Author Topic: No Output (Read 197 times)

mesamagnet · « **on:** March 10, 2008, 07:35:43 PM »

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'm getting ready to purchase my first Alembic and need some help. I found an older Series I in a local music store that's in pretty good condition except. When plugged in to an amp from the 1/4 jack there is barely any output. And by barely, I mean the 30 watt combo I was using was turned all the way up just to get some very quiet output. Now from researching threads, I understand that a older Series I input jack is wired for stereo, but if I plug a regular 1/4 instrument cable into the stereo jack on one of my Rickenbackers I at least get full output from one pickup. The input jack seems to be bad to, because if you turned the cord when plugged into the bass it was very scratchy and what sound I had coming from it would sometimes dissappear. The music shop said they changed the battery, but I didn't have a look inside to see if something else was wrong. I also forgot to write down the serial #. They said it has bounced around from music shop to music shop in the area for years. It doesn't have a case and the power supply is missing too. They wanted $3700, but I got the guy down to $2279 due to the lack of case and 5 pin cord. Is it worth it, could it be just a couple of adjustments to the output screws, or should I just leave it alone and maybe get one off e-bay, there's a Distillate I've taken a liking to. Or should I wait for another one locally. I'd really like to get a Series I, but I'd hate to spend all that cash for something I might have to put a lot of money into. Any feedback would be appreciated. I'll call the store tommorrow and see if I can get the serial #.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2008, 08:00:30 PM »

Hi Chris; welcome to the board!

First, you're right; you should be able to hear one pickup with a regular cable plugged into a stereo 1/4 jack. If you plug a set of headphones into it, you should hear both pickups; one in each ear.

Second, it has two batteries, not one; and it will run through a set of batteries within a few hours.

$2,279 seems reasonable for an older S1 with no case or power supply, if it's in otherwise good condition. A power supply can set you back a few hundred, as can the case.

If it hasn't been played in a while, the pots and jack may need to be exercised.

Does this particular store happen to be part of a large national chain? If I recall correctly, a couple members have run across an S1 with problems at a chain store that I think was in the Chicago area.

So, go back with a couple of fresh batteries, a set of headphones, and exercise the pots and jack.

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2008, 01:06:19 AM »

Dave:

You rock!

Chris:

If the electronics are in any kind of working condition, and if close inspection reveals no repaired damage (broken headstock, etc.) I'd say go for it rather than a Distillate. Nothing sounds like a Series instrument.

Bill, the guitar one

artswork99 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2008, 07:22:11 AM »

Sounds like it might be the bass in this thread

mesamagnet · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2008, 08:29:07 AM »

That be the one. I first seen it in there last year, but thought they wanted too much. When I popped in there yesterday I decided to check it out. A guy that has worked there for a while did say it was the second time they had it. He said they sold it a long time ago and took it in a few years back. Supposedly it has gone from mom & pop store to GC throughout the years in the area. Maybe I'll see if I can get them to come down more, heck if I had to put a $1000 into it that seems like the current market price for an older Series I. It would be my first Alembic, and being that it might be a little project could make it that much more special, just like my first Ric which was unplayable when I got it.

artswork99 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2008, 08:59:19 AM »

Chris,
Best of luck with everything... and welcome to the club!
Along with any electronic repair that the bass may need there is also the RF upgrade, power supply and cable to consider.

You may just want to consider contacting the club member at this thread (Rory) as he had 2 beautiful vintage Series basses previously and recently for sale. http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/47514.html?1201051613

mesamagnet · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2008, 09:06:54 AM »

Thanks for your help. This forum is very informative.

artswork99 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2008, 09:17:59 AM »

Certainly, anytime!