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Holy grail bass - help me pick!

Help me choose my Holy Grail bass

  • Elrick Evolution

    Votes: 33 40.2%

  • Alembic Essence

    Votes: 49 59.8%
  • Total voters
    82
Rdore2000

Rdore2000

Jul 21, 2008
763
2,505
#1
So, my two favorite basses are my Elrick NJS and a used Alembic Epic. I want to go all out and with my savings, pick up a high end boutique bass, first hand, built exclusively for me. Both of my current basses speak equally to me. My two options are an Alembic Essence with side LEDs or an Elrick Evolution with glow in the dark side dots.

I love the lower cost (comparatively) of the Elrick and the significantly lighter weight. At the same time, I'm a big fan of Alembic's electronics, and honestly, all my heroes played an Alembic. This will likely be my final high end bass purchase, so I want to make the right choice. I know I can't go wrong with either.

Which one would you go for? Thanks in advance.
 
#7
Wal?

It’s hard to say what you’ll like best without much context. If you love either it’s a win. If you don’t love either the Alembic sells quickly for at least what you paid.

But seriously, what do you play now? Neck through?
 
#12
Maybe 15 Peavey Foundations? Seriousley... I voted for the elrick because my poor man tastes had never seen the Elrick.
1729714938488.png
 
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#15
As a former Alembic owner, here's a completely biased fanboy's recommendation: Alembic. There is simply nothing like them.

And a caution: The pickups/electronics are BRUTALLY honest and clear. IF you want something that's got a built-in tone, these are NOT the bass for you. Having said that, they are remarkably versatile, and mine I could turn from the biggest, lumpiest organ pedal tone to what I used to call 'clavinet on meth', sort of like Squre's 'Roundabout' tone on steroids, and everything between. And there is a learning curve. . . . . which for me was certainly worth it. I've never owned basses that made me play better, but they did. If you can play an Alembic cleanly, everything else is a breeze.

Should you decide to proceed with an Alembic, let me recommend Will Gunn Guitars as a dealer to contact. Will is a long-time Alembic bassist, knows their instruments and options intimately, and on a personal note, Will isn't the tallest guy and has several custom Essence basses built for his own use. He's also as honest as they come, exactly the kind of guy you'd hope to deal with when spending money.

www.willgunnguitars.com

Will Gunn Guitars

www.willgunnguitars.com www.willgunnguitars.com

All the Best,

JW
 
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#16
Can you buy used, check them out, and then make a custom order? There is a lot of used Alembics out there right now.

I’d hate for you to engage in a decades long struggle of seeking out the one, only to keep sending Fodera more and more money.

Jk. I loved my custom Fodera days for the most part.

if you find “the One” via custom order it’s either by luck or by knowing what you’re looking for through prior, extensive trial and error.

IMHO
 
#17
Cdnbassnut said:
Can you buy used, check them out, and then make a custom order? There is a lot of used Alembics out there right now.

I’d hate for you to engage in a decades long struggle of seeking out the one, only to keep sending Fodera more and more money.

Jk. I loved my custom Fodera days for the most part.

if you find “the One” via custom order it’s either by luck or by knowing what you’re looking for through prior, extensive trial and error.

IMHO
Click to expand...

Hello, as I've stated in my original post, I do have a used Alembic :). It's incredible which is why I wanted to place a custom order.
 
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#18
All I know is this : an Alembic bass survives very well over time.

I saw and touched one that was around 40 years old and it was straight, solid and perfect in every aspect other than some normal scratches and dings here and there.

Not my style but if I was to invest serious money on a bass, Alembic and F Bass would be my first two choices. A Marleaux bass would be my third.
 
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#20
If you are having an Essence custom built, seems like you could ask for a lighter weight wood combination, or even have it chambered. For that kind of Bespoke build, get exactly what you want. Damn well better for that kind of $$. I will say the only Alembic I've actually played, a Series 1, was the very definition of Boat Anchor. Must have been 13+ lbs., but it sounded glorious. That's a function of the huge body size on the series 1's though, it doesn't have to be that heavy to sound great, and their craftsmanship and finish work is just unbelievable. The electronics can be a little over the top, after the 5th knob or so, I think the returns and playability diminish. Not familiar with Elrick, so can't say it's "better" for you than an Alembic. Nice one here on Reverb for $2k.
https://reverb.com/item/7930819-alembic-essence-5-string
 
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