Author Topic: Essence Mods (Read 194 times)

drjenney · « **on:** April 21, 2006, 05:35:48 PM »

OK, Alembic lovers everywhere...

I've got a drop dead gorgeous Bubinga Essence 6 I'd like to upgrade a bit. I figured I'd ask the factory to install the ovals and I'd like a sustain block, but I'm thinking about an electronics upgrade as well.

What do you think? Signature, Europa or Anniversary electronics? And, as far as the Q switch, single, double, triple?

I should probably add I generally play live in a worship band, everything from Christian contemporary to classical.

Thanks, all.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2006, 06:15:37 PM »

Tim; the Essence body is small and thus so is the electronics cavity. I doubt that you can get Anniversary electronics. Signature would probably require modification of the cavity; and I'm guessing that as an upgrade on a stock body, Europa might require cavity modification as well. If you really want a significant electronics upgrade, cost wise one consideration might be just to purchase a used Europa. But I'm just guessing here; if you're seriously considering sending the bass to Santa Rosa, then Val can tell you for sure what is and is not possible.

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:04:57 PM »

Keep in mind, that the space in limited in the Essence, so I don't think there's any way that Anniversary electronics will fit.

We have managed to wrangle both Europa and Signatures in Essence bodies, but these were on new builds, not as retrofits. Probably can still do it with a custom harness layout.

You'll have to consider if you want to address teh sound as a whole, then Europa will probably make more sense. If you would like to think about the tone from each pickup separately, then Signature will do the trick.

Either way, you will have a larger range of sounds available.

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:06:18 PM »

Heh, I started this reply at around 6:00, stepped away for bit. Should have known that Dave would be helpful already.

trekster · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2006, 05:51:57 AM »

ok, the questions about the electronics was answered, but I didn't see anything about what current prices are for the inlays and the sustain block. Since I am also an Essence owner, I'm curious!

--T