Alembic pointer knob position

[Picure]

Just wondering, when new from the factory, what direction is the pointer knob for the pickup selector oriented? Is there a standard? When I got mine back from the mothership for upgrades, my pickup selector was changed out and now my “off” position is at 9 o’clock (audience pov).

Also, what pointer knob orientation do you guys prefer?

Thanks! Love this forum!

[edwardofhuncote]

This sounds like how mine are situated too... intuitively, it makes sense to me; the selector switch works in the same direction as a pan sweep would. The only change I have made is to adjust them so that the knobs point directly to 12 o'clock when both pickups are on. Like a center-detent. 

[Picure]

This sounds like how mine are situated too... intuitively, it makes sense to me; the selector switch works in the same direction as a pan sweep would. The only change I have made is to adjust them so that the knobs point directly to 12 o'clock when both pickups are on. Like a center-detent. 

Mine are at neck pickup at a little past 12

[keith_h]

My guess is it is some what of a ballpark setting. On my Brown Bass the Standby position is about 10 o'clock. On my Series it is 9 o'clock. At 9 o'clock having both pickups selected puts the pointer at about 12 o'clock. My Series bass uses a knurled knob so where it falls isn't so important. Since I play with both pickups always on I like the Brown Bass being more advanced as it keeps the pointer tip out of my playing area thereby reducing risk of injury. 

[jazzyvee]

On my older bass where the pickup selector is on the lower horn, I have changed it for a circular one so there is no danger of my fingers catching on the point when slapping. ( that is off at 9 o'clock position)
On my pointer knob basses I have the switch with the tip pointing towards 9 0'clock too,  then I turn it clockwise, to bridge, vertical for both pickups and forward for neck. The OCD in me has realigned all the filters and volumes on my basses so that they are all pointing forward along the axis at the 3 o'clock position when full open. Makes things consistent when swapping basses.

[JimmyJ]

I think 9-10-11-12 is the "standard" but as jazzyvee says some guys turn them around because because they don't want to run into the point with their right hand (for RH-ers).  Sometimes they even move the switch over to be part of the knob cluster.

I believe there is a flat side to the switch's shaft so one of the 2 set screws is meant to seat there.  And I think the mounting hole in the little brass plate is also "keyed" so it's all fixed into position and nothing can come loose and spin (important).  So it should be easy to do a 45 degree change using the set screws differently, or a 90 degree change by rotating the entire brass plate.  If you needed something in between those options you might have to drill new mounting holes in the plate.


Jimmy J