Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: sonic1 on November 12, 2011, 12:06:16 PM

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: sonic1 on November 12, 2011, 12:06:16 PM

Hi everyone. I just joined the club here. I have had a beloved F-2B preamp since 1981. It needs some TLC.  I am in the Huntington Beach CA area. Can anyone recommend a reputable repair shop in my area.   The output seems to have decreased, i.e, volume, and  the tone isn't what it used to be.  Don't think I have the ability to do much tech work on my own, but might be willing to take a shot. In any event, any recommendations, hopefully based on personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all very much! Sonic1

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: jbybj on November 12, 2011, 09:02:52 PM

Tube swap? No technical skills required. If the tubes are 30 years old, they might be the culprits. If you need someone to look it over, there is only one choice, box it up and send it to Santa Rosa. Alembic service is the BEST, not the fastest, but the best.

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: elwoodblue on November 12, 2011, 10:53:52 PM

also... see this post if you haven't already,  
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16306.html?1107540904 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=249)
 
good luck !

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: sonic1 on November 14, 2011, 12:46:49 PM

Thank you guys very much for your help.  Do you have any  recommendations regarding specific tube brands?  Again  your assistance Is greatly appreciated!

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: gtrguy on November 15, 2011, 07:10:08 PM

JJ from eurotubes!! Good price, great sound.

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: keith_h on November 16, 2011, 04:13:17 AM

Look  here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=251) for Mica's post on preamp tubes.  
 
Keith

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: hydrargyrum on November 16, 2011, 01:20:44 PM

I'll second Eurotubes.  I've always had great dealings with them.

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: sonic1 on December 11, 2011, 10:48:28 AM

It's fixed!, and all I had to do was clean he M output jack per the instructions indicated in the post that elwoodblue suggested. I also cleaned the inside of the jack with a brass gun cleaning brush (delicately) that another member suggested. Mica emailed several times regarding this issue and I cannot be more thankful. My 22 year old F-2B sounds like it did the day I bought it. It is amazing what a difference such a relatively small fix can make. No need to replace the tubes, they still sound great!  My deepest appreciation to Mica, Alembic, and all the members who offered their help. Merry Christmas!

Title: F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations?
Post by: elwoodblue on December 11, 2011, 09:40:52 PM

sweet!!
 ...probably time I did that too.
cheers