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tomhug
Intermediate Member
Username: tomhug

Post Number: 137
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2014 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

Hypothetically speaking, can most Alembics be refitted with East-Meets-West Electronics, assuming I don't mind drilling new holes in the top?

Still hypothetically speaking, the models I would consider doing this to would be in the Essence/Rogue/Europa/Orion arena.

If so, what would the (ball-park) costs be?
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4208
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2014 - 3:09 pm:   Edit Post

Best way to find out for sure would be to call or email Mica at Alembic.
mtjam
Intermediate Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 196
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2014 - 6:31 pm:   Edit Post

I had an Orion with EMW electronics, and I currently have an EVH with EMW. Both basses came with that setup, so I don't know the cost.

I will say that I love EMW, and highly recommend those electronics!
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2074
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 7:30 am:   Edit Post

I'm sure it can be done but my guess is cost will depend a lot upon what needs to be changed on the target bass. The only way to know is call Alembic for a quote.

On my Orion with EMW the control cavity is larger and I have a separate battery compartment when compared to my Orion 5 with Essence electronics. You can get an idea from the pic's here. My guess is the original cavity size on an Orion would be too small and that the battery would have to be moved at the minimum.

Keith
tomhug
Intermediate Member
Username: tomhug

Post Number: 138
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 8:48 am:   Edit Post

Keith, that's an incredible fretless. I just picked up an Epic Fretless, and I love it. My first time with the Bass/Treble controls on an Alembic. I like the simplicity (but also sometimes wish I had the Q like my Series I)

My "someday" dream is to have two similarly appointed Alembics, one fretted and one fretless, in the same body type. (Kinda like what you did)
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2076
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 9:54 am:   Edit Post

Tom, Thanks for the compliment.

I actually didn't plan the two Orions. I was having to re-tune often due to a guitarist I was playing with who kept several guitars in different tunings. I figured a 5 string would fill the bill and avoid having to re-tune every time the GP changed guitars. I had also wanted to try an Alembic so ended up with the 5 string Orion. It became a gateway drug.

Not long after the Orion I bought a 4 string Brown Bass. That was my go to bass until I had my Series 1 built. In between these I had the fretless built. I purposely went with the Orion set neck and ash body to get more emphasis in the mid-range and the associated mwah. It does a great job of capturing that. I like the combination of controls on the EMW electronics. I find I use the filter and Q switch differently than on my other basses. Instead of being the primary tone control they becomes more of a tone modifier or fine tuner for what I set on the bass and treble controls. Of all my basses the fretless is the one I'm most likely to pick up when I just wish to noodle around.

Keith
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8258
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 2:42 pm:   Edit Post

It won't work on the Europa/Spoiler/Distillate family as EMW since those models have different filter and preamp setups.

The EMW circuit has to either start with an Activator filter or the Activator bass and treble circuit. That means start with Essence or Epic/Orion/Excel and add the other parts. We make a little "Y" adapter that lets you hook it all together.

And Keith is right - the cavity size may have to be adjusted by undercutting or making a larger cavity with a larger plate.
tomhug
Intermediate Member
Username: tomhug

Post Number: 139
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Monday, September 08, 2014 - 3:36 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you, Mica, for the complete and specific information - exactly what I was looking for.

I don't have a specific instrument in mind for this, but I am evaluating options, and this helps me understand what might be possible.

Tom
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1590
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 - 2:32 pm:   Edit Post

Mica: Could you post/mail a wiring plan for the Y adapter + instructions for the emw mod?

I bought an Orion (5 fretless) and would like to see if I can get a filter in there :-)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4292
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 - 4:38 pm:   Edit Post

So you have recently bought a 5 string Spoiler and an Orion?
Any pics of the Orion?
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1591
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, November 10, 2014 - 10:51 pm:   Edit Post

I will post more pics/info later this week :-)



jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4293
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 2:38 am:   Edit Post

Seems like between you, PierreYves and myself we have taken quite a few Alembic immigrants found on the run in Europe into protective custody in recent years... :-)
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1592
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 6:15 am:   Edit Post

Who can blame us? :-)
The Spoiler seller backed out, I'll explain as soon as this baby is in my hands.
edwardofhuncote
Member
Username: edwardofhuncote

Post Number: 98
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 7:12 am:   Edit Post

Re: Spoiler sale, what a heartbreak! That's a nice looking Orion 5 fretless though.

I too, have become fascinated with the EMW idea...
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8315
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 5:05 pm:   Edit Post

This should do it:

EMW Conversion
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1593
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 6:04 pm:   Edit Post

Thanx Mica!

Gregory: That was a bummer indeed... But I think this five string will feel more natural to me, my other fiver also has the comfort taper with a longscale neck.
I don't really need two fretless basses though, so I think one of them will get some ovals + iron eventually. The one with the best fretless tone will be spared this Blackadder worthy cunning plan. :-)

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