Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: jzias on April 13, 2007, 06:40:14 PM

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 13, 2007, 06:40:14 PM

I just picked up a Darling guitar, and although it seems fairly simple, I would like the official explanation of all the electronics functions.
 
Thanks

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: mica on April 13, 2007, 06:46:09 PM

Hi John,
 
There are 2 volume controls, 2 filter controls (these are the Alembic tone controls) and a 3-position pickup selector for each pickup. These offer off, on, and bright. If your guitar has LEDs, there will be an on/off switch for their operation.  
 
On the inside of the guitar, you'll notice a small trimpot on the back of each pickup selector switch. Change this and you will change how bright the bright setting is. Experimentation is encouraged!
 
Use the filter controls to set the highest frequency you want to hear. If the guitar is too bright sounding, turn the filter control counter clockwise to reduce the extreme highs.  
 
The output jack is a long frame jack with welded palladium contacts. These are the same connectors used on old telephone operator switchboards, rated for much more use than it will ever see in a guitar.  
 
Enjoy and please let me know if you have any other questions.

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: mica on April 13, 2007, 06:48:06 PM

By the way - which one did you get?

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: 57basstra on April 13, 2007, 08:33:46 PM

Congratulations on a wonderful instrument, John, and welcome to the club.
 
drr

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 14, 2007, 05:43:15 AM

Thanks all!
 
Mica, I got the curly redwood one from Guitar Resurrection, the one featured on this website.  It came yesterday, and I'm taking it to the gig tonight.  It has wonderful sustain and deep lows.  I will probably raise the bridge pickup because there is a fairly considerable volume drop between the pickups.  Both on is my favorite setting so far, but as we all know the tone variables are considerable, and I look forward to the discovery process.

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: grateful on April 14, 2007, 05:57:44 AM

John,
 
There should be two other trimpots that allow you to adjust the output of each pickup to make them equal.
 
Mark

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: lidon2001 on April 14, 2007, 07:24:17 AM

Greetings John,
 
Welcome and congrats on the purchase.  As Mark stated above, the difference you hear can be controlled on the blue trim pots located on the fliter pots.  Use this pic for reference:  control cavity (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=277)  
 
On my Skylark, which has the same electronics as your Darling, I was running the preamp level pots at about 50%.  While it sounded great straight through my tube amps, the level was way too hot for my effects.  Turning the level down allowed the effects to react properly.  So experiment with the settings and find what's best for you.  
 
T
 
(Message edited by lidon2001 on April 14, 2007)

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: lidon2001 on April 14, 2007, 07:40:22 AM

If I may be so bold...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/38733.jpg)

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 14, 2007, 08:13:09 AM

Thank you all for your suggestions, and thank you for being BOLD lidon 2001!

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: eflat on April 14, 2007, 08:05:56 PM

Very nice axe, that flame is beautiful as well as the headstock shape.

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 15, 2007, 08:56:24 AM

I took your advice, and messed with the levels on the trimpots Mark.  The balance between the pickups was fine.  Overall, I was very pleased with the guitar on the gig last night.  
It chirps!

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: David Houck on April 15, 2007, 04:09:13 PM

Absolutely beautiful guitar; congrats!

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: grateful on April 16, 2007, 06:11:24 AM

Glad to be of assistance John:  I bet she sounds better than she looks!
 
Mark

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: bracheen on April 16, 2007, 06:33:33 AM

Wow what a great looking guitar.  What type of music do you play on it?

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 16, 2007, 07:08:49 AM

Thanks Dave!
I guess my only disappointment is the absence of the heart inlay on the 12th fret. LOL!

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: lidon2001 on April 16, 2007, 07:35:54 AM

John, IIRC your guitar is either the first or second Darling guitar, as opposed to the Little Darling guitar which is on the products page.  Your body is slightly larger.  I don't know if that's the reason for no heart, but it is a different body/model.

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: jzias on April 16, 2007, 07:14:26 PM

My heart is broken!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Darling Electronics question
Post by: crobbins on April 16, 2007, 07:32:42 PM

Nice looking guitar.