Author Topic: Alembic Jazz Pickups with Europa Controls (Read 209 times)

jetbass79 · « **on:** July 30, 2005, 12:23:20 AM »

I've decided to go (at some point) with a set neck fretless bass with Elan body and peghead for a Jazz Bass type instrument with an uber steroid problem. I thought about going with AXY pickups (totally dig them) but I'd rather keep the Jazz look with Jazz pickups.

I totally like the Europa controls on my fretted Alembic and I would like to know how this preamp works with the Jazz pickups. Are there two gain pots so that you can adjust the output of each pickup independently? I ask this because the Jazz pickups are limited in power because of geometry and I wonder if the preamp can make up for these limitations. If not, what preamps have two gain pots (one per pickup) so I may revise my thoughts?

The other question is can the pickups be placed in the classic Jazz Bass positions? I notice the Excel in the showroom has a neck pickup located farther away from the bridge pickup than I would like it to be. I think the bridge pickup is also located closer to the bridge than I would want it to be. I know it is being picky but, the fretless Jazz sound partly has to do with pickup placement and I want to Alembicize it. I would like the classic mid and bridge positions for the Jazz look.

I have definitely decided purpleheart neck lams and the sustain block have to be components of this bass. The more sustain in a fretless the merrier.

kmh364 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2005, 04:51:45 AM »

John,

While others maintain that the J activators are limited in output compared to the other styles due to aperture, etc., you could fool me. While I have no means of direct comparison, I highly doubt you'll lose much going with the Js. I have 'em (see link below) and with the active electronics which are similar to the Europa, sans the tone switches (mine are the EMW package: MV, Blend, Bass, Treble, Filter and 2-P Q switch) it simply kick's *ss! I have absolutely no problem overdriving the hell out of my Eden WT-550 head's tube preamp with Alembic's J electronic package.

As far as trim pots, as far as I know, all activators have 'em for level adjust and or overall balance.

Activator spacing shouldn't be a problem either...it's usually only limited by the size of the body.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8557.html?1093301442

I was looking for a hi-end J-bass as well, albeit a fretted one, and I think I got it and then some.

Good Luck in your quest for the Holy Grail of Tone...you're in the right place, LOL!

Cheers,

Kevin

BTW, Alembic made a couple of basses within the last year or so with full size J-style bodies and J activators that I believe shipped to the UK. I'll be damned if I can find 'em here, but they do exist and there are pix to prove it.

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2005, 06:06:44 AM »

Here they are.

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2005, 06:49:49 AM »

John,
Sounds similar to the bass I have on order except for the electronics. I have ordered a 4 string fretless Orion with the East Meets West electronics. I went with an ash body for more midrange and a spalted maple top. I think the sustain block would be a good enhancement for a fretless. I had thought about it but didn't get it on my wish list, so forgot when it came time to order. Now that the wife has agreed to the price (new furiniture) and my daughters college payments have started I can't go back and add one very easily.
Now I just have to be patient and wait for status and pictures (nudge, nudge ;-)).

Keith

kmh364 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2005, 07:41:56 AM »

Thanks, Dave. I couldn't find 'em to save my life. I knew they went to 'ole Blighty, but I couldn't remember the site. I only went with the J's for aesthetic reasons (versus the MXY's), but I'm very happy with them nonetheless.

jetbass79 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2005, 05:56:34 PM »

Seeing an Alembic with a normal size Jazz body is a trip! I think I will stick with the Elan shape (and peghead) as an homage to Mr. Hojin for whom that bass was originally built for. Not to mention it has less weight than a normal size Jazz body because it's a bit more trim.

I'm going to go with a fretless (paternal/fraternal -- which one is not identical?) twin of my fretted Alembic with a birdseye top and figured walnut peghead overlay. It will be different (besides the body and peghead shapes) because it will have the sustain block and the PH neck lams because a fretless needs to sustain.

I wouldn't say it's the Holy Grail of tone but it should sing. I really like the set neck models, too. I really dig how they carve the neck heels so they are just like the through neck models when using a non stock (Epic, Orion, Excel) body shape.

Now since they can do a normal Jazz shape something tells me they can do a Precision shape, and when the Gods of Economic Availability give me permission to dabble in that then my Falembic Precision Bass dream may come to fruition. But for right now, the fretless is a much higher priority.

jetbass79 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2005, 12:31:02 AM »

Oh yeah...and I'm going with Alembic's Jazz pickups...I think it will be perfect...Thank you for the information.

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2005, 04:38:08 AM »

No sweat...enjoy! You won't be disappointed.