Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: rapsak_v on April 12, 2014, 06:20:17 AM
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Hi.
I'm enjoying my newly acquired custom Essence with Europa electronics, but find the 8 db q-switch a bit too much of a good thing.
So I found an original 3-way switch on eBay.
Is it hard to swap out? Can I easily do it myself?
Thanks
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I have converted my signature bass from 2 to 3 position Q switches and it's a great mod to do. I will see if I can find the information about how to fit the switch. FYI I did find that the off position was brighter than it was previously but I actually like the change. I've got some more in the post from mica so I should have some instructions that I can pass to you if no one else advises you before.
Jazzyvee
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I can't help with the fixing part, but I agree with Jazzyvee - it's definitely the way to go!
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That's a good question. I feel the same way about the 2 way switch on my Distillate, a softer Q would be more useful.
So if you have a 2 way already installed would a 3 way just be wire for wire?
Pete
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Kaspar, my thoughts exactly when I first got my Spoiler. It now has a 0/3/6 dB 3-way - 3 dB is a nice bit of that good thing, 6 dB is an extra shot of the same good thing - and definitely short of the harshness of 8 dB.
Sorry I can't help you with specifics about the change in the electronics, since I sent the parts to the Mothership to be worked over (they changed the pickup switch to a pan pot too).
(Message edited by adriaan on April 12, 2014)
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So, I just received the three-way q-switch in the mail.
I don't dare to try changing it out without a little guidance.
Mica? Help!
Thanks
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What switch do you have? I need the number on the side starting with a 7.
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Hi Mica
Thanks for looking in on it. The number is 7211
Cheers
Kaspar
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Hi Mica,
I have a Q switch with the same part # 7211 that if possible would love to install to my 85 Distillate. As of right now I never use the Q for what I do, but with a 3 way I can see incorporating it!
Thank you so much for making time for all of us in making this feel like a Home for our Musical Journeys.
Peace,
Pete
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Hi Mica,
Did you see my last post?
Do you have any news?
Thank you.
Kaspar
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If I want a quick response from Alembic about anything to do with their stuff I always phone. Someone will always pick up the phone.
Jazzyvee
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I have been mostly out of the office since the 11th. I should be in the office regularly now.
Here's what you need to hook up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/190913.jpg)
You should be able to tell where you have to remove a yellow box capacitor from the filter board to attach the switch assembly.
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Mica,
Would this same 3way switch replace a original 2way on a 85 Distillate?
~Pete
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No, this is only for Activator based electronics (Essence, Signature, anything with the AE-1 filter board). I'm not sure I have a handy mod for that application.
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Thank you so much!
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Oh wait, it doesn't look like that! I have the Europa electronics (AE-2?). Is it simply a matter of switching the wires out from the old q-switch in the brown box labeled 3023?
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Ok, seems like it was a useless file, I uploaded i my previous post. Hope this is better(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/190927.jpg)
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OK, a 7211 is the correct part number. I've confirmed we've never documented a 3-position Q switch on a Distillate or Europa, but after talking to dad he said he's happy to do it. Will not be able to book time for it for 3-4 weeks though - his plate is pretty full and even nudging in something small wouldn't be fair to those who have been waiting patiently for his current projects.
I will keep you posted and you're welcome to tickle this thread in a month if you haven't heard back from me.
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BTW, that is a super custom Essence with an Ash body. Cool!
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So could this be done on my MK Signature bass?? Looking at it I guess it could, I reckon I could source the parts from Maplin in the UK or some other reputable components supplier.
2 capacitors, 2 resistors and a switch.. looks pretty doable.
Is the polarity on the capacitors important(+ at board end, - at switch or vice versa)?
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Terry my advice about upgrading your signature is... go for it. Even with the filter off it seems to have added a little crispness to the sound of the bass without losing he ability to warm up the sound as previously. I have some now for my Black Europa with signature electronics however I think I may initially change the bridge pickup switch as on that bass at the moment I rarely use Q on the neck pickup.
Jazzyvee
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Mica..which is the spec for the 3 way switch
DPDT On-Off On
OR
DPDT On-On-On
Already have got the caps and resistors.
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Terry,
According to the C&K spec sheet the 7211 is DP On-On-On.
Keith
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Iv'e just changed both my 2 way to 3 way switches. I have two gigs this weekend so a great time to try them out. Probably won't need them during any of the gigs but soundcheck is a good time to have a listen at stage volume.
Jazzyvee
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Thanks Keith for that
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what type of capacitors are they(polyester, electrolytic, etc) I have some but would like to know the exact spec?
They look like electrolytic
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Hi Mica
Has your dad had time to look at it?
Thanks
Kaspar
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Hi Mica,
I'm giving a bump to this thread its been a while. I still have an interest in perhaps swapping out my 2 way Q to a 3 way Q switch for my 85 Distillate. You indicated that the existing Mod is not available for the Distillate only for Basses with the AE-1 filter board.
Please excuse my lack of understanding but:
1- Is there a Mod that can create a 3 way Q for Distillates?
2- As a curiosity if not what are the differences between the boards? I was under the impression aside from the Series Line the Pre Amp sections of all the Filter based Basses were the same.
Again thank you for your patience with my insatiable curiosity.
Peace,
Pete
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There's really three families of electronics:
1. Series I/II
2. Distllate (includes Spoiler, Elan, Europa)
3. Activator (includes Signature, Essence)
So there's 3-position for the Series I and the Activator family, but not yet for the Distillate family. I'll have to check with dad to see what his schedule is like.
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I would definitely be interested in an upgrade kit for my Essence with Europa electronics.
Slawie