Is this trade worth it?

[mikecd1]

If both basses are in good working order no - its not a fair trade. The Alembic is worth more than a 4003. Making sure everything is original and working is important and with this trade not sure how you verify all that unless doing this in person, but it sounds like you'd be trading up without having to put down any cash so just make sure electronics and truss rod are all working as others have suggested. Good luck!

 

[Lauri Lahtinen]

Yes, both basses are in "mint" condition. I think the reason for him to trade it, is because here in Finland the market for alembic's is really small.

 

[Killing Floor]

Essence is probably $1,200-ish more than your Ric for consumer resale value. You won't lose money.

 

[Lauri Lahtinen]

Do any of you guys think the Alembic body (in the photo i sent) looks a bit odd? I have looked some photos on internet and they seem to look a bit different. Should i be conserned?

 

[WillyW]

Do any of you guys think the Alembic body (in the photo i sent) looks a bit odd? I have looked some photos on internet and they seem to look a bit different. Should i be conserned?

Alembic's look a bit different normally, while I am not a fan of them in general, I would make the trade.

That one is pretty nice.

 

[bobfarabaugh]

Btw, how can i be sure that it isnt fake? Any easy giveaways?

It appears real. Bridge, pickups (notice four holes and only two screws per pickup that are visible) well everything looks correct. If you send an email to [email protected] with the serial number someone will most likely answer very quickly. I once sent an email and Mica at Alembic called me within ten minutes!

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Do any of you guys think the Alembic body (in the photo i sent) looks a bit odd? I have looked some photos on internet and they seem to look a bit different. Should i be conserned?

Me personally, I'm not a fan of the looks/feel/tone of Alembics. I acknowledge that they're well made and very high quality, they're just not my bag.

 

[petch]

You won't miss a bass you never bonded with. Give yourself the chance to experience something different, see if it works, and then go from there.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I would jump on that deal, never seen the attraction to Rics, different strokes I guess...

 

[REV]

Have you had a chance to play the Alembic? I'm curious about what you don't like about your Ric because if you don't like the way it plays you may not like the Essence either. Money wise it's probably a good trade but you want to end up with a bass you like.

 

[Lauri Lahtinen]

Have you had a chance to play the Alembic? I'm curious about what you don't like about your Ric because if you don't like the way it plays you may not like the Essence either. Money wise it's probably a good trade but you want to end up with a bass you like.

I have not played the Alembic yet. Ofcourse im gonna test it before i do the trade. With the rickenbacker, i dont like that i dont have a good thumbrest and i never play with a pick. Many people say that you get mist out of your rick with a pick. Also, the rick sound is not the best in funk or slap stuff.

 

[KimDealWithIt]

As a 4003 and Alembic owner, I agree with all these folks; very fair trade.

 

[mdogs]

You have a valuable asset in that Rick, you really should be patient and wait for something you know you want. Those Alembics are ok, but if you aren’t sure you want it, don’t do it. Trading that Alembic will prove to be a challenge if it turns out you don’t like it.

 

[lomo]

If the Alembic has no issues, it's worth more, and I'd do that trade every day and twice on Sunday

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

View attachment 4091414

View attachment 4091415

That Alembic is a very nice Bass, full scale, a better overall low-end machine. I see the serial number in the correct location. I think both of you will be very happy. It's very cool to have a good trade up opportunity that you will likely keep for a long time!

Grab it...!

 

[lfmn16]

Have you played one? I owned two and have played several others. I don't like them at all. To me they were very stiff, just kind of antiseptic. I bought them because I kept thinking I'd bond with them and never did. I'd sell the Ric outright and do some serious shopping.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Here is a picture of a 1991 Alembic Essence

the body looks pretty close to the one you have posted.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Here is a picture of a 1991 Alembic Essence View attachment 4092019 the body looks pretty close to the one you have posted.

They kind of remind me of a compact Jazz Bass...adjustable Brass nut, may have two truss rods and dead quiet electronics.

It's not a Series I or II, but what RIC is?

 

[drewphishesp]

that def an essence, looks like a flamed maple top, these are great have the Q filter and are great basses.

the deal is not fair tho...for the guy with the alembic...

 

[FrenchBassQC]

that def an epic, looks like a flamed maple top, these are great have the Q filter and are great basses.

the deal is not fair tho...for the guy with the alembic...

Maybe it is for him.