| Author | Message | ||
| studiorecluse
New Username: studiorecluse Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2005 |
I am looking for the deal of the century on a 4 string Europa. Can show wear if it's all there functionally, and must have a mahogany core. I promise to give it a good home. Thanks. | ||
| bob
Senior Member Username: bob Post Number: 532 Registered: 11-2002 |
Welcome! Perhaps you could say a few more words about what you're looking for (besides a great deal). For instance, 4 strings and mahogany core are fairly clear, but why specifically a Europa? In particular, are you fixated on the shape, or assuming a specific set of electronics, or something else? It seems to me that used Europa's aren't all that common, and most of the ones I recall seeing had 5 or 6 strings - but I don't have any statistics, and might be wrong about this. Depending on what you're looking for, there may be some good alternatives. -Bob | ||
| studiorecluse
New Username: studiorecluse Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hi Bob. Where do I begin? My love affair began about 6 or 7 seven years ago when my son bought a 6-string fretless Europa (yes, he is a real man). It reigns as the finest of the fine IMHO. That got me hooked, but isn’t reason enough to buy one- although it defines what a bass should be in so many ways. I want neck through, so that limits things, I really love the maple/purple heart combination but that isn’t a show stopper. I have played some of the series basses, and just don’t like the way the body feels on my lap, nor the wider neck width (my present bass is a Fender Jazz at 1.5inches), nor the price tag. The Fender probably pre-disposes me toward the Europa body, and the horn on the Rogue looks too big to me. The Essences look like the big sleeper deal, but I fear that the small body is a balance issue. I realize that I need to go play some to know for sure, but that isn’t easy in the section of North Carolina where I live. I don’t know, the Europa has evolved into my dream bass. I suspect the lack of them on the used market is because people keep them. I have heard about the balanced k, but don’t know much about it. Regarding the electronics, his Europa is perfect, just perfect. Live, DI for recording, you name it. This probably explains a lot, but doesn’t open up many substitutions. Thanks for your help and interest. Cary | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 239 Registered: 2-2005 |
Cary, Don't know where you are in regards to Raleigh. There was a used Essence hanging at Conn Music a month or so ago. Conn Music is located in the City Market. It would give you a chance to see what one is like. Keith | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2530 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Cary, welcome to the group. So where in North Carolina do you live? | ||
| studiorecluse
New Username: studiorecluse Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hickory | ||
| gbarchus
Intermediate Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 146 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Cary! I understand you completely. If you run across a 5 stringer, please let me know. Gale | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2584 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cary; I don't own a Europa, and my Essence 4 is in Santa Rosa at the moment. But when it returns, you are welcome to come by and see if you think an Essence will balance well for you. | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 258 Registered: 4-2003 |
Gale, Here's an unusual five-stringer. Extra's make this a bit pricey, but they've had this in stock for some time now, maybe they'd deal a little better than the advertised price. I believe a club member or two have dealt with Guitar Resurection and have been pleased with the experience. Upgrades to the wood and side LEDs make it more expensive compared to what you'd expect to pay for a used Europa, but as mentioned previously, you just don't see too many used ones on the market. They have other attractive Alembics as well in stock. http://www.guitarrez.com/index.html Mike  (Message edited by groovelines on November 16, 2005) | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 263 Registered: 11-2003 |
Cary, Welcome to the club! I own both a Europa 4 and an Essence 4, and live in Fayetteville. We've talked a bit here about doing the 2nd Annual NC Mini Alembic Convention (Keith and I held the first one in May), so if there is any interest, perhaps we could all meet up somewhere where we could A/B the Essence and Europa. Keith has played mine and might be able to give you a few insights. I will tell you, though, that there is no problem balance-wise with an Essence. I played it at a jam this weekend and it was perfect. My Europa can be seen the the showcase section under Al's Europa. Its got a quilt maple top over Mahogany, with a wineburst finish. It is an 03, and is in mint condition. My Essence is a 92, with a bird's eye maple top, walnut accent, and maple body and neck. | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 264 Registered: 11-2003 |
BTW, the Essence Keith is referring to? I purchased it. You can see a pic in the introductions section in No. 4 for Alan or something like that. | ||
| studiorecluse
New Username: studiorecluse Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2005 |
ajdover, What a wonderful offer; yeah, I would live to come play them when they are together again. Please cut me an email when the time is ripe. Your bases do pose another topic- I see that you have a maple Essence. I see a lot of them around, but have avoided them because of an imagined brightness as compared to mahogany. How would you characterise the difference in wood sound between your two basses, or between a mahogany and an otherwise similar maple body? Thanks again for the offer. | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 265 Registered: 11-2003 |
Cary, Both of mine are together. I think you're mistaking me for Dave. As far as the difference in sound, the Europa has a Q switch, low pass filter, and treble/bass boost/cut switches. The Essence has volume, blend, and filter. I do not find the Essence overly bright. The Europa is a bit more versatile due to its electronics package - I can go very bright with the Q switch engaged, or cut freqs when required with the boost/cut switches. I think you'll find that on a neck through instrument that the construction of the neck has more to do with the tonal characteristics than the body does. All of the parts involved in reproducing the sound of the strings are located in the neck, e.g., bridge, bridge block, tailpiece, tuners, nut, etc. My advice is to worry less about the core and more about the neck. Now, in a set or bolt on neck, more of the tone comes from the body from what I understand. If anyone knows better feel free to pipe in as I am surely not an expert on this. A lot of the tone comes from one's fingers as well. Don't believe me? Give your bass to someone else to play and see how it sounds. I've done that a few times and these individuals coax sounds out of them that I never could. Same goes for the Essence. It just sounded so ... right. You would do well with either bass. I really like the small body on the Essence and the simplicity of the controls. Like you, I grew up playing Jazz basses (and Ricks) so I'm a bit put off by the larger necks you find on some of the other Alembic models (although the fine people in Santa Rosa will make you anything you want when ordering a custom from them). I find that the Europa and Essence fit what I like. The Essence is especially comfortable to me. Hope this helps, Alan | ||
| studiorecluse
New Username: studiorecluse Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2005 |
Oops, I meshed the two NC'ers together in my brain, appologies. Dave, take what I said about loving to come and play them, and apply them to yourself. ajdover, thanks for the info on woods and body size. | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 252 Registered: 2-2005 |
Cary, Yes, I have played Alan's Europa. I did not find it having any balance problems. I do like the Europa electronics. They are more versitile than the Essence but are easy to use and set. I like the simplicity of the single filter and switches for live playing. If I had the money I would order a custom one for myself. I have three Alembics myself and have never noticed any problems with balance or neck dive. I have two Orions (more or less the Europa body in a set neck) and a short scale Brown Bass. On my 5 string Orion I have the Essence electronics with a Q switch. I find it more than adequate for tone control and again great for using live where quick tone changes are required. I really don't think you can go wrong with either the Essence or the Europa. They can both give you that Alembic sound. You can always start with an Essence and get the Europa later. If you've lurked here very long you will have noticed many of the folks own more than one Alembic. Keith | ||
| gbarchus
Intermediate Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 147 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mike, Actually, I've seen that bass and love the wood, but not that headstock on a 5 string. picky, picky.. I know. I live in Austin when I'm in the States. ...and it IS expensive! You have a 20th anniversary? Gale | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2003 |
Gale, Yes, I do and see that you do as well. Plays like a champ. Can I ask why an Anniversary player would want a Europa? (Man, that sounds snobby...especially when I can think of several varieties of Alembics I'd like to also own, lol) The headstock is unusual for a Europa. I previously owned a 5 string Orion with a crown peghead. Didn't take too long to get used to it and there was no mistaking MY bass for any others. Plus, I think the crown is uniquely Alembic.  Europa electronics and side LEDs. Through a trade last year and last I knew, this bass was in the hands of another club member, "oggydoggy". Earlier this summer he had it up for auction, prehaps he still owns it. Two major differences from what you are looking for: 1 -the Orion is a set neck, 2 -with no P-heart neck laminates. Prices for all new Alembics are a bit scary and well, relative to each of us. Best of luck with your search. Mike | ||
| gbarchus
Intermediate Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 149 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mike, I'm looking for an Alembic that balances better on me. ...and I want a neck through , so the Europa. An MK Balance K body would also fit the bill but electronically is almost the same as the 20th Anniversary. Gale | ||
| 2400wattman
New Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2005 |
Watch for a '95 Elan on e-bay. walnut top w/ flame maple back. Ultimate mint condition and sounds awesome! I know the guy selling it and he is great to deal with. I know it's not a Europa but it is worth looking at for a compromise.It really is beautiful. |
