Alembic Essence

[Aussie Player]

The Spoiler has the oval inlays, bird tailpiece and double preamp + Q-switch, those are superior specs compared to the Essence.
(though these days the Essence might also come standard with the double preamp, not sure about that)
IIrc current price of a spoiler is the same as the Rogue.

Bought my first Alembic, a Spoiler in 1981 and it was only 1 of 4 models available in Australia which cost me $1750 so it would have been cheaper in the US at that time.

 

[cavemanbass]

In case anyone is considering an Essence, be aware that it does not have a “Q” switch in base configuration. That means there will always be an EQ boost at the filter cutoff frequency. On filter pedals this would be called resonance, usually adjustable with a pot.
If you’re not sure what that sounds like you should try a Spoiler or other Alembic with Q switch (or knob as on Series electronics) so you can listen to the difference with / without that resonant boost. On my Spoiler I keep it off at all times, never found a setting with Q that works for me. YMMV

 

[FC Bass]

Bought my first Alembic, a Spoiler in 1981 and it was only 1 of 4 models available in Australia which cost me $1750 so it would have been cheaper in the US at that time.

In '83 the Spoiler was $1120, good old times
Back then it was Series II, Series I, Distillate and Spoiler.

I have a new one in the works now (with Series II electronics), I'm pretty sure the base price was the same as the Rogue (which is $13000 now)

Here you can compare the standard specs (from the '89 catalogue)

 

[Aussie Player]

Wish I'd kept my original Spolier, I was offered a trade, straight swap for a Distillate Exploiter in the late 80's from a Specialist Bass Music shop in Sydney so after talking with the importer who encouraged me to make the trade, did so for the more expensive model. I played it for several years and sold it in the 90's.

My Essence 5 was a find in a GC store that didn't really know what it was. Have had that for a dozen years or so by am reverting back to 4 string basses as that is better suited to my playing and I prefer the slimmer necks.

 

[BrusselsBass]

Bought my first Alembic, a Spoiler in 1981 and it was only 1 of 4 models available in Australia which cost me $1750 so it would have been cheaper in the US at that time.

So how much was that back then in monthly wages ? I was in school and building my bass from a 'Rockinger' kit

 

[Aussie Player]

So how much was that back then in monthly wages ? I was in school and building my bass from a 'Rockinger' kit

About a months wages back then......

 

[CaseyVancouver]

So how much was that back then in monthly wages ?

A lot!
In ‘81 I bought the most expensive Fender bass available. It was about $1100c with a flight case. I thought that was a bit of a big deal at the time.

Although I worked days in civil engineering and actually made more nights gigging music, I simply could not afford an Alembic back then.

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

All these pics are making me drool! Wish I could afford any Alembic(or Ken Smith).