments as well, but with total production under 200 (I think) there's not much in the way of community for those...