Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Dreaming... for now => Topic started by: tomhug on September 06, 2014, 04:59:29 PM
-
Hypothetically speaking, can most Alembics be refitted with East-Meets-West Electronics, assuming I don't mind drilling new holes in the top?
Still hypothetically speaking, the models I would consider doing this to would be in the Essence/Rogue/Europa/Orion arena.
If so, what would the (ball-park) costs be?
-
Best way to find out for sure would be to call or email Mica at Alembic.
-
I had an Orion with EMW electronics, and I currently have an EVH with EMW. Both basses came with that setup, so I don't know the cost.
I will say that I love EMW, and highly recommend those electronics!
-
I'm sure it can be done but my guess is cost will depend a lot upon what needs to be changed on the target bass. The only way to know is call Alembic for a quote.
On my Orion with EMW the control cavity is larger and I have a separate battery compartment when compared to my Orion 5 with Essence electronics. You can get an idea from the pic's here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8825). My guess is the original cavity size on an Orion would be too small and that the battery would have to be moved at the minimum.
Keith
-
Keith, that's an incredible fretless. I just picked up an Epic Fretless, and I love it. My first time with the Bass/Treble controls on an Alembic. I like the simplicity (but also sometimes wish I had the Q like my Series I)
My someday dream is to have two similarly appointed Alembics, one fretted and one fretless, in the same body type. (Kinda like what you did)
-
Tom, Thanks for the compliment.
I actually didn't plan the two Orions. I was having to re-tune often due to a guitarist I was playing with who kept several guitars in different tunings. I figured a 5 string would fill the bill and avoid having to re-tune every time the GP changed guitars. I had also wanted to try an Alembic so ended up with the 5 string Orion. It became a gateway drug.
Not long after the Orion I bought a 4 string Brown Bass. That was my go to bass until I had my Series 1 built. In between these I had the fretless built. I purposely went with the Orion set neck and ash body to get more emphasis in the mid-range and the associated mwah. It does a great job of capturing that. I like the combination of controls on the EMW electronics. I find I use the filter and Q switch differently than on my other basses. Instead of being the primary tone control they becomes more of a tone modifier or fine tuner for what I set on the bass and treble controls. Of all my basses the fretless is the one I'm most likely to pick up when I just wish to noodle around.
Keith
-
It won't work on the Europa/Spoiler/Distillate family as EMW since those models have different filter and preamp setups.
The EMW circuit has to either start with an Activator filter or the Activator bass and treble circuit. That means start with Essence or Epic/Orion/Excel and add the other parts. We make a little Y adapter that lets you hook it all together.
And Keith is right - the cavity size may have to be adjusted by undercutting or making a larger cavity with a larger plate.
-
Thank you, Mica, for the complete and specific information - exactly what I was looking for.
I don't have a specific instrument in mind for this, but I am evaluating options, and this helps me understand what might be possible.
Tom
-
Mica: Could you post/mail a wiring plan for the Y adapter + instructions for the emw mod?
I bought an Orion (5 fretless) and would like to see if I can get a filter in there :-)
-
So you have recently bought a 5 string Spoiler and an Orion?
Any pics of the Orion?
-
I will post more pics/info later this week :-)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/200374.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/200375.jpg)
-
Seems like between you, PierreYves and myself we have taken quite a few Alembic immigrants found on the run in Europe into protective custody in recent years... :-)
-
Who can blame us? :-)
The Spoiler seller backed out, I'll explain as soon as this baby is in my hands.
-
Re: Spoiler sale, what a heartbreak! That's a nice looking Orion 5 fretless though.
I too, have become fascinated with the EMW idea...
-
This should do it:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/200403.jpg)
-
Thanx Mica!
Gregory: That was a bummer indeed... But I think this five string will feel more natural to me, my other fiver also has the comfort taper with a longscale neck.
I don't really need two fretless basses though, so I think one of them will get some ovals + iron eventually. The one with the best fretless tone will be spared this Blackadder worthy cunning plan. :-)
-
Hi Mica Just acquired an Orion bass and would like to do this mod. I have the filter pcb and Q switches. can this cable be purchased or is there a schematic I can wire this up to... Have the sockets of the PCBs.
-
I have the little adapter cables in stock. Send me an email with your contact details (phone number, shipping address), and we'll make the arrangements to get it to you.
-
Another Convert... 8)
-
Another Convert... 8)
Emailed, thanks Mica!
-
Installed the pan preamp, added a filter, made up a 3 position Q switch, and got some new knobs from THG for the Orion 5 string. All good now. Yes it’s lefty. 😁
-
Looking swell!
-
Well done. Not too crowded with the knobs on the outside. Did you have much carving to do inside? (in case anyone else is considering the mod)
-
Not much carving, did have to shave one the stems supporting the backplate. 😁😁