Europa v. Signature Electronics: Pros/Cons?

[deaconjohn]

Hi,


Wondering about everyone's opinions on the difference and personal preferences between the Europa v. Signature electronics. 


What's your experience with the two, and recommendations?


Thank you,


DJ

[jacko]

I have Europa on my fretless rogue and I love the simplicity of a single 'tone' control (i.e. filter) combined with the pan. Makes it very easy to get the tone I like for fretless.  It also has the Q and bass / treble switches if I need that little boost or cut. Again - very easy to use and intuitive.
I also have sig on my Balance K Deluxe and took quite some time to figure out how each control interacts but the sonic possibilities are endless. It's a far more versatile package than the Europa but each fits my needs perfectly.

Graeme

[hammer]

I'd agree with Graeme as Ive got a Europa 6er as well as a custom Signature deluxe. Using the Europa I can quickly find a good tone. Not always a great tone mind you but one that's several cuts above any other bass I've played. The Signature, however, offers a much broader and more nuanced range of tones.  It took some time to learn to most effectively use it including the three position switches but the tonal possibilities are almost endless.

[keith_h]

I think the Europa electronics are great for performing. With the single filter and quick change switches it is easy to change the sound and get repeatable results. If you are not one that makes a lot of changes or need easy repeatability then I think the Signature are more versatile. 

[5a quilt top]

+ 1 to all above.


If speed during live performance is the primary objective, the Europa / Rogue electronics are king.


It's quick & easy to make very broad, yet effective tone changes using a deceptively simple set of controls.

[jazzyvee]

I want to say a lot about this but am in a rush and will post more detail later.
In short though. If you have a europa based bass, from an alembic perspective I doubt you will find anything lacking in your sound!  However if you then have a signature bass you will start to hear there are sounds you just cannot get with the standard europa/single filter package.  More later

[dtothec]

I have two Rogues and an Orion with a Rogue body, all have Europa/Rogue electronics.  I do a lot of live gigs and love not only the tones that I get, but also the ease and speed at which I can change the tone. I have an Alembic SF-2 that can dial up the tones of series I or II basses if needed!  This set up is a way to have the best of both worlds at a lower cost than buying a series I or II.  You can't go wrong either way.

[deaconjohn]

Hi everyone,


I bought this bass:


https://reverb.com/item/2571633-alembic-burl-redwood-custom-4-string-bass


I also have an SF-2.  What features of the SF-2 correspond with the Series I/II electronics?


TY


DJ

[jacko]

Wow!  What a beautiful instrument. Congratulations.

Graeme

[hammer]

Very Nice! Congratulations

[deaconjohn]

Thanks!!  I negotiated a good price, $5,600 shipped.  I need to start learning how to use this bass with the SF-2.

[Dedhed1]

I had been looking at this bass on Reverb for a while and if I had the money would have jumped on it myself.
Congratulations my friend.. She's a beauty.

[deaconjohn]

Thanks.  I'll keep everyone posted about how it plays.

I had this bass previously, and I wan't able to lower the nut and bridge/action low enough, at least 2/32" at 7th fret with 12 fret depressed:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-Alembic-Mark-King-Standard-bass-/131972829170?hash=item1eba318ff2:g:06wAAOSwCGVYA~qv

If need be, can I send it to Alembic to have it modified to achieve that?  I would think that between the adjustable nut and bridge, you should be able to start with the strings flat on the fingerboard?  I wasn't able to get the action low enough

Thanks for you thoughts/input.

[mtjam]

Great bass! I tried that bass out at B and B a few years ago. As killer as could be expected! Enjoy!