Author Topic: Tonal Differences between Spoiler and Europa? (Read 798 times)

Bassman8416 · « **on:** November 29, 2015, 11:28:12 AM »

I have my eye on a Europa. I have owned Spoilers and a Mark King Standard 4. Just wondered if any forum folk can offer some insight into the electronic/tonal and feel differences. Thanks

FC Bass · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2015, 12:17:53 PM »

The Purpleheart neck lams add fundamental sustain, quite impressive :-)

The electronics are not extremely different, with the Europa set you can boost/cut the highs and lows on the sound you're familiar with.

hammer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2015, 03:38:05 PM »

I'd agree with Flip and the degree of that sustain is more evident the more purple heart lams you have in the neck. My 6-string has five PH lams and the sustain is amazing.

moongerm · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2015, 05:12:29 PM »

The Spoilers typically do not have a brass sustain block which does make a difference in the tone and sustain. My Spoiler 5 has 3 Purple heart laminates but has less tonal flexibility than my first Alembic, a Distillate (same Europa electronics). Another thing to point out is that the pickup placement (neck pickup being as close as a 1/2 away from the 24th fret as opposed to 1or more, has something to do with tonality (1/2 away from the neck tends to produce more bass I feel). Neither of those electronics packages have seperate LP filters per pickup so flexibility is limited as comparitively to the Signature/Anniversary models.

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2015, 05:33:14 PM »

Like all of the Alembic electronic packages I've heard and had a chance to play the Europa package sounds like an Alembic. To me the Europa electronics make a very good, maybe Alembics best, performance package if you are the type that needs to make quick changes on a regular basis. The single filter and pan simplifies tone and blending of the pickups. The cut/boost treble and bass switches and Q-switch allow for very fast changes in the tonal characteristics. Even though I have Series 1 and EMW electronics in basses I would seriously consider a Europa if I still gigged regularly.

Keith

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2015, 06:31:50 PM »

If you think about it, Europa electronics are very much like the old Distillate controls. A single filter w/Q-switch, bass & treble boost/cut switches combined with a neck-through with purpleheart lams should get you pretty darn close to a classic Alembic sound. A bit more options than with Spoiler electronics.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #6 on:** November 29, 2015, 06:35:21 PM »

Ha! Brian beat me to it!

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 06, 2015, 10:16:16 PM »

Thanks guys

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 06, 2015, 10:21:37 PM »

Its a choice now between the Europa and a Distillate I have been looking at

(Message edited by Bassman8416 on December 06, 2015)

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 08, 2015, 10:22:03 AM »

Just pulled the trigger:

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 08, 2015, 10:30:23 AM »

moongerm · « **Reply #11 on:** December 08, 2015, 10:33:13 AM »

A most excellent choice, play it well and often!

hammer · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2015, 11:33:52 AM »

I was hoping a member would grab that one, it's quite nice. Would love to hear how you like it once it is received.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 08, 2015, 12:00:56 PM »

I will keep you kind folks posted. I also purchased the SF2 that was for sale here on the forum, so I should be good to go !!!!

flpete1uw · « **Reply #14 on:** December 08, 2015, 01:20:42 PM »

Craig,
You most certainly will be. Congrats on both purchases!
Pete