Author Topic: DIY question - "Q" switch installation (Read 289 times)

rraymond · « **on:** May 06, 2003, 09:09:02 PM »

I have an Orion with Essence electronics and was wondering if anybody here has bought a Q switch and installed it themselves. Was it relatively easy, and did it noticeably add to the tonal variations of the instrument? I know there was a discussion of this earlier, but it must be archived now. Thanks in advance, Reid

dean_m · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2003, 06:22:22 AM »

Hey Reid,

I have an Orion with the Q switch. I had it installed when the bass was being built though. If I'm not mistaken, Essence electronics are volume, pan, filter!?!
Adding a Q switch will give you the option of turning off the filter and having it work more like a tone control. I like having that option personally. I use the filter quite a bit but sometimes I like to just roll off a bit of the highs without affecting the Q.
As far as doing it yourself... There are a lot of projects that I've taken on myself but, putting a drill to my Alembics.... I guess it's sorta like doing surgery on yourself, I personally don't have the stomach for it. HAH!!!
Good Luck!!!
Peace,
Dino

rraymond · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2003, 11:04:28 AM »

Hi Dino:

Well, I ordered the parts kit to do this and will make the final determinatin once they've arrived. I certainly won't drill into my beloved without a certain amount of trepidation! For that matter, the soldering inside the instrument will get some careful thought, too!

You are correct, my Orion has the volume, pan, filter controls. In the last year I've acquired a used Series 1 and a used Distillate and I really like what the Q switches do for them. Hopefully, this kit will provide similar magic for my Orion.

Thanks for the information!

Reid

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2003, 11:10:11 AM »

On your Essence, it's like having a Q-switch permanently in the on position. When you add the switch, you get the sounds as you notice on the Distillate when the switch is in the up postion while playing with just the flat filter response and no added boost.

rraymond · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2003, 08:33:59 PM »

Hi Mica,

Thanks for the info! I sat down and played the Distillate a while, switching the Q switch on and off to test the difference. It was kind of subtle, but noticeable. Now all I have to do is screw up the courage to drill into the top of my Orion, and take soldering iron to its guts! I've done both to lesser instruments, but I'll definitely take a pause before plunging into this project.

Thanks again for the great basses!

Reid