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bass_blitz
New
Username: bass_blitz

Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 2:26 pm:   Edit Post

Please check instrument files for # 96C9859 and explain woods used in build , model , electronics layout ( including switch funtions ) , and list price for bass at time of completion .
Same info for # 97Q10817 as this also came into my possession . Thanks
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1712
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 3:03 pm:   Edit Post

Patrick, Welcome to the forum! Here is the information from a previous look-up on 96C9859. I did not locate a previous request for 97Q10817, you'll have to wait for this one. Please be aware that this complimentary service does take time. Meanwhile enjoy those basses and Play them Healthy! Art
bass_blitz
New
Username: bass_blitz

Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 4:23 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Art . First it's a five string and not four as filed . The switch in question in the "notes" section is a three way but only the downward position funtions , the other two are silent . I suspect its faulty and requires service but it would be nice to know what it does . The "C" designation that indicates custom but does not explain which model its supposed to be is leaves me wondering which bass did I buy . Maybe you could help . Thanks.....
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1197
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 7:41 pm:   Edit Post

Hi, Patrick, & welcome! The info Mica gives in Art's link says Europa controls; an explanation can be found here. It would seem, however, that there might be some serial-number confusion if you're finding an extra string; throw some pictures up & let's see what you have (we love pictures).

Peter
bass_blitz
New
Username: bass_blitz

Post Number: 3
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 7:01 am:   Edit Post

Hey Peter , Thanks for the assist . The bass was purchased from ebay , in fact the one thats recently posted as "Do not think it is a Mark King but" so there are plenty of photos to reference . The switch in question is the one closest to the input jack which in the Europa controls would be the LED switch . This switch however is a three way type and only functions in the downward position . When repositioned there's plenty of crackle but dead silence when settled in to the next position . The bass with it's flamed koa top is a looker and plays well . It appears to be pretty much a closet cherry and theres almost no wear with great tone . Still I would like to know whether it's truly a Mark King or just a custom build as well as what the switch in question is for . Thanks ,
Patrick
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1713
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 7:55 am:   Edit Post

Patrick, We'll need to wait for Mica on this. I suggest posting a close-up picture of the cavity as Mica did in the previous look-up request so that they may figure out the extra switch. Best, Art
kenbass4
Senior Member
Username: kenbass4

Post Number: 406
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 9:41 am:   Edit Post

The mystery deepens! If you look at Mica's explanation, it says the bass has AXY 5-6 pickups and a 7-piece maple-purpleheart neck, indicating it is in fact a 5-string bass. The only mention of 4-string in that thread was the original requestor's request for a lookup for a 4-string Mark King...typo perhaps?
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1739
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post

Patrick,
I'm wondering if the switch is meant to be a standby, stereo, mono switch or a standby switch that has been replaced. Try exercising the switch 25-50 times to clean the contacts. After this plugin a set of stereo headphones and use the switch. Let us know what you hear. Make sure the pan control is dead center. As Mica said in the other thread it would help to see a photo of the electronics cavity. This would let the folks at Alembic see how everything is wired as it obviously appears to be a custom job.

Keith
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1740
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post

Meant to say start dead center and then pan the control. In stereo I would expect the sound to shift from ear to ear.

Keith
bass_blitz
New
Username: bass_blitz

Post Number: 4
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - 1:05 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you all for the info . First , Art I don't own a digital camera but instead a lot of cool basses so a gut shot photo is out for now . Hopefully Mica will somehow obtain the answer from the files . Hey Kenbass4 you have an eye for detail and your probably right about it just being a typo . Hey Keith , great idea but unfortunatly only the down position yields any sound . The other two are dead silent after the accompanying clicking no matter where the pan is set . I noted that all solder points were sound and mechanically tight so its not a quick fix . Thanks all ,
Patrick
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1722
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 - 6:33 pm:   Edit Post

Pictures that Patrick has sent along... beautiful top from the glance given ;)

front
cavity1
cavity2
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7719
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 - 6:55 pm:   Edit Post

OK, you have an unusual control on your Europa electronics. That switch that only makes output in one position is doing what it is supposed to be doing. It is an on/standby/off switch. If you flick to the off position quickly, it will pop. You must pause at the standby to avoid the pop. Mystery solved there.

09859 layout

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