Serial Number 99K12216

[Slinky Pete]

Hello!  Thisis Pete from UK.  So I took the plunge and acquired this lovely bass.  Mica has replied to me a few weeks ago by email when I was researching pre-purchase however I'd like to know as much as possible about this bass please.  I have sent a few more emails that I havent heard back from yet but I remembered about this club, so as a real owner now I thought I'd try it out!

Quite a few questions coming up, hope that's ok.  The bass needs some care and attention.

Do you have any paperwork or documentation on file for this bass that you can share with me?

I know it's a Stinger shape with Europa electronics, mahogany/maple with purpleheart laminates.  Mica told me it's birthday and that you last heard of it in 2003 in Michigan, thanks for the original info Mica.  I'd like to now restore its provenance and gather as much info as possible.

Is there some info or manual on the Europa electronics and controls?  I have no idea what each switch does or which circuits the batteries drive . 

The LEDs do not work according to last owner - it has had a refret (poor one) so maybe wires got severed?  How could I test, which battery runs the LEDs and is there a switch somewhere to turn the LEDs on and off.  If wire is severed then that's a mess to get them working again I would suspect - what's your thoughts?

I expect I will get another refret due to the mediocre refret already done, I see Jescar and Dunlop 6150 has been mentioned in previous threads, what would you recommend?

Mica mentioned the micor upgrade to the circuit board, I'd like to order that if possible.

I notice the 'Alembic' name is missing from the crown, looks like broken off - can I purchase a replacement please?

There was some tissue padding in the main battery compartment and also in the controls cavity, is there a better solution for this to stop the components rattling around?

The hard case is fitted but I cant tell if it's Alembic or not - what do you think?  The left hand latch is broken, is there a replacement or a recommended fix? Edit - sorry having trouble uploading more than one file

Well that's it for now - if I should post in another area please let me know!

Kind regards

Pete

[jazzyvee]

Hi Pete, good to have another member from the UK here.
Here are the controls for the Europa/Rogue basses. This will let you know what the switches do. If you do not have any experience with Low Pass Filters this will take some getting used to.

https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=238.0

Not all alembics have the written name on the headstock. I know for sure the logo is a replacement at HQ only job, but not sure about the name tag. Though i expect it is the same policy. Ok that picture of the headstock and case were not showing when i replied. Yes the case looks original if it is fitted to the bass then you know for sure. Check with Mica regarding the logo.

As for the LEDs they are usually powered by a separate set of batteries. Four, 9v batteries in one of the rear cavities and a 9v in the other is the norm. The single 9v is for powering the active electronics.

[Slinky Pete]

Amazing thank you!  Yes I had trouble uploading due to size of images but might have sussed it!  Thanks for the warm welcome!

Yes I have a cavity with connectors for four batteries and one cavity for single battery connected to control cavity so that makes sense.

Thanks for the controls link, I have exactly that. I do have experience with LPFs I have a MoogerFooger pedal I've had for a few years now and use it a lot but that is a lifetime of learning! 

Thanks again for the welcome and the info!

[pauldo]

Pete.
Welcome to the camp!   A heart Omega with a stinger!!!!  Wow wee wow wow.

I concur with Jazzy on the case, it looks original from the outside.  Ironically my Alembic case also has the left latch non-functional.   I used a brass ‘luggage latch’ to fix mine.  It ain’t pretty but holds the lid securely.

Should be able to post a pic tomorrow.

[Slinky Pete]

Thanks Pauldo!  That's one thing I was after, the actual name of the bass!  A Heart Omega, with a Stinger!  Thank you so much.  The case latch is minor compared to the potential refret and non-working LEDs.  I have a great guy to do the work but some advice from the Alembic team beforehand would be really helpful. What basses do you guys have?

[pauldo]

Pete,
There are some very talented people here that should be able to offer solid advice for your concerns.
I have one zebrawood Distillate.  At one time I also had a zebrawood Exploiter.
When my luck hits the lotto I will have many! 

Honestly the Distillate’s tonal palette suits me very well.   Only thing it lacks is a fretless mwah.

Here’s a picture of my “latch fix”.  It isn’t pretty but has worked for about 20 years.   

Be well!

[hieronymous]

Welcome and congratulations! What a sweet bass! I think the logo on yours looks very cool and doesn't need the "name" on the headstock.

The filter is one of the coolest things about Alembics (IMO) - between pickup selection and the filter, you can get a wide variety of sounds, sometimes like classic stuff you've heard, sometimes like Alembic sounds you've heard. Maybe a little different than a Moogerfooger LPF - if you're thinking envelope filter, then this is more like a tone control, but so much more flexible than just a passive tone control. I've never had an Alembic with the eq switches, but I've heard good things! Enjoy!

[Slinky Pete]

Thanks Hieronymus, will be getting a refret and seeing if we can fix the LEDs, not that I'd use them but hey!  Just waiting to hear from Mica or someone for some advice on that work.