Upgrading electronics if in the UK

[clarkybass]

As a UK dweller, if I wanted to upgrade to signature electronics in my Spoiler and/or Elan 5 is the only option to send to the factory in California? Or is there anyone accredited in the UK that could do so (eg, the official distributor American Guitar & Bassworld)? I assume the former but the latter would save $300-plus in postage (and almost certainly lots of time, given how busy Alembic are from the build threads), hence my question. Thanks!

[briant]

If you're comfortable drilling some new holes in the body you could do the upgrade yourself.  If you aren't comfortable doing that any local luthier that you trust can.
 
Aside from the new holes to accommodate the controls there really isn't much to upgrading the electronics.  You could save a lot of time and money doing it yourself or having someone local do it for you.

[clarkybass]

Thanks - I just checked the Alembic website and, while it sells pickup sets (with pots), it does not appear to offer signature electronics kits to upgrade. So I guess these have to be special order from Mica at the factory?

[briant]

You can order factory direct.  I'd suggest calling the good people at The Mothership and inquiring about cost.  It's the fastest and easiest way to deal with them.  They're rather busy and don't always get back to emails in a timely manner.