Distillate modification to increase output

[gearhed289]

There is a great thread on this from way back that details soldering (2) 2.7K resistors to the volume and filter circuit board. I had e-mailed inquiring about getting a couple, then realized it's probably not worth their time to sell me two resistors. LOL! So, looking at eBay and there are plenty. But I'm seeing them in various wattages - 1/4, 1/2, 1, etc. Any idea what I need for this operation?

Also, does anyone know if I can easily swap out my pickup selector for either a pan control or second volume without having to invest in a whole new preamp? The bass sounds stellar, just noticeably quieter than almost all my others. I'm kinda weird about that. 

[mica]

Hi Tom,

I hadn't replied to your email yet between recovering from the Club migration and the preparation and fulfillment of the Alembic Gathering. I'm slowly catching up

Anywhoo, usually I will just send a couple of resistors out to you if you need it. So email me and let me know if you want them. Otherwise, you need to get 1/4 watt.

As for the pan modification, it's not simple. I spoke to dad about this and he said it's best to send in the electronics for that modification. It's not terribly expensive, but it's hard to help someone remotely do it, since there are a few different Distillate versions, and there a trace to cut and parts to add in odd places. Actually, if you send it in to get that mod done, we'll do the gain increase for you as well.

[gearhed289]

I figured you were a little busy with online chores. =) I'll drop you another e-mail. Thanks as always!

[hieronymous]

Or you could come out and visit with your bass - we could have a mini-gathering! 

[pauldo]

Inquiring minds want to know . . .
What is the benefit to increasing a Distillate's output?
I have no complaints wth mine, but if tweaking it takes it to a higher level . . .

[moongerm]

My first Alembic was an 83' Distillate. Terrific bass but the output was noticabley lower that when I doubled with multiple basses the difference would require me to go back to the amp and compensate. Also in the recording studio it may be an issue not having a hot enough signal going direct. Other than that I can't think of anything else.

[gearhed289]

Inquiring minds want to know . . .
What is the benefit to increasing a Distillate's output?
I have no complaints wth mine, but if tweaking it takes it to a higher level . . .

I will often switch to another bass during a set, so it's nice to have similar output levels between them. Not a huge deal, the tone is great. It would just be a little more convenient to not have to tweak my input gain on the amp, or add something to my signal chain for a boost. There's also the sound guy to deal with.

[gearhed289]

Or you could come out and visit with your bass - we could have a mini-gathering! 

Some day Harry! If I ever have plans to visit the Mothership, I will let you know.

[gearhed289]

OK, I received a pair of 2.7K resistors today (along with a bottle of Supreme Polish) and the operation is a complete success! Same tone, noticeably louder overall. It was a simple procedure, with just 4 easily accessible solder points, but I gotta tell ya, taking a soldering iron to such a pristine instrument is a little scary! Everything went fine though. Big thanks as always to Mica and Mary. You ladies are the best!

I did a little sound clip for comparison. Same groove and solo played twice - first pre-mod, then again post-mod. https://soundcloud.com/tom-heslin/alembic-distillate-pre-post-mod
Settings were: bass boosted, treble flat, Q switch engaged. The groove track  - both pickups, the solo track - bridge pickup only.

Also, you can SEE the difference.