Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: basspresso on March 21, 2011, 02:17:46 PM

Title: Distortion
Post by: basspresso on March 21, 2011, 02:17:46 PM

I have replaced the batteries in my 07 MK 5-string 3 times, still distorting.  
Any advice before it goes to the shop?

Title: Distortion
Post by: mica on March 21, 2011, 02:20:32 PM

Do you have side LEDs on the bass? Make sure you are replacing the battery in the main battery compartment (behind the controls).

Title: Distortion
Post by: basspresso on March 21, 2011, 04:35:16 PM

Dear Mica,
I am going to build a statue of you at my place.
That was it, 1 more 9v in the control cavity.
My 1st Alembic (obviously), back in the game!
I can't wait to play her tonight at my 1st rehearsal with the Jazz Police (original material 19-piece big band).  
Thanks a ton! A metric ton!

Title: Distortion
Post by: elwoodblue on March 21, 2011, 04:52:33 PM

Coool,
 and welcome basspresso...love to see some pics of your MK when you get a chance,
 
cheers,
Elwood

Title: Distortion
Post by: bigredbass on March 21, 2011, 10:57:04 PM

A word here:  Unlike previous axes I had with EMG's which slowly 'faded to black' as the 9v's died, both my Alembics distort like the cheesiest el-cheapo distortion pedal you ever heard when it's new battery time.  
 
I think this is actually some not-spoken-about-in-public trick that Ron built into these things, so WHEN you hear this, IT'S BATTERY TIME.  And as Mica said, check the LED battery too.
 
J o e y

Title: Distortion
Post by: elwoodblue on March 21, 2011, 11:04:14 PM

The first thing I always notice is that I'm hitting notes harder to get the same output.  
 
  ...then as Joey says , a sound  akin to a (newer) fuzzface in a blender  
for about 20 seconds before it fades away.

Title: Distortion
Post by: terryc on March 23, 2011, 03:11:04 AM

The SIMS leds I had fitted a couple of years ago run off the same battery as the pre amps, when they dim which is much before the distortion then I change the battery out... a built in power meter!!!

Title: Distortion
Post by: mario_farufyno on March 24, 2011, 05:10:23 AM

If you are new to Alembic, remember that it can deliver some real hot signal to Amp if trim pots are set to full gain, James... But I would consider checking PUs conections first, anyway.
 
(Message edited by mario farufyno on March 24, 2011)