Replacing 12th fret inlay?

[DanFrank]

How difficult is it to replace an oval inlay on the 12th fret?  Nothing wrong with it, other than it has custom initials that don't match my own.  I'm thinking about a Europa bass on Reverb but there are a few things that are keeping me from pursuing it.  The oval inlay on the 12th fret has initials "PJ" and I don't want to explain that it now stands for "Perfect Jam" after I would buy it.  I'm not crazy about the full black finish either and would prefer walnut or a dark wood. The weight is probably normal for a Europa at 12.1 lb.?  I may be able to deal with the black finish and weight but that customized inlay is a show stopper for me, as trivial as that may seem :-)  Any opinions would be very much appreciated!!

[jwright9]

I am in the same boat as you. I have been watching this bass. I don't love the black finish either but can look past that but the inlay is keeping me from pursuing it.

From what I know, a replacement inlay can easily be ordered from Alembic. You would then just have to remove the PJ inlay, remove all the glue carefully and then install the new inlay and file/sand it down to match the height of the fingerboard.
I was looking at doing something similar with a Series I recently that needed a new inlay and got these details from Mica.
Sounds relatively simple. Something a good luthier could do very easily but beyond what I personally felt comfortable doing.

Looks like a great bass though all in all.

[DanFrank]

I'm not sure I would go for that price either.... I know inflation is a real thing but it wasn't long ago that Europa's were going for mid-to-high $3k range.  This does have LED's, which is important in my next purchase, but I'm not crazy about the black finish and I'm still concerned about the weight.  So I don't think I'm going to go for it seriously unless the price is reduced again.  But I'm glad to hear the inlay isn't as big a deal as I thought it might be.....thanks jwright9!

[jwright9]

I agree with you about the price. I have made an offer in the $3k range and the seller quickly declined.

[jazzyvee]

Wow i have an europa just like that one but with signature electronics. I had 12th fret inlays done on two of my basses by john diggins of jaydee guitars and he said they are a for him a simple job to remove and replace with something else. But if i wanted that bass i wouldnt let that inlay stop me as a good sharpie would hide it till i could get it removed.

[edwardofhuncote]

Fairly simple fix for a competent repair shop. (shoot, even I'd take a swing at this one...) Easier still, if one could get the correct size oval from Alembic to go in there.

And like Jazzy says, a black Sharpie pen is an easy solution. There's also a vinyl decal option. Lots of ways to disavow any connection with PJ.

Honestly, I'd be more concerned about the price per pound on this on, Dan. 

[tx196059]

I have 2 great basses with initials on the 12th fret, including a like new Series II I just acquired. I had the sharpie in my hand a couple of times, but chickened out. Has anyone here actually changed one out? I wished there were no initials, but that did not hinder my desire to purchase. I guess it could be an issue if I decided to sell in the future though. But is the value added worth the time and effort? Not to mention running the risk of scratching in the process.

This Europa is listed as having a solid maple body. Would be interesting if someone here bought it, and restored it to natural wood.

[DanFrank]

All great suggestions.  Thanks Jazzy & Greg!  I wouldn't be in a big hurry to remove it but eventually I would replace it if I bought the bass. It's only a little over an hour drive from me.  Just curious what anyone thought about the price at $4500?  I think it's high compared to what I saw them go for in the last few years but I also noticed prices rising in that timeframe as well.  The 12 lb weight would be over 2 lb more than my spoiler.... oh to be 30-something again :-)

[StephenR]

$4,500 seems expensive for a used Europa and most likely reflects the owner trying to lose as little as possible on a relatively recent bass purchase. Understandable but perhaps not realistic. Price was already dropped 25% and I doubt it is going to get snatched quickly at the listed price. A lot of the Alembics on Reverb are listed at prices way above what I see similar instruments selling for and sit there for a long time. Since you are on the fence about the inlay and color probably better to pass for now. Have you tried offering the seller less money? If he gets enough offers in the range of a market price he may realize he needs to adjust his expectations.

[DanFrank]

I didn't make an offer because I'm still not sure I even want this model.  All that maple is making it very heavy and I'm not sure if I'll get the deep low-B tone I currently have on my Spoiler, but I'm assuming it won't be an issue.  If this were a nice dark wood face and a little bit lighter weight, I would have jumped on the opportunity.  At that price though, I may just wait and save for a Signature Deluxe.  Love that 2006 Alembic MJLB 5 Signature Standard Bass Buckeye Burl 5 String on eBay but the price is way high IMHO. That one looks like it as the noise canceling pickup in the middle and it's a 7-piece neck but still called a "Standard."  That's a beautiful piece but must be a custom?

[cozmik_cowboy]

Well, if someone (besides Danno) decides that the price isn't too much, remember:  Under all Alembic color finishes is clear finish, so they could take it down to natural with ease.

Peter

[jazzyvee]

@frankfiveinc
When I got my all maple europa, I didn't expect the bass to be as heavy as it is. I thought like many here that all that maple makes for a predominantly bright sounding bass. Well in my experience with it, the bass is very bright yes and even with all the filter closed it's not all bottom end, some higher frequencies get in. You won't hear a dub bass sound with no mids from the bass itself without eq-ing out some of the mids via your amp but all those low frequencies are in the sound. It is heavy and extremely punchy and clear bass. The clarity of the low B and the bottom end generally is great for reggae which is what I use mine mainly for and you can hear every note.

[DanFrank]

Thanks Jazzyvee!  Do you have any YouTube videos of that bass playing Reggae?  I'd just like to hear it with my in-ear headphones that I use when I play on stage if it's a good representation of the tone.  But I have to admit, after reading on this thread and others with he difference between Signature and Series electronics, I'm may just wait and save for one of those 5-string choices.  Thanks so much!

[jazzyvee]

Here are a few clips of my maple europa.


Here is one clip


Another:

[keith_h]

Well, if someone (besides Danno) decides that the price isn't too much, remember:  Under all Alembic color finishes is clear finish, so they could take it down to natural with ease.

Peter

And they use the same quality of top woods they would have with a clear or see-through burst finish.