Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Custom Basses => Topic started by: FC Bass on March 05, 2009, 09:58:25 AM

Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on March 05, 2009, 09:58:25 AM: My new "A" bas :-) These pictures are from the seller (Bass World UK) She will be here in less than a week :-)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62224.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62226.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62228.jpg)
(click for larger versions, I will try to fix the weird color shift and upload better versions asap) She was listed as an Orion, but I don't see any Orion features on her (ok, Maple Neck & Ebony fretboard + headstock shape) Looks more like a downgraded fretless Europa with topwood upgrade or an upgraded Essence. Needless to say, I am very happy :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: dadabass2001 on March 05, 2009, 04:50:53 PM: Congratulations Flip.
This is a real beauty.
Mike
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: 3rd_ray on March 05, 2009, 05:16:23 PM: Beautiful bass Flip! That spalt looks awesome!

Mike
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: artswork99 on March 05, 2009, 06:08:10 PM: Congratulations Flip. That is some amazing wood.
Play it Healthy!
Art
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on March 06, 2009, 09:02:51 AM: Wonderful Bass
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: altgrendel on March 06, 2009, 09:16:08 AM: I love the look of Europas, this one especally.

I think if I manage to get the money to get one, I'll go for a curly redwood top and a mahogany, vermilion, ebony laminated neck.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: mikedm on March 06, 2009, 07:44:06 PM: Alembic four stringers with the Elan, or Orion/Europa bodies and in-line peg heads, to me, always appear to be elegant, fast and lethal. Nice, Flip.

Mike
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: hydrargyrum on March 07, 2009, 04:35:06 AM: Very pretty. Congratulations.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: dannobasso on March 07, 2009, 09:41:53 AM: Congrats as your addiction deepens!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: rraymond on March 07, 2009, 12:11:56 PM: Wow, that is really knocked out! Congrats Flip.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: bassfingers on March 07, 2009, 05:49:25 PM: Beautiful,well done!!.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: David Houck on March 07, 2009, 08:36:00 PM: I've been looking at this for a while; I think it's a custom body shape. It's not a Europa, and it's not an Orion. It's a really nice shape!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on March 07, 2009, 09:27:33 PM: Thanx for the nice words and @ Dave thanx for the heads up!
I also checked and think your right.
The bass side cutaway looks deeper, more like an Orion and the treble side horn looks a bit thicker (somewhere halfway Elan/Europa)
Maybe there something mentioned in the build sheets, I'll let you know asap.

@ Danno: addiction? I'm not sure what you mean...
Sorry, no time for a discussion right now, must check Ebay.com, Ebay.de, ebay.co.uk, ebay.it and some local auction sites to see if there are nice Alembics for sale.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on March 08, 2009, 07:29:18 AM: That bass looks like the one I saw in the UK Bassworld shop when I was in there last year it's incredibly beautiful. I didn't play it as I don't play fretless at all.
Great news

Enjoy
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jet_powers on March 08, 2009, 08:29:20 AM: It reminds me of a cross between a Rogue and a Europa.... Mostly, it's beautiful!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: dadabass2001 on March 08, 2009, 08:40:47 AM: I thought the Europa has a longer upper horn. This shape looks to me like an Orion with a neck-through altering the basic shape. Either way, it's beautiful. I remember someone had a FTC thread with a neck-through Epic a few years ago.
Mike
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on March 12, 2009, 06:06:08 AM: Friends:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62461.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62462.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62463.gif)
(Sorry, only 2 stands in the house today) She looks/feels stunning :-) Build sheet says OLB4F Orion, nothing mentioned about custom features... Sorry... must play now :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jakebass on March 12, 2009, 07:24:01 AM: I played that bass in the shop, very very nice.
I hope (I know) you'll be happy with her, she sings so sweetly :-)
Jake
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on March 12, 2009, 07:37:06 AM: Fraternal twins
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: mario_farufyno on April 13, 2009, 06:10:05 AM: Alembic always exceeds on their Tops... Nice Spalted Maple!

It reminds me a slight Rogue influence, but is a Europa indeed.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 26, 2009, 12:23:05 AM: The top is really spectacular indeed, last rehearsal session it took about half an hour before my bandmates asked politely but also compulsory if I was ready and could start the song :-)

There are two new basses on the site of Bass World UK now with what appears the same bodyshape, perhaps a sort of new model from Alembic?
(neck through Orion)

See: Bass World UK website (http://www.americanguitarsuk.com/bassshop/alembicB.php target=_blank)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: 57basstra on April 26, 2009, 06:05:01 AM: Very nice. Congratulations.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on July 14, 2009, 06:14:39 PM: Thanx! Some new pics:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67411.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67412.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67413.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67414.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67415.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67416.jpg)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: artswork99 on July 14, 2009, 07:13:20 PM: Sweet!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: sonicus on July 14, 2009, 09:04:30 PM: Superb Fretless!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on July 14, 2009, 10:50:16 PM: I'm almost sure that bass was in the bassworld shop last year when I visited. I didn't play it as I have no clue at all with fretless basses.

It sure stood out though. Spalted maple is a great choice of wood. A lovely looking bass you have there.

Jazzyvee
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on July 15, 2009, 01:52:52 AM: She's from Bassworld UK indeed ;-)

Here's the picture you took:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67423.jpg)
(it's the one with the Do not touch card) :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: tbrannon on July 15, 2009, 07:25:12 AM: FC-

How do you like those Pyramid Gold strings (assuming that's what you have on there). I've never played them and the price has always scared me away from trying a set.

Toby
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on July 15, 2009, 02:31:16 PM: Those are Optima strings, not much more expensive than the R.Cocco I normally use.
They look and sound great.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: mario_farufyno on July 15, 2009, 03:03:12 PM: Perfect match to that gorgeous top... Does they really last longer?
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on February 28, 2010, 02:56:48 AM: Note: Question answered in another topic, they last about as long as the R.Cocco strings I always use.

After almost a year the first (Bit blurry) action pic:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77053.jpg)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: dadabass2001 on February 28, 2010, 05:35:27 AM: Looking justified, Flip.
Rock on!
Mike
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: bonesrad on March 02, 2010, 02:54:30 PM: Very cool bass.

My take is that it has the features of an Essence bass with a q switch, then placed in a Europa body. Again, very nice.

Enjoy in good health.
Bones
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: sonicus on March 02, 2010, 04:52:10 PM: This looks like a highly desirable Fretless Bass.
CONGRATULATIONS, She be a keeper ! I bet she will sing nice .

NICE NICE NICE _______________...
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on March 03, 2010, 09:22:31 AM: Thanx!
I will enjoy, rock on and she sings great indeed :-)
I was in the market for a set neck fretless but fell for the looks of this one. (about twice over my fretless budget, hence the lack of Ebony lams in my custom)
Good choice, because I love the sustain and overall sound.

The electronics are Essence + Q indeed, link to the build sheet: Click here (http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/alembic/images/DSC01942.JPG target=_blank)
Pretty basic modular set with a single trimpot for overall gain, I think this will be subject to an upgrade to Signature electronics somewhere in the future.

And now: Mica style
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/77170.gif)

Serial number: 06C13595
Model number/name: OLB4F Orion
Date completed: 2006 (sorry, that's all)
Top Laminate: Spalted Maple
Back Laminate: N/A
Accent wood: Purpleheart-Maple
Body wood: Mahogany
Neck woods: Maple-Walnut
Fingerboard: Ebony
Inlays: N/A
Strings: Alembic
Veneers: Spalted Maple
Electronics: Essence w/Q
Machine heads: Gold
Custom features: N/A

The body design is unique, I think this is the first I saw with this body style.
The upper cutaway (bass side) is much deeper than on the Elan/Europa. Unlike on the Orion the cutaways are curved upwards at the neck, on the standard Orion you can draw an evenly curved line from the upper horn to the lower horn.
This design sits somewhere in between, leaning towards the Orion shape I think.

There are some on the Alembic MySpace page: Click here (http://www.myspace.com/alembicguitarbass target=_blank)

And still one for sale @ the UK dealer: Click here (http://www.americanguitarsuk.com/bassshop/alembicB.php target=_blank)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: altgrendel on March 03, 2010, 05:42:11 PM: Ah, if only it were unlined.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: the_jester on March 03, 2010, 05:59:01 PM: It's hot... Watch Out NOW!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: rustyg61 on May 03, 2011, 10:11:30 PM: Hey Flip, how did you get your pictures to link to the enlargements?
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on May 17, 2011, 08:55:59 AM: Sorry, missed this one...

You must have the enlargements uploaded on a server and the smaller pictures uploaded on the Alembic server (Upload Attachment)

Put the link of the enlargement as URL and the `popjpeg {104579,} as text description in the hyperlink tags

`newurl {URL, text description} (made inactive with space between `newurl and {URL, text description})

`newurl {link to picture,`popjpeg {104579,}}
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: rustyg61 on May 18, 2011, 09:13:27 PM: Thanks Flip!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on June 25, 2011, 10:44:43 AM: Back home! :-)

For Jazzy: a quick (panoramic) snapshot, there will be a lot more high quality pics (of all my basses/gear) later this year.
and I'm counting: Purple Elan, Black Europa/Elan5, Europa 5, SC and Dragon Magic.
It's good indeed :-)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/107918.jpg)
Me is very happy! :-)
Cheerz!

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on June 25, 2011)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on June 26, 2011, 02:22:29 AM: and a better one:

(Click for slightly larger version)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on June 26, 2011, 08:06:18 AM: You are close FC, you missed the orion guitar and the alembic powered strat. You too have a great collection of fine bassware. Between you, Pierreyves, Jacko and myself there is a good diverse collection of alembics. It would be good to have a European Meet up but I'm sure my insurance company would have a fit if I took my instruments abroad.

I have been neglecting the guitars of late due to having to learn some challenging bass parts for a couple of gigs i have coming up next month. Challenging = Stanley Clarke, Return to Forever, Marcus Miller and Victor Bailey. All different styles and playing techniques that I'm having to learn and brush up in order to do justice to the gig.

Jazzyvee
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on July 30, 2011, 07:29:57 AM: I've been trying some of those techniques also (inspired by your vids, especially Double thumb) Not doing too well over here I'm afraid...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110172.gif)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110173.gif)
And a statement involving this bass: *Nose to the wind... *Shape shift... She's a Signature now!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110174.gif)
Some poor pics:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110175.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110176.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/110177.jpg)
I had some leftover electronics and got some help from our dearest Mica (thanx!) She somehow missed my request for a new style knob, hence the "lookalike" knob I had lying around. Works great! Must play now :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on September 06, 2011, 07:20:23 AM: This looks like your Europa in this video
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/building_guitars/index.php (http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/building_guitars/index.php)

Jazzyvee
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on September 06, 2011, 07:48:57 AM: Check, I get lots of questions about how heavy my bass is :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on September 06, 2011, 07:56:26 AM: Heavy in tone or weight :-)

Jazzyvee
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on September 06, 2011, 08:09:41 AM: Must be tone, at 3955 gram, (8.7 lbs) it's my lightest (in weight) Alembic :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 01, 2012, 11:34:20 AM: I just joined my Dad's band (no april fools here) :-)
I recorded along one of their tracks with my fretless for practice: mp3 direct download (http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/Film_0001.mp3 target=_blank)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on April 01, 2012, 07:27:33 PM: Nice playing, Flip! What's your dad playing? (I love playing with my son!)

Peter
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: sonicus on April 01, 2012, 07:37:24 PM: Flip , Nice work. You made the fretless work in this context. It is nice to hear fretless in rock when it really adds to the common good of the piece of music like you made it work. Are you using a pick ? if you are that is also innovative for fretless playing.

Wolf
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzboy621 on April 01, 2012, 08:37:42 PM: Way to go, Flip!!! BTW!! My Europa is a MONSTER!!!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 02, 2012, 04:52:30 AM: Thanx!
I just uploaded a slightly improved version (same link)
My Dad plays acoustic guitar, accordeon, Blues Harmonica and he does lead/backing vocals (no lead vocals on this track)
I play fingerstyle on this track, but also use a pick when I play Until it sleeps with my Metallica tribute band.

Pat: We need to see (lots of) pictures in the showcase area asap, congrats!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on January 29, 2013, 02:59:29 PM: This one also has the script added (see here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8914),post Number: 1422
)
This one was a bit trickier... the logo was too low and too far to the right, so I had to fill some holes.
I placed the logo so that the majority of it covers the holes, filled the holes with Maple (Spalted, I got a piece from a friend some years ago) dust and some super glue. Undetectable to the trained (my) eye :-)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/148958.jpg)

Some day she will also have a collet volume knob, Mica?

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on January 29, 2013)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on June 26, 2014, 01:34:56 PM: Some day has arrived :-)
Thanx Mica! (http://club.alembic.com/Images/clipartkiss.gif)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on June 26, 2014, 02:04:14 PM: Ready to Rock!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 27, 2014, 06:45:52 AM: Congrats, Flip, this bass is really gorgeous
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on June 27, 2014, 07:40:49 PM: :-)

Thanx!

Jazzy: I also do reggae with this bass in my new band :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on June 28, 2014, 09:13:39 AM: Maybe we should collaborate on some reggae versions of metallica songs. That would be a challenge i think. :-)

I think metallica are playing Glastonbury this year.
Jazzyvee
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on June 30, 2014, 01:20:53 PM: :-)

I have a Strat here, so we can do 50/50 guitar/bass :-)

Or how a about Pass the metal dutchie (http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/youth.mp3 target=_blank)?

'tallica on Glastonbury: http://youtu.be/L3BSjV0IkWU?t=1m29s (http://youtu.be/L3BSjV0IkWU?t=1m29s) :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 12, 2015, 01:42:23 PM: This bass is now under the loving protection of Pierre-Yves, couldn't think of better new home for it.

Thanx lot Pierre-Yves and I hope you will have lots of fun with her! :-)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/208458.jpg)

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on April 12, 2015)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: pierreyves on April 12, 2015, 02:29:33 PM: oh my God.... what a face I have -----=> ;-) thanks for compliment ;-) some pictures:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/208466.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/208467.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/208468.jpg)
I change strings and clean the fretboard without fret ;-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: pierreyves on April 12, 2015, 02:39:55 PM: (http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/208471.jpg)

;-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: jazzyvee on April 12, 2015, 04:30:44 PM: Looks like it was a great day. All those superb basses. Did you try them all? If so which did you like most?
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: Enzo on April 13, 2015, 07:19:27 AM: This should be in the Gatherings section, oh wait?..it's all Pierreyves's? LOL
Interested to read about jazzyvee question.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: moongerm on April 13, 2015, 07:42:10 AM: So neat!!!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 13, 2015, 07:55:41 AM: I didn't play the Koa SC (I think Pierre-Yves thought it was too dangerous, I made clear I liked that one a lot)

Thanx for the pics Pierre-Yves!

They are all great, it was too quick and overwhelming to rank them (if that's even possible)
It did make me more determined to get Series bass.... fast! :-)

Leds are awesome!

And I found out the ladies from Santa Rosa made the right choice in fingerboard taper for my custom Elan, I think I prefer the comfort taper over the classic taper for 5 string basses.

Also I liked the -extra thick body- SC's a lot, heavy but extremely cool!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: pierreyves on April 13, 2015, 08:31:36 AM: Sorry Enzo, BUT my MK deluxe maple was not at home LOL !!!
For FC, You was welcome to try ALL the basses ;-) but dont forget one in your pocket when you left my home !! LOL
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 13, 2015, 12:07:25 PM: Next time I come with a camion! :-)
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: 5a_quilt_top on April 13, 2015, 12:29:04 PM: Wow - what a humbling collection.

Each one spectacular in its own way!

+1 on comfort taper for 5-string - it was suggested to me as well.
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: pierreyves on April 13, 2015, 12:54:50 PM: FC ?????? Please !!!!! take a Carrier Alembic Nuclear => porte avion !!!
Title: Fretless Europa shaped custom 06C13595
Post by: FC Bass on April 13, 2015, 01:21:58 PM: I think it will stand out too much in the lake, I wouldn't have a chance for a clean getaway. :-)