Print Page - Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String

Title: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: gregduboc on July 23, 2026, 08:14:49 AM

Hi all! It's been so many years since I last posted here. Hope everyone has been doing well!
So, for the comeback, here is my 1998 4 string Alembic Series I, with am amazing book-matched Burl Maple Top on an Europa body.

Neck is Maple, with Purpleheart laminates. The electronics are Series I, but with a Master Volume and a Pan control instead of the usual individual Pickup Volume knobs. Serial Number 98C11878

It's strung with Thomastik flats which I know are sometimes controversial here... but I love them!

I bought this bass from s_wood (the original owner) here on the forum back in 2014, and this bass has lived it's life here in Brazil since then.

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: edwardofhuncote on July 23, 2026, 08:44:47 AM

Ooo-weee, what a bass. :o No argument from here on the pan control or the TI's.

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: briant on July 23, 2026, 09:38:14 AM

I've got TI Jazz Flats on 3 of my Alembics. No judgement here.

That's a beautiful top.

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: David Houck on July 23, 2026, 02:40:05 PM

That is indeed a fine bass!

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: BeenDown139 on July 23, 2026, 02:41:19 PM

QuoteI've got TI Jazz Flats on 3 of my Alembics. No judgement here

the fretlessesses get the TI jazz flats, the fretteds get the roto rounds in the house o'BeenDown. it's codified here somewhere. beautiful bass!

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: rv_bass on July 24, 2026, 05:59:14 PM

Beautiful bass! 😊

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: Barend on July 25, 2026, 11:01:45 PM

Amazing top! 8)

What are your thoughts on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups? Is there a difference in sound or is it just more practical?

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: gregduboc on July 27, 2026, 07:16:14 AM

Quote from: Barend on July 25, 2026, 11:01:45 PMAmazing top! 8)

What are your thoughts on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups? Is there a difference in sound or is it just more practical?

I actually really like this configuration. Makes it very easy for quick on-the-fly adjustments.
I'm a big fan of having a Master Volume knob, I always like to cut the volume when I'm not playing and a Master knob makes it much easier for my muscle memory.

This configuration doesn't allow a super fine adjustment as having the two volumes separate... but for me it's more than enough.

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on August 02, 2026, 05:32:49 PM

Hi, Greg, good to see you and that beauty again!

Peter

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: adriaan on August 02, 2026, 10:55:16 PM

[The further discussion on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups was moved to a separate topic here (https://club.alembicguitars.com/alembic-basses-guitars/thoughts-on-volumepan-vs-volumevolume/).]

Title: Re: Burl Maple Top Series I Europa 4 String
Post by: DistillaMatto on August 10, 2026, 09:42:10 PM

Nicely kept. Beautiful bass.

Alembic Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Series I Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: gregduboc on July 23, 2026, 08:14:49 AM