Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: count on April 16, 2018, 01:31:40 AM
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I want to have the flexibility of playing the Tiran bass like a normal bass, batteries and a mono jack out (bin the stereo jack already fitted) in addition to the stereo 5-pin option.
Which jack should I get, and how do I wire it up to cut the circuit to the 5-pin and hook up the batteries.?
Do I have to make a summing circuit as well..?
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You should be able to source a stereo-to-mono adapter cable that would do this without modifying the 1/4" output on old #44. I recently met another Club Member who had just such a thing made up for his older Series I, for the same reasons. ;)
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I'm the one edwardofhuncote was referring to. #44 - Wow! That's got some history. I'll have to look around here for some pictures of that one.
I've got a '77 Series 1 and wanted a mono summing cable I could use with my wireless pack or running direct to an amp. Bayou Cables made me a customized version of the cable here (https://bayoucables.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=92 (https://bayoucables.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=92)). Mine is 18" long, with a male 1/4" 90 degree stereo jack to plug in to the bass at one end, and a female 1/4" straight mono jack to connect to my wireless transmitter cable at the other. I can also plug an instrument cable into it if I want to go direct. Bayou was professional and easy to work with to come up with something customized. I paid $47 for everything including shipping. You may not need the shorter cable or female connector if you don't use a wireless transmitter, but the 90 degree connector on the bass end is something you'll probably want.
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I also have a Stereo/Mono cable from Bayou Audio. It has been my rehearsal and some times, gig cable
for a couple of years now. I don't think he up charges for longer lengths, within reason.
There are also instructions for converting the jack on your bass to mono on the site from Mica, I believe.
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Yep, you need a series summing resistor on each channel to keep things happy. I forget what the Ron-recommended value is.
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You should be able to rewire the jack in the bass with the 2 resistors as noted on this sheet: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=270.0
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That's what I did with my '79 bass, works great! :-)
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While it is, of course, your instrument to do with as you will, allow me to add a voice for the summing cable; after all, it is an historical piece, and as they say, insofar as manifestations of functional deficiencies are agreed by any and all concerned parties to be imperceptible and are so stipulated, it is incumbent upon said heretofore mentioned parties to exercise the deferment of otherwise pertinent maintenance procedures.
Peter
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...my thoughts, exactly!
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Parts may need replacing, solder joints may need to be redone, frets wear out, batteries go dead, and nobody plays 35 year old strings. Did I mention the RF upgrade? </rant>
Plus it sounds like a completely reversible mod.
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Well... then I'll ask the question, since one day I hope to have an old Series bass.
[keep in mind, I am a self-admitted electronics dunce, and may even be asking the wrong question] ::)
What is the difference between using a stereo-to-mono adapter cable that sums both pickups, and switching out the jack itself for a summed mono output?
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Greg, there is would be no difference at the amplifier end of the cable. If you do the summing with a special cable you are tied to using only that cable to get the job done. If you do it inside the bass you can use any guitar cable but can no longer get stereo out of the 1/4" jack.
In my opinion there is no shame in modifying an old instrument to operate in a more convenient way. But I'm a bit of a function over form guy so it's up to the individual.
Jimmy J
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Thanks Jimmy J. :)
No shame implied on my part for (easily reversible) mods. I was genuinely curious. Just me, but I'd be more in favor of an adapter cable for the sake of simplicity/convenience. Undoing wires scares me. ;D
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I did it primarily for use with a wireless system, the xlr is more than enough for my " stereo" needs. :-)
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Wow, love it when I get plenty of posts and opinions on my posting. :)
JimmyJ voiced my thoughts exactly.. I already have a summing cable, but if I forget it somewhere, it breaks in the middle of a gig, etc etc I'm basically screwed. I want to be able to pick up any cable and play along with that.
Plus: the insides of my blonde are a lot more stable than the end of a jack. Things wear out.. And she's a bass that gets played, not a relic stuck on a wall.
Also: My output jack is fooked, so it will need replacing anyway.
The original one is a soundcraft one, isn't it..?
Wow, just saw the thread by Mica with the instructions.
How much is one of those jacks.?
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I can't remember the exact model number of that Switchcraft 1/4" jack, MN11... something ... (Mica can confirm) but it should be less than $10. While you're at it and since you'll be making new connections to the 5-pin jack, I would recommend you replace that at the same time. I'm a fan of the black / gold Neutrik jacks (which are also around $10) but that does start to change the look of the instrument so to each his own.
Mica could probably sell you the whole kit, jacks and resistors.
Jimmy J
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My previous comment was to indicate my preference for a non-invasive over an invasive path to a desired end (because, as I said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it). It seems, however that you have tried the non-invasive path and found it wanting - so solder away, of course.
Peter
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The Tiran bass! I’m just so happy it has a home with someone in the club. I’d say do anything you want as long as you play it, and play China Grove at least once a year.