Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: rv_bass on February 28, 2026, 07:01:30 PM

Title: Back plate shorting
Post by: rv_bass on February 28, 2026, 07:01:30 PM

The back plate on my Series bass seems to be shorting out the bridge pickup,  it makes a crackling sound when I move the plate round when trying to screw it down.  It does not happen on the neck pickup.  I moved the bridge pickup wire on the board a bit to see if that was the cause, but that did not produce the crackling sound.


I can’t see what components might be touching.  Any thoughts on how to resolve this?  Is there anything I can place between the back plate and internal components to insulate and prevent touching?


Thanks.

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: JimmyJ on February 28, 2026, 08:08:26 PM

Look closely at where the backplate mounting screws pass through into the cavity, particularly near the 1/4" jack.  Not much clearance there.  Just an idea.

Jimmy J

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: rv_bass on March 01, 2026, 03:19:27 AM

Thanks for the suggestion, Jimmy.

It happens with and without the screws inserted. I want to try placing some insulating material between the cover and inside components, if it continues then I can rule out the plate and PF6 card components touching something inside.

Rob

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: rv_bass on March 01, 2026, 05:27:59 AM

I put a thin piece of plastic sheet between the PF6 board and inside components, seems to have solved the issue. If the crackling occurs again, then the cause is something else. I hope this has solved the issue.

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: edwardofhuncote on March 01, 2026, 08:28:28 AM

Just a thought; is the preamp board secured snug to the backplate? If it's got a bit of wiggle room, might be just enough to touch something.


Or wiggle that ribbon connector to test... I only ever un-did mine once. Kind of a trick getting it back.

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: rv_bass on March 01, 2026, 10:14:10 AM

Thanks, Greg, I tried all that. Putting the plastic Teflon sheet in between seemed to help.  Fingers crossed crossed :)

Title: Re: Back plate shorting
Post by: edwardofhuncote on March 01, 2026, 10:55:40 AM

Interesting. I just wonder what could've changed the tolerances?  [shrug] At least you found a simple workaround.


(down here we say "sumthin' musta' swolt up!" 😄 )