Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: terrace on May 27, 2009, 08:21:35 PM

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: terrace on May 27, 2009, 08:21:35 PM

Can I upgrade the 2 position Q switch to a 3 position without sending it to the mothership ?
Is the existing 0/+8 db and the other 0/+3/+6 db?Pros/Cons ? Is a phonecall the best way to order? Many thanks,Cory.

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: jazzyvee on May 28, 2009, 12:53:31 AM

I'd be interested in how you get on with this as I wouldn't mind this  upgrade on my SC at a  later date.
jazzyvee

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: jacko on May 28, 2009, 04:40:50 AM

me too.
 
graeme

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: LMiwa on May 28, 2009, 09:29:27 AM

me three!

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 02, 2009, 04:43:13 PM

Great idea!
 
Sometimes 8dB can be too much...

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: adriaan on June 03, 2009, 02:20:14 AM

Like Mario, I found the standard 8 dB setting a little harsh, so I had my Spoiler package modified with a 0/3/6 dB switch. You can certainly hear the difference between those positions, even if it is fairly subtle.
 
To quote moder Dave:
quote:An alternative view. How harsh the 8db setting sounds can depend on your rig and how you have it set up, your strings, your particular bass, your fingers, your ears, and what kind of sound you're trying to create. For instance, I typically have mine set at 15db; but then, that's just me and all of the factors I mentioned above. So while 6db works as a maximum setting for Adriaan, it might not necessarily be the best choice as a maximum for everyone. A popular choice for a three position switch is 0/6/9, which is the standard setup for Series I electronics.

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: jacko on June 03, 2009, 02:23:24 AM

Did you you make the change yourself Adriaan? was it straightforward?
 
Graeme

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: adriaan on June 03, 2009, 02:46:49 AM

The changes to the electronics were done at the mothership.
 
In my case, dismounting the electronics proved to be a bit of a problem. First, I didn't have the hex drivers for the knobs. Mica very kindly sent me the proper drivers, only for me to find out that the previous owner had used superglue on the bolts. So I had a go at them with a small hacksaw, until the bolts were exposed and the superglue bond was broken.
 
Other than that, all you have to do is dismount the pots and the jack, and disconnect the pickup leads using the connectors that attach to the circuit board. Not sure if the Rogue/Europa has the single circuit board like on a Spoiler, or has the small boards attached to the pots like on an Epic? In any case, Mica will be happy to tell you which parts you need to send in.
 
When sending in the package from abroad, make sure that you clear the goods at customs - I didn't, and ended up paying import duties and VAT on return, which they won't waver.

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: mica on June 03, 2009, 07:25:17 AM

It's probably best for the import duty and VAT to have us send you the parts you need and make the modification locally if all you are doing is the 3-position Q switch upgrade.  
 
Depending on the model/year/symptoms, we might suggest sending in the electronics for an RF upgrade. We can also upgrade the switch at the same time.

Title: 1997 Rogue Q Switch Change
Post by: terrace on June 03, 2009, 04:02:03 PM

Mica: My Rogue is a '97 ; will it need the RF upgrade? If not how can I order the 3 position switch ? Is the telephone the best way ? Thanks,
Cory.