Author Topic: New Bass Day: Rogue Questions (Read 161 times)

projectapollo · « **on:** September 10, 2011, 05:56:23 AM »

I just got my mint 2001 Rogue. A couple of quick questions; I've done searches but can't find clear answers. 1) The previous owner said the bass has signature electronics What are they and how to I verify if the bass has them? 2) What does the Q Switch to exactly? 3) Bass came with strings with gold ends -- is that an Alembic product? Thx....

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2011, 06:11:10 AM »

If you look around the site, you'll find most anything you want to know; for example, the explaination of the Sig electronics is here.

Peter

projectapollo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2011, 09:31:16 AM »

Yes, Ive searched the site. Getting basic answers is a challenge. Most posts assume you already know a lot of this stuff.

amelnick · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:36:25 AM »

take a pic of the electronics and we can answer it for you

projectapollo · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:46:01 AM »

I have not mastered getting photos on this site yet. Anyhow -- the Rogue has 2 big pickups, three knobs, three switches. This appears to be a standard Rogue package -- volume, blend, filter with 2 switches for bass/treble boost/cut and the Q switch. If I understand it, the Signature electronics adds another filter knob and Q switch -- one pair for each pickup. Is that it?

lidon2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:10:47 AM »

That's correct. Alembic preamps are on the filter, so Sig adds a second preamp as well.

Q switch boosts the cut off frequency selected at the filter, usually by 9db for a two way switch (flat, 9db boost).

Alembic strings are usually light blue.

adriaan · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:26:45 AM »

Hi Bill,

I've taken the liberty to upload the picture linked to from your other thread - every inch an Alembic, and some spectacular walnut!

The electronics appear to be the standard Europa/Rogue package. You have a volume and a blend, then one filter with its trusted side-kick a.k.a. the Q-switch, plus two quick tone switches for bass and treble (cut/neutral/boost). If it were Signature, you'd have four pots (volume and pan, and two filters) and two Q switches (one for each filter). The setup with two filters is classic Alembic, but the Europa/Rogue package is perhaps a little easier to use.

Alembic electronics take some getting used to, but the sound really stands out from the crowd. The Must Reads section points out some interesting discussions, if you want to delve into the technical side of things.

The neutral setting would be the filter fully open, with the Q switch off (in the up position), and the two three-way toggles in the middle position. Turn to blend pot to either end, so you get to hear just one pickup, then try out what happens when you gradually close the filter. Then flick the Q-switch and change the filter. Repeat for the other pickup, and for some of the in-between blend positions, for different right-hand positions, for slap/pop ... You have a really great scope of different tones, even before you start using the bass and treble switches.

Hope this anwers your basic questions!

projectapollo · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2011, 06:04:25 PM »

Most excellent information. Yes, the gentleman that sold it to me said it had the custom signature electronics and I've figured out that it does not. No matter, I am quite pleased with this bass. The balance of the Rogue is marvelous, not a hint of neck dive. My first tonal encounter with it was good, but different than what Im used to. Today, I tested the battery, she was only 7 volts. So, changed the battery and put new Alembic strings on it, oiled the fretboard. Wow, a big difference. Major punch, now. I am really digging this filter concept over a tone control. I find myself with the filter set at a low frequency knee for a smooth thump sound. And the bass boost is slick for switching to playing with a pick. No one trick pony, here. Thanks for the advice and links. This bass is gorgeous.

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2011, 11:11:40 AM »

Regarding the battery, Bill, since this is new to you: Unlike most basses from the other guys with, say, EMG's, batteries in Alembics won't 'fade to black'. It will lose output to a point, then it will begin to very audibly distort. Just thought I'd tip you off on this.

Nice axe, and good to have you here !

J o e y

jacko · « **Reply #9 on:** September 12, 2011, 04:23:26 AM »

Another point regarding batteries that you may already be aware of, The bass is 'switched on and off' by the jack socket so leaving your bass plugged in will drain the battery in no time.

Graeme