I just acquired a 6-string fretless Europa. With a set of TI flats I really like the sound. But in finding my way around it to be honest I'm getting a little lost.
Question 1: When I engage the active electronics, the other two switches are low/hi boost/cut. However, they also seem to do something with the actives off. Does the boost become normal, and the normal/cut become bit cut / much cut?
Q 2: I understand the Q control as moving the notch on the LPF. But then precisely what is the function of cut/boost? Boost = peak at the Q, cut = dip at the Q?
Q 2b: how can you have both low & high cut/boost with just one filter? (I don't imagine it's a two-pole filter.)
Q 3: the previous owner installed a "RF chip upgrade". What dat?
You might check out the FAQ page on Europa Controls (https://club.alembicguitars.com/europa-rogue-basses/europa-controls/) to see which switch does what.
The bass and treble switches operate as regular bass and treble EQ, just with fixed amounts boost/neutral/cut instead of a knob you can turn.
The filter knob sets the cut-off frequency of the filter. As it is a low-pass filter, there is a litlle boost around the cut-off frequency. Sustain a note, and when you sweep the filter knob back and forth you will hear a faint wah-wah effect. After you flick the Q switch into the boost position, the wah-wah effect is more pronounced. For regular playing, the filter leaves its mark mostly on the start of each note.
The RF upgrade addresses RF interference levels that have increased since the instrument's construction, and it should ensure you get a clean signal out of your bass. It is possible it's just a replaced IC on the preamp card.
Quote from: adriaan on July 09, 2026, 12:09:32 PMThe bass and treble switches operate as regular bass and treble EQ, just with fixed amounts boost/neutral/cut instead of a knob you can turn.
Understood. But something is different with the Q switch engaged or not.
QuoteThe filter knob sets the cut-off frequency of the filter.
So far so good.
QuoteAfter you flick the Q switch into the boost position, the wah-wah effect is more pronounced.
So the filter is always active, just more pronounced if I flip that switch? So the switch is not Q-on/Q-off, but Q-litte bit / Q-much?
V.
Yep, the filter is always active: "fully open" just means "cut-off occurs from the top end of the filter's range" (6 kHz). Turn the panpot to neck pickup only, add the Q boost, and try out different settings for the filter knob, then without Q boost. Repeat for the bridge pickup, then try other blends. Add or cut bass and treble to taste.
Happy tone hunting!
You have reached the mouth of the rabbit-hole...
Just for clarity I will mention that there is no passive mode for alembic basses, as soon as you plug a jack in, the battery is on and will drain.
Quote from: jazzyvee on July 10, 2026, 11:40:23 AMJust for clarity I will mention that there is no passive mode for alembic basses, as soon as you plug a jack in, the battery is on and will drain.
Thanks. So far I'm mostly playing with the Q switch off, but I haven't played it live yet. We'll see what I settle on.
My .02...
Vic, if this is your first Alembic you will find there is more than just switches, filters and knobs.
Others have provided great electronic fundamentals for you to work with.
In addition:
Plucking hand position and attack will impact your tone - unlike any other bass you have played.
You are gonna have fun!
Quote from: VicDiesel on July 10, 2026, 03:24:01 PMQuote from: jazzyvee on July 10, 2026, 11:40:23 AMJust for clarity I will mention that there is no passive mode for alembic basses, as soon as you plug a jack in, the battery is on and will drain.
Thanks. So far I'm mostly playing with the Q switch off, but I haven't played it live yet. We'll see what I settle on.
When I had mine, for most of my gigs the q was off unless i was doing some slap bass. I used the bass boost switch mostly for playing reggae stuff.
Quote from: jazzyvee on July 11, 2026, 03:27:24 PMQuote from: VicDiesel on July 10, 2026, 03:24:01 PMQuote from: jazzyvee on July 10, 2026, 11:40:23 AMJust for clarity I will mention that there is no passive mode for alembic basses, as soon as you plug a jack in, the battery is on and will drain.
Thanks. So far I'm mostly playing with the Q switch off, but I haven't played it live yet. We'll see what I settle on.
When I had mine, for most of my gigs the q was off unless i was doing some slap bass. I used the bass boost switch mostly for playing reggae stuff.
Sort of the same here. I don't play any slap styles, but I would often play with the bass boosted, the treble switch flat and the Q off. Filter at my desired setting, then attenuate the Q-switch for effect.