[quote name='jonthebass' post='437094' date='Mar 17 2009, 05:13 AM']Hello Jason and welcome to our forum.
I'm interested in the spec of your Newstead Elan as I know next to nothing about them, any pictures, specs, etc you can share with us?
'Cheers'
Jon.[/quote]
The Alembic Elan Jason Newsted used was 5 string and had a pickup config of J-P-J. The Elan wad a maple body and neck with purple heart laminate. 3 volume knobs, q switch and a pan filter knob with gold hardware. It can be seen in this video from 89.
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysy4_Sx3iew"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysy4_Sx3iew[/url]
In 1991 the Elan was upgraded to Alembic series II electronics along with his other Alembics plus he received a batch of brand new ones. They were presented to him on the day of the kick off for the Black Album tour during the Oakland, California Day on the Green. Here you can see his 6 string series II Europa.
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cfTUipdWRs"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cfTUipdWRs[/url]
After 91 all his Alembics had Series II electronics which is a 7000 US dollar upcharge. They were also fitted with black hardware and LEDs.
I had found that if I wanted the Elan I had to decide what "Era" I wanted to copy. I chose the 89 Alembic Elan. I thought it looked nicer with gold hardware plus cheaper since it does not have the series II electronics.
All his basses were painted a color called "Almost Black" since you could see a flamed maple top if you were within 2 feet of the bass. From far away they look like they were painted solid black.