Author Topic: Retrofit with East-Meets-West Electronics? (Read 2016 times)

tomhug · « **on:** September 06, 2014, 04:59:29 PM »

Hypothetically speaking, can most Alembics be refitted with East-Meets-West Electronics, assuming I don't mind drilling new holes in the top?

Still hypothetically speaking, the models I would consider doing this to would be in the Essence/Rogue/Europa/Orion arena.

If so, what would the (ball-park) costs be?

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2014, 03:09:12 PM »

Best way to find out for sure would be to call or email Mica at Alembic.

mtjam · « **Reply #2 on:** September 07, 2014, 06:31:02 PM »

I had an Orion with EMW electronics, and I currently have an EVH with EMW. Both basses came with that setup, so I don't know the cost.

I will say that I love EMW, and highly recommend those electronics!

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2014, 07:30:16 AM »

I'm sure it can be done but my guess is cost will depend a lot upon what needs to be changed on the target bass. The only way to know is call Alembic for a quote.

On my Orion with EMW the control cavity is larger and I have a separate battery compartment when compared to my Orion 5 with Essence electronics. You can get an idea from the pic's here. My guess is the original cavity size on an Orion would be too small and that the battery would have to be moved at the minimum.

Keith

tomhug · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2014, 08:48:45 AM »

Keith, that's an incredible fretless. I just picked up an Epic Fretless, and I love it. My first time with the Bass/Treble controls on an Alembic. I like the simplicity (but also sometimes wish I had the Q like my Series I)

My someday dream is to have two similarly appointed Alembics, one fretted and one fretless, in the same body type. (Kinda like what you did)

keith_h · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2014, 09:54:26 AM »

Tom, Thanks for the compliment.

I actually didn't plan the two Orions. I was having to re-tune often due to a guitarist I was playing with who kept several guitars in different tunings. I figured a 5 string would fill the bill and avoid having to re-tune every time the GP changed guitars. I had also wanted to try an Alembic so ended up with the 5 string Orion. It became a gateway drug.

Not long after the Orion I bought a 4 string Brown Bass. That was my go to bass until I had my Series 1 built. In between these I had the fretless built. I purposely went with the Orion set neck and ash body to get more emphasis in the mid-range and the associated mwah. It does a great job of capturing that. I like the combination of controls on the EMW electronics. I find I use the filter and Q switch differently than on my other basses. Instead of being the primary tone control they becomes more of a tone modifier or fine tuner for what I set on the bass and treble controls. Of all my basses the fretless is the one I'm most likely to pick up when I just wish to noodle around.

Keith

mica · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2014, 02:42:13 PM »

It won't work on the Europa/Spoiler/Distillate family as EMW since those models have different filter and preamp setups.

The EMW circuit has to either start with an Activator filter or the Activator bass and treble circuit. That means start with Essence or Epic/Orion/Excel and add the other parts. We make a little Y adapter that lets you hook it all together.

And Keith is right - the cavity size may have to be adjusted by undercutting or making a larger cavity with a larger plate.

tomhug · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2014, 03:36:06 PM »

Thank you, Mica, for the complete and specific information - exactly what I was looking for.

I don't have a specific instrument in mind for this, but I am evaluating options, and this helps me understand what might be possible.

Tom

FC Bass · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2014, 02:32:58 PM »

Mica: Could you post/mail a wiring plan for the Y adapter + instructions for the emw mod?

I bought an Orion (5 fretless) and would like to see if I can get a filter in there :-)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #9 on:** November 10, 2014, 04:38:16 PM »

So you have recently bought a 5 string Spoiler and an Orion?
Any pics of the Orion?

FC Bass · « **Reply #10 on:** November 10, 2014, 10:51:17 PM »

I will post more pics/info later this week :-)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2014, 02:38:31 AM »

Seems like between you, PierreYves and myself we have taken quite a few Alembic immigrants found on the run in Europe into protective custody in recent years... :-)

FC Bass · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2014, 06:15:32 AM »

Who can blame us? :-)
The Spoiler seller backed out, I'll explain as soon as this baby is in my hands.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2014, 07:12:07 AM »

Re: Spoiler sale, what a heartbreak! That's a nice looking Orion 5 fretless though.

I too, have become fascinated with the EMW idea...

mica · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2014, 05:05:03 PM »

This should do it: