I need a pickup for my '83 Distillate

[JWandling]

HAs anyone seen or does anyone have a single pickup for an '83 Distillate?  I checked with the Mothership, and they don't have any used ones around.  I'm not looking to spend half of what I paid for the bass for a single new pickup.

What about alternative replacements?  Has anyone used an alternative?  Does anyone know what a similar alternative pickup could be?

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[adriaan]

I notice you posted about the mounting of the neck pickup in this 2021 topic. Is the pickup damaged? Does it still work?

Keep in mind that if you ever want to sell it, people tend to be put off if any of the electronics are non-Alembic.

Not sure there are any after-market pickups that would fit without modifications, and they're likely to be strongly voiced in comparison, so you'd probably want to replace both pickups.

[JimmyJ]

Jeff,

Let us know what's going on.  Did the pickup's "ear" crack as you were adjusting the height?  That can happen.  And there are some ways to work around it if that's the issue - as long as the pickup is otherwise still functioning.

I wouldn't recommend looking for another manufacturer's pickup because the Alembic circuitry is designed specifically for their own pickups.  Not to mention just the physical shape of the routing.  And we want your bass to have the REAL sound!

We're here to help so let us know what's up.

Jimmy J

[JWandling]

Right now, my local luthier is attempting to perform the splice as Alembic recommended trying first.  What's happening is when plugged in, and unprovoked sound, like that of wind blowing through a live mic is heard through my amp.  It's only the bridge pickup, as the selector switch is fine and isolates each pickup.  The pickup itself is fine.   If I can't find another pickup, I don't know what I'm going to do,  but wait until I can find a used one.  Or sell the bass at an appropriate discount due to the failure.

Breaks my heart, but I'm simply not spending another $1700 on the bass.  I just can't justify doing so.

[rv_bass]

You say that the pickup itself is fine, and your tech is working on a splice. So is it a wiring issue?

Is it a four or five string bass?

[JimmyJ]

Yeah, sorry, still unclear what's going on.  rv, it's a 4-string:
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=26100.msg264332#msg264332

So just to help me understand... 
1. Did you exercise all the pots and switches?  They need to be cycled 25-50 times to be sure they are all functioning properly.
2. Was it all working, but now it has quit working?
3. Did you (or your tech) try swapping the pickups where they plug into the preamp board?  I don't own a Distillate so can't speak from direct experience here, but if you are able to unplug the pickups from the board and switch them, does the noise follow? 
4. Can you elaborate on the suggested "splice"?  I don't understand what that could be.
5. Are you saying a single replacement pickup would cost $1700?

You could temporarily put the working pickup in the neck position and probably get a great sound with only that.  We'd hate to see you join the club only to leave before the door has even swung shut.

Jimmy J

[JWandling]

1.  I can't say for sure, but the issue is the wire being crushed by height adjustment.

2. Yes.  I'm not sure what led to the issue, but now the noise issue without touching the instrument when plugged in has become nearly constant,  making it unplayable.

3. Yes, they were swapped to isolate the issue to the pickup or the circuit on Mica's advice.

4. Basically,  cutting the wire near the break on both ends, and adding new wire into the open section.  Heat shink each wire individually and collectively, adding wire shielding where needed to help with any possible noise. 

5. Yes.  At least for a new one, or wait for a used one to become available at a significant reduction in cost to me.

[rv_bass]

I think that might be the cost of two pickups and wiring harness, although they are noted as currently out of stock…

https://store.turbify.net/alembic/axybtacpic.html

[FC Bass]

Last time I checked, pickups were around $250 (may be more now, but definitely not $1700) As RV noted, 1700 is for a complete new set with electronics.

[JimmyJ]

Alright, thanks for the answers, i think I understand now: 

The pickup lead was pinched or accidentally cut and the suggestion is to make a splice in that lead.  That should be completely doable!  Let your helper follow through with that suggestion and we'll hope for a good result.  If it is indeed unrepairable then we need to find out the true cost of only a single replacement pickup. 

Hang in there, I have a feeling this is going to work out ok!  Let us know of any updates.

Thanks,
Jimmy J

[sonofa_lembic]

Alembic will cast you a matching pickup.  If you want to order one from me, let me know.