Author Topic: Alembic jazz bass set. (Read 351 times)

marcschilp · « **on:** January 20, 2011, 11:50:00 AM »

Hi, no alembic owner(yet) but very happy with my jazz activators, biggest upgrade ever! However, the volumepot is turning all the way around, and the blend pot isn't completely doing it's job.. I am searching for pics or scheme's ;there could be something connected wrong, also a 2-hand single volume-pot would also be great! anybody? Thanks in advance.. Marc, the Netherlands.

gtrguy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2011, 05:11:28 PM »

I bet the clarostat volume pot has had the internal lug wear down to where it will just keep spinning. They usually keep working and Mica can sell you a new one.

Good luck,
Dave

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2011, 06:13:24 PM »

Here's a picture from a customer of the Essence electronics, which have the same volume, filter, and pan control layout you have:

I've labeled the controls for their function. The pickups should each plug into the blend control board. Then the filter control receives a connection from the blend control and the volume harness.

Dave is correct that the from your description it sounds like the stop is broken on the volume pot. You can replace it, and you may even be able to get a spare one from our excellent distributor there, Edwin at the Bass Connection. If he doesn't have one, he can certainly order one for you.

If you have everything connected right, and you are still having problems, it would be great if you could post a clear picture of the installation in the electronics cavity and a more elaborate description of the problem you are experiencing with the blend control so we can help you remotely diagnose it.

marcschilp · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2011, 02:20:50 AM »

Thank you for the quick response! I'll try to describe my problem:
When the blend pot is fully towards the bridge-pu, the volume works ok, but when dialing more to the neck-pu, volume does't work anymore, and acts a little like a filterpot. Furthermore, the connectors were damaged and brick, and not solid at all anymore, so i soldered them (I'm sorry )straight to the golden pins. Question: the golden pin closest to the pot itself is the PLUS? That was the order it was attached by the previous owner.. And does it matter which pu is put on which place, can you change places, does it matter? Also the jack had loose wires, but i think i put them on right again. Maybe when i just order a volumepot,the blend is working again, i'll have to try that first.
I LOVE THE SOUND!! Gets me happy every day!

Thanks, grtz, Marc

JimmyJ · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2011, 09:44:13 AM »

...when dialing more to the neck-pu, volume does't work anymore, and acts a little like a filterpot

I'm not an expert on this electronics package but if you set the blend to neck-pu only does the volume work again? If so the pickups may just be out of phase.

Post some pics here and others will have better answers.

Jimmy J

marcschilp · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2011, 02:06:53 AM »

Hi Jimmy, no, towards the neck pu, volume does't work at all anymore. Reading your mail Mica, i think i got an older set, ?ause 1 pu goes to volume, the other to blendpot, which has only 1 connector, just like the volume pu. Ik took some pictures, the set is connected the way i bought it..Edwin has a volumepot for me, but i doubt if that will solve the blend-question.. Thanks, Marc.

[moderator's edit for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on January 24, 2011)

mica · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2011, 01:27:10 PM »

Well, you've got a 2 volume system, not a master volume/pan system. This brings up some difficulties in repair.

We haven't sold the 2-volume systems for over 10 years, and there are no spares left for the volume pots. The volume pot for the volume/pan system will not work in this system. You have the choice of replacing with a different maker's 100K audio taper pot or replacing the 2-volume harness with a new 1-volume harness and pan control (this also includes a new output jack and battery clip).

You'll have to decide which way is best.

Later today or tomorrow I will compare your output jack wiring and confirm which pin you should connect (solder) the shield to. You are correct that the pickups can be connected (soldered) to either position - only will change which volume control works which pickup or which direction the pan control will work.

slawie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2011, 02:14:42 PM »

Marc,
Below are pictures of the same set as is installed on my Jazz bass. It may help to compare
the images to look for differences.

Good luck with the repair. It is definately worth the effort to get it working.

slawie

marcschilp · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2011, 11:23:54 AM »

AAAAAAAAA! thanks Mica, that's it! Never thought of this set-up..
Even the pickups were connected reversed, so my first pot was the bridge pu! Very confusing, and i didn't get it, till now. In fact, in this way,everything is working, my only problem would be the broken stop on one volumepot.

On the otherhand, i know the deep discussions on two volumepots being superior over a blend, but i would very much change this set into volume,pan and filter!!
Looking forward to a solution for that, Mica, and thanks Slawie, for the clear picks!
Grtz, Marc

bigredbass · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2011, 11:34:05 PM »

You see, THIS is why there's nothing like Alembic (the products) and Alembic (the people).

J o e y