There's only two kinds of bass players - ones that own Alembics and ones that want to.  Unfortunately, I'm currently in the latter category.  I had an Epic 5 string and it was stolen. I replaced that with a Rogue 5 string and after a couple of years I fell on really hard times and had to sell it (sob!).  I'm back making good money again and would love to own another Alembic 5 string but need to stay in the $2,000 range. Anyone care to make me an offer I can't refuse on a nice Alembic 5 string axe? Whatcha got?  You can contact me here or at zkmobass@fastmail.fm.

I hope you find something suitable to re-instate your alembic ownership status.  
 
jazzyvee

What about this one;
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/129132.html?1334841217
 
Slawie

Or Danno's- it's in the right ballpark.  Slightly more expensive, but not by alot
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/118137.html?1336408624

You know,the problem with going from WANTING an Alembic to GETTING an Alembic,is then you want MORE Alembics.......

Thanks, boys. I can tell you feel my pain. My Epic always seemed just a tad big for me so another wouldn't be my first choice.  The black Essence is interesting, although I wish it was still the origional finish. With the amazing wood tops Alembic provides, it seems almost unholy to paint one black or any solid color. I've sent Danno a request for more details and pics and I have to admit (although it may sound a bit cheesey) LED markers are what got me interested in Alembics a few decaces ago so, maybe we can work something out.

PM Sent

It appears the void in my life has been filled!  (God, I'm so shallow.) My payment is winging it's way to Danno as I write.  Thanks tbrannon for pointing me in the right direction.  I've not used that configuration of electronics, so any pointers on useful variations of settings on an Essence would be much appreciated.  I'll be using it with either a Mesa M6 head or an Eden WT550 head (depending on size of the gig)and through a variety of 112 speaker cabs. (Love those lightweight cabs.)

Nice choice of amps to let the bass sing through. Mesa and Eden are used by some members here with great results.
 
Jazzyvee

Congradulations!

Congratulations Zeke!

Congrats!  That is a very unique Alembic, plus it has the LEDs.  
 
I've never owned an Essence equipped bass, but with Vol, pan, filter, you should be able to get a pretty wide palette of tone without too much fuss.  If I were you, I'd start with the filter wide open, pan to the neck pickup and then slowly roll off the filter as you play for a bit.  That should give you a pretty good indication of the variety you can find there- then pan back to the bridge and repeat.   Then the fun starts, which is finding your own sweet spot filter/pan combo.

Thanks all you guys.  Gotta admit - I've got a some of that little kid on Christmas Eve feeling right now.  tbrannon, I appreciate the specifics of your suggestions.  Directions that I can understand, I like it.  Sounds like the Essence is just right for me in terms of getting useful sounds dialed in.  Jazzyvee, thanks regarding the amps.  The Eden and the Mesa couldn't be more different in alot of ways but they both do a great job of cutting through the mix in live situations.  The Eden's a bit more 'hi-fi', the Mesa's in-your-face reserve power with a quicker response than previous Mesa's that I've tried.  Again, thanks to all for the encouragement.  It's great knowing that there's a community of guys out there that love this sh*t as much as I do.

All packed up with a set of Zon strings, polishing cloth, straplocks, extra nut and saddles for eadgc stringing and an Alembic t shirt. (black of course.)  
Will ship as soon as the envelope gets to me.  
Enjoy. I won't order a bass without leds, cheese or no cheese!

Come to pappa!