Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Introductions => Topic started by: lovguitar on July 12, 2013, 06:04:22 PM

Title: Hello!
Post by: lovguitar on July 12, 2013, 06:04:22 PM

Hi -- I am new to the club and found it because I am helping a good friend get his newly purchased Alembic Distillate bass up and properly running.  It is a beautiful instrument and he is very excited about having been able to purchase it.  I have played and worked on many guitars and basses but never an Alembic.  I am very impressed and more than a little puzzled but that's why I'm here and ready to learn.  Thanks for the community and for your willingness to welcome newbies and share.  Cheers -- Paul Cassone

Title: Hello!
Post by: that_sustain on July 12, 2013, 10:54:07 PM

Greetings and welcome to the Alembic Club.
 
I'm one of the Distillate guys, here.  These models, like all Alembics...are easy to work with and set up.  There are tips from club members and moderators(some of them work at the factory) on how to fix dings and dents, and how to do neck adjustments.  My advice for the neck work, is to take it slow.
 
There is also advice from A-list professional musicians, on occasion.
 
Wait 'till your friend hears his Distillate thru a direct box at a gig, or recording.  
 
Daniel

Title: Hello!
Post by: lovguitar on July 13, 2013, 08:27:19 AM

Daniel - thanks for your response.  Yes, I get the idea about doing neck adjustments slowly.  This one needs a bit of relief added -- the neck is too straight.  Maybe an eigth of a turn loosening each truss rod to start and then watch it over a few days.  I have played it through a GK 400RB and an Epifani bottom and it sounds amazing although the wiring needs some attention - A switch was replaced and perhaps some mods made. Looking forward to getting this in primo shape for my buddy Mike.

Title: Hello!
Post by: jazzyvee on July 13, 2013, 05:27:30 PM

Try going through this, it should help.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16318.html?1107545766 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=311)
 
Welcome to the club
Jazzyvee

Title: Hello!
Post by: lovguitar on July 13, 2013, 08:15:40 PM

Thanks jazzyvee!  Great stuff!

Title: Hello!
Post by: lovguitar on July 30, 2013, 08:22:29 PM

I've been working on the Distillate bass for my friend Mike.  We got the schematics and a new bass boost switch (double pole double throw bass boost switch) which was pre-wired but doesn't match either the schematics or what's inside this bass. Would anyone be kind enough to share either a detailed photo showing the wiring of the treble and bass boost switches or a layout drawing? This would be most appreciated!!

Title: Hello!
Post by: keith_h on July 31, 2013, 01:53:32 PM

Can you provide some close up pics of the control cavity? With these someone here should be able to see what you have and be able to provide more information.  
 
Keith

Title: Hello!
Post by: lovguitar on August 01, 2013, 09:46:49 PM

Hi Keith -- here are some close up pics.  I re-wired this much more neatly than it was originally wired and it works, but I'm not sure that the bass boost switch is working properly.  Thank you for your help!  Paul
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/170334.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/170335.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/170336.jpg)
 [edit for picture alignment]  (Message edited by adriaan on August 01, 2013)