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fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 819
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 9:58 am:   Edit Post

My new "A" bas :-)


These pictures are from the seller (Bass World UK)
She will be here in less than a week :-)





(click for larger versions, I will try to fix the weird color shift and upload better versions asap)

She was listed as an Orion, but I don't see any Orion features on her (ok, Maple Neck & Ebony fretboard + headstock shape)
Looks more like a downgraded fretless Europa with topwood upgrade or an upgraded Essence.

Needless to say, I am very happy :-)
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 1030
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 4:50 pm:   Edit Post

Congratulations Flip.
This is a real beauty.
Mike
3rd_ray
Intermediate Member
Username: 3rd_ray

Post Number: 194
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 5:16 pm:   Edit Post

Beautiful bass Flip! That spalt looks awesome!

Mike
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 589
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 6:08 pm:   Edit Post

Congratulations Flip. That is some amazing wood.
Play it Healthy!
Art
funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 383
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 9:02 am:   Edit Post

Wonderful Bass
altgrendel
Junior
Username: altgrendel

Post Number: 42
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 9:16 am:   Edit Post

I love the look of Europas, this one especally.

I think if I manage to get the money to get one, I'll go for a curly redwood top and a mahogany, vermilion, ebony laminated neck.
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 543
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 7:44 pm:   Edit Post

Alembic four stringers with the Elan, or Orion/Europa bodies and in-line peg heads, to me, always appear to be elegant, fast and lethal. Nice, Flip.

Mike
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum

Post Number: 468
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 4:35 am:   Edit Post

Very pretty. Congratulations.
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 979
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 9:41 am:   Edit Post

Congrats as your addiction deepens!
rraymond
Advanced Member
Username: rraymond

Post Number: 346
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 12:11 pm:   Edit Post

Wow, that is really knocked out! Congrats Flip.
bassfingers
Advanced Member
Username: bassfingers

Post Number: 206
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 5:49 pm:   Edit Post

Beautiful,well done!!.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7692
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 8:36 pm:   Edit Post

I've been looking at this for a while; I think it's a custom body shape. It's not a Europa, and it's not an Orion. It's a really nice shape!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 823
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 9:27 pm:   Edit Post

Thanx for the nice words and @ Dave thanx for the heads up!
I also checked and think your right.
The bass side cutaway looks deeper, more like an Orion and the treble side horn looks a bit thicker (somewhere halfway Elan/Europa)
Maybe there something mentioned in the build sheets, I'll let you know asap.

@ Danno: addiction? I'm not sure what you mean...
Sorry, no time for a discussion right now, must check Ebay.com, Ebay.de, ebay.co.uk, ebay.it and some local auction sites to see if there are nice Alembics for sale.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 1365
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 08, 2009 - 7:29 am:   Edit Post

That bass looks like the one I saw in the UK Bassworld shop when I was in there last year it's incredibly beautiful. I didn't play it as I don't play fretless at all.
Great news

Enjoy
jet_powers
Senior Member
Username: jet_powers

Post Number: 435
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Sunday, March 08, 2009 - 8:29 am:   Edit Post

It reminds me of a cross between a Rogue and a Europa.... Mostly, it's beautiful!
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 1033
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 08, 2009 - 8:40 am:   Edit Post

I thought the Europa has a longer upper horn. This shape looks to me like an Orion with a neck-through altering the basic shape. Either way, it's beautiful. I remember someone had a FTC thread with a neck-through Epic a few years ago.
Mike
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 825
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 6:06 am:   Edit Post

Friends:




(Sorry, only 2 stands in the house today)

She looks/feels stunning :-)

Build sheet says OLB4F Orion, nothing mentioned about custom features...

Sorry... must play now :-)
jakebass
Member
Username: jakebass

Post Number: 68
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 7:24 am:   Edit Post

I played that bass in the shop, very very nice.
I hope (I know) you'll be happy with her, she sings so sweetly :-)
Jake
funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 401
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 7:37 am:   Edit Post

Fraternal twins
mario_farufyno
Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 88
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 6:10 am:   Edit Post

Alembic always exceeds on their Tops... Nice Spalted Maple!

It reminds me a slight Rogue influence, but is a Europa indeed.
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 863
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2009 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post

The top is really spectacular indeed, last rehearsal session it took about half an hour before my bandmates asked politely but also compulsory if I was ready and could start the song :-)

There are two new basses on the site of Bass World UK now with what appears the same bodyshape, perhaps a sort of new model from Alembic?
(neck through Orion)

See: Bass World UK website
57basstra
Senior Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 879
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2009 - 6:05 am:   Edit Post

Very nice. Congratulations.
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 929
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 6:14 pm:   Edit Post

Thanx!

Some new pics:








artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 752
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 7:13 pm:   Edit Post

Sweet!
sonicus
Intermediate Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 187
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 9:04 pm:   Edit Post

Superb Fretless!
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 1572
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 10:50 pm:   Edit Post

I'm almost sure that bass was in the bassworld shop last year when I visited. I didn't play it as I have no clue at all with fretless basses.

It sure stood out though. Spalted maple is a great choice of wood. A lovely looking bass you have there.

Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 931
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 1:52 am:   Edit Post

She's from Bassworld UK indeed ;-)

Here's the picture you took:


(it's the one with the "Do not touch" card) :-)
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 1059
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 7:25 am:   Edit Post

FC-

How do you like those Pyramid Gold strings (assuming that's what you have on there). I've never played them and the price has always scared me away from trying a set.

Toby
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 933
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 2:31 pm:   Edit Post

Those are Optima strings, not much more expensive than the R.Cocco I normally use.
They look and sound great.
mario_farufyno
Intermediate Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 145
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 3:03 pm:   Edit Post

Perfect match to that gorgeous top... Does they really last longer?
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1074
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 2:56 am:   Edit Post

Note: Question answered in another topic, they last about as long as the R.Cocco strings I always use.

After almost a year the first (Bit blurry) action pic:

dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 1368
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 5:35 am:   Edit Post

Looking justified, Flip. :-)
Rock on!
Mike
bonesrad
Member
Username: bonesrad

Post Number: 66
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

Very cool bass.

My take is that it has the features of an Essence bass with a q switch, then placed in a Europa body. Again, very nice.

Enjoy in good health.
Bones
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 761
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2010 - 4:52 pm:   Edit Post

This looks like a highly desirable Fretless Bass.
CONGRATULATIONS, She be a keeper ! I bet she will sing nice .

NICE NICE NICE _______________...
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1078
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 9:22 am:   Edit Post

Thanx!
I will enjoy, rock on and she sings great indeed :-)
I was in the market for a set neck fretless but fell for the looks of this one. (about twice over my fretless budget, hence the lack of Ebony lams in my custom)
Good choice, because I love the sustain and overall sound.

The electronics are Essence + Q indeed, link to the build sheet: Click here
Pretty basic modular set with a single trimpot for overall gain, I think this will be subject to an upgrade to Signature electronics somewhere in the future.

And now: Mica style

Serial number: 06C13595
Model number/name: OLB4F Orion
Date completed: 2006 (sorry, that's all)
Top Laminate: Spalted Maple
Back Laminate: N/A
Accent wood: Purpleheart-Maple
Body wood: Mahogany
Neck woods: Maple-Walnut
Fingerboard: Ebony
Inlays: N/A
Strings: Alembic
Veneers: Spalted Maple
Electronics: Essence w/Q
Machine heads: Gold
Custom features: N/A

The body design is unique, I think this is the first I saw with this body style.
The upper cutaway (bass side) is much deeper than on the Elan/Europa. Unlike on the Orion the cutaways are curved upwards at the neck, on the "standard" Orion you can draw an evenly curved line from the upper horn to the lower horn.
This design sits somewhere in between, leaning towards the Orion shape I think.

There are some on the Alembic MySpace page: Click here

And still one for sale @ the UK dealer: Click here
altgrendel
Intermediate Member
Username: altgrendel

Post Number: 121
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 5:42 pm:   Edit Post

Ah, if only it were unlined.
the_jester
Intermediate Member
Username: the_jester

Post Number: 105
Registered: 2-2010
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 - 5:59 pm:   Edit Post

It's hot... Watch Out NOW!
rustyg61
Intermediate Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 156
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Flip, how did you get your pictures to link to the enlargements?
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1265
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 8:55 am:   Edit Post

Sorry, missed this one...

You must have the enlargements uploaded on a server and the smaller pictures uploaded on the Alembic server (Upload Attachment)

Put the link of the enlargement as "URL" and the \popjpeg {104579,} as "text description" in the hyperlink tags

\newurl {URL, text description} (made inactive with space between \newurl and {URL, text description})

\newurl {link to picture,\popjpeg {104579,}}
rustyg61
Advanced Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 226
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 9:13 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Flip!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1275
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 10:44 am:   Edit Post

Back home! :-)

For Jazzy: a quick (panoramic) snapshot, there will be a lot more high quality pics (of all my basses/gear) later this year.
and I'm counting: Purple Elan, Black Europa/Elan5, Europa 5, SC and Dragon Magic.
It's good indeed :-)


Me is very happy! :-)
Cheerz!

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on June 25, 2011)
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1276
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2011 - 2:22 am:   Edit Post

and a better one:


(Click for slightly larger version)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2472
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2011 - 8:06 am:   Edit Post

You are close FC, you missed the orion guitar and the alembic powered strat. You too have a great collection of fine bassware. Between you, Pierreyves, Jacko and myself there is a good diverse collection of alembics. It would be good to have a European Meet up but I'm sure my insurance company would have a fit if I took my instruments abroad.

I have been neglecting the guitars of late due to having to learn some challenging bass parts for a couple of gigs i have coming up next month. Challenging = Stanley Clarke, Return to Forever, Marcus Miller and Victor Bailey. All different styles and playing techniques that I'm having to learn and brush up in order to do justice to the gig.



Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1290
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 7:29 am:   Edit Post

I've been trying some of those techniques also (inspired by your vids, especially Double thumb)
Not doing too well over here I'm afraid...

And a statement involving this bass:

*Nose to the wind...

*Shape shift...

She's a Signature now!

Some poor pics:







I had some leftover electronics and got some help from our dearest Mica (thanx!)
She somehow missed my request for a new style knob, hence the "lookalike" knob I had lying around.

Works great! Must play now :-)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2575
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - 7:20 am:   Edit Post

This looks like your Europa in this video
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/building_guitars/index.php

Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1306
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - 7:48 am:   Edit Post

Check, I get lots of questions about how heavy my bass is :-)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2576
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - 7:56 am:   Edit Post

Heavy in tone or weight :-)

Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1307
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2011 - 8:09 am:   Edit Post

Must be tone, at 3955 gram, (8.7 lbs) it's my lightest (in weight) Alembic :-)
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1346
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post

I just joined my Dad's band (no april fools here) :-)
I recorded along one of their tracks with my fretless for practice: mp3 direct download
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1191
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 - 7:27 pm:   Edit Post

Nice playing, Flip! What's your dad playing? (I love playing with my son!)

Peter
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 2402
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 - 7:37 pm:   Edit Post

Flip , Nice work. You made the fretless work in this context. It is nice to hear fretless in rock when it really adds to the common good of the piece of music like you made it work. Are you using a pick ? if you are that is also innovative for fretless playing.

Wolf
jazzboy621
Member
Username: jazzboy621

Post Number: 61
Registered: 7-2011
Posted on Sunday, April 01, 2012 - 8:37 pm:   Edit Post

Way to go, Flip!!! BTW!! My Europa is a MONSTER!!!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1347
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, April 02, 2012 - 4:52 am:   Edit Post

Thanx!
I just uploaded a slightly improved version (same link)
My Dad plays acoustic guitar, accordeon, Blues Harmonica and he does lead/backing vocals (no lead vocals on this track)
I play fingerstyle on this track, but also use a pick when I play "Until it sleeps" with my Metallica tribute band.

Pat: We need to see (lots of) pictures in the showcase area asap, congrats!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1424
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - 2:59 pm:   Edit Post

This one also has the script added (see here,post Number: 1422
)
This one was a bit trickier... the logo was too low and too far to the right, so I had to fill some holes.
I placed the logo so that the majority of it covers the holes, filled the holes with Maple (Spalted, I got a piece from a friend some years ago) dust and some super glue. Undetectable to the trained (my) eye :-)



Some day she will also have a collet volume knob, Mica?

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on January 29, 2013)
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1545
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 1:34 pm:   Edit Post

Some day has arrived :-)
Thanx Mica!



jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4086
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 2:04 pm:   Edit Post

Ready to Rock!
mario_farufyno
Senior Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 1052
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2014 - 6:45 am:   Edit Post

Congrats, Flip, this bass is really gorgeous
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1547
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2014 - 7:40 pm:   Edit Post

:-)

Thanx!

Jazzy: I also do reggae with this bass in my "new" band :-)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4091
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 9:13 am:   Edit Post

Maybe we should collaborate on some reggae versions of metallica songs. That would be a challenge i think. :-)

I think metallica are playing Glastonbury this year.
Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1548
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2014 - 1:20 pm:   Edit Post

:-)

I have a Strat here, so we can do 50/50 guitar/bass :-)

Or how a about Pass the metal dutchie?

'tallica on Glastonbury: http://youtu.be/L3BSjV0IkWU?t=1m29s :-)
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1660
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 1:42 pm:   Edit Post

This bass is now under the loving protection of Pierre-Yves, couldn't think of better new home for it.

Thanx lot Pierre-Yves and I hope you will have lots of fun with her! :-)



(Message edited by fc_spoiler on April 12, 2015)
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 1216
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 2:29 pm:   Edit Post

oh my God.... what a face I have -----=> ;-) thanks for compliment ;-)

some pictures:








I change strings and clean the fretboard without fret ;-)
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 1217
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 2:39 pm:   Edit Post



;-)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4475
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2015 - 4:30 pm:   Edit Post

Looks like it was a great day. All those superb basses. Did you try them all? If so which did you like most?
enzo
Senior Member
Username: enzo

Post Number: 464
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 7:19 am:   Edit Post

This should be in the "Gatherings" section, oh wait…..it's all Pierreyves's? LOL
Interested to read about jazzyvee question.
moongerm
Intermediate Member
Username: moongerm

Post Number: 176
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 7:42 am:   Edit Post

So neat!!!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1663
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 7:55 am:   Edit Post

I didn't play the Koa SC (I think Pierre-Yves thought it was too dangerous, I made clear I liked that one a lot)

Thanx for the pics Pierre-Yves!

They are all great, it was too quick and overwhelming to rank them (if that's even possible)
It did make me more determined to get Series bass.... fast! :-)

Leds are awesome!

And I found out the ladies from Santa Rosa made the right choice in fingerboard taper for my custom Elan, I think I prefer the comfort taper over the classic taper for 5 string basses.

Also I liked the -extra thick body- SC's a lot, heavy but extremely cool!
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 1218
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 8:31 am:   Edit Post

Sorry Enzo, BUT my MK deluxe maple was not at home LOL !!!
For FC, You was welcome to try ALL the basses ;-) but dont forget one in your pocket when you left my home !! LOL
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1664
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 12:07 pm:   Edit Post

Next time I come with a camion! :-)
5a_quilt_top
Senior Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 493
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 12:29 pm:   Edit Post

Wow - what a humbling collection.

Each one spectacular in its own way!

+1 on comfort taper for 5-string - it was suggested to me as well.
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 1219
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post

FC ?????? Please !!!!! take a Carrier Alembic Nuclear => porte avion !!!
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1665
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Monday, April 13, 2015 - 1:21 pm:   Edit Post



I think it will stand out too much in the lake, I wouldn't have a chance for a clean getaway. :-)

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