Author Topic: Anniverary 89AM001 HELP (Read 519 times)

rover · « **on:** December 15, 2004, 09:33:56 AM »

I purchased this bass after finding it last month on the Swap list, and need your help. First, the bass has broken straplocks, including one with the screw broken inside. Poor_Nigel had indicated that they are standard Dunlops?are they truly easy for my local music shop to remove and install or do I need to send it back to Alembic? More importantly, I?m not sure the electronics are working properly and could use guidance on a couple of the controls (there was no documentation). What are the different positions of the selector switch and does it make sense that the bridge pickup does not work in any selector switch setting if the mono/stereo switch is in the forward position? Lastly, and to fully show my ignorance, is there any function served by the stereo mode if playing through a single cabinet? Thanks in advance to any and all who can help. (Offline replies okay.) Despite the eventual price and related issues, it is the finest bass I?ve ever owned. Unfortunately, it is prompting me to again consider ordering a custom as well...

Thanks

echo008 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2004, 11:01:36 AM »

Hi,
With the mono/Stereo Switch to the front, you are in Stereo mode, Pushing the Switch back you should be able to control the back PUP.
The Selector switch is Down=off, up one =Bridge PUP, up two= Both PUP's and finally up three=neck PUP.
If you are running stereo you will need two cabs as well as two preamps/amps or a Stereo preamp that can take two signals and route them out to 2 cabs, you cannot run stereo into a single cab.

echo008 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2004, 11:35:52 AM »

before I forget again ....WELCOME! and congrats on getting a great bass.
theres one more thing I wanted to add ... to run stereo you also need , a Stereo cable, thats one end having a single 1/4 inch TRS connnector and at the other end are two 1/4 inch TS connectors.
heres an example:
http://www.cobaltcable.com/product/insert_cable.htm

- Tom

poor_nigel · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2004, 02:31:02 PM »

Hey Robert, welcome and congratulations on the acquisition of such a fine bass.

including one with the screw broken inside.

This is hard to picture. If the screw was broken, the strap lock would fall out of its hole. Do you mean that the head is striped, so it cannot be unscrewed? Do you mean the screw broke off, the strap lock is out, and the shaft of the screw is stuck in the bass?

Any music store can order gold Dunlop strap locks for about $20 - $25 (Internet price) for the whole set. However, it depends on just what you meant by the screw being broken as to whom and where the bass should be repaired by. If the screw is broken off in the bass, since you are talking a very good bass, I would consider a master luthier, and possibly a flight to Boston/NY or Santa Rosa, depending on which coast you live on. Let's stop there, until the problem is defined in clearer terms.

rover · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:14:21 PM »

Thanks for the welcome and the assistance. Next time, I'll double check the spelling of my topic header.

Just to correct and clarify, I do not get any sound from the bridge pickup when the stereo/mono switch is in the back/tail position. When the switch is in the forward (toward neck) position moving the Selector Switch's tapered/pointed end results in: point toward neck = Off; point down one = Bridge PUP; point toward floor = both PUPS; point toward tail = neck PUP. Is this backwards? It seems counterintuitive for the tapered end not to be a pointer in the direction of the selected PUP.

As to the strap locks, I will attempt to upload a picture, but assuming that doesn't go smoothly...a Phillips screw head is visible in one of the strap lock holes, but does not screw out (at a certain point the screw just turns without exiting). The other hole shows no Phillips head, just metal. Something may have broken off, but it's hard to tell because the metal is flush with the casing. (Forgive the simple-speak...I have never used strap locks and am unfamiliar with their operation or lingo.)

If I truly need a master luthier, I could use some referrals. While I'd love to visit Santa Rosa, it's a bit far from Northport on Long Island, NY and there are no Alembic dealers in the state of NY. The closest is several hours away in CT. If I need to make the trip, I will, but if Dunlop strap locks are easily repaired I would make some calls to local guitar outlets. All that said, I don't want to leave the bass with anyone who could hurt it.

Again, thanks for the welcome and I'm glad to see that aficionados of the holy grail of basses don't assume a holier than thou attitude when sharing their knowledge.

Rob
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rover · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:30:09 PM »

As you can (not) see, I was unable to upload the picture since the attachment was apparently too large. Since I can't compress the pic further, I hope my verbal description suffices.

Thanks,
Rob

rover · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2004, 08:56:04 PM »

One more attempt...

poor_nigel · « **Reply #7 on:** December 15, 2004, 11:53:33 PM »

You can use a .050 Alan wrench to loosen both set screws in the chicken-head pickup selector knob and then turn it around 180 degrees and tighten it back up. My selector switch used to point the same way, and it seemed backwards. Turning it 180 degrees should make it more logical for you. I left mine as it was and just got used to it.

I only know of one luthier in NYC that I have dealt with, and he did an immaculate job refretting my old Les Paul Bass. Jimmy Copollo at the New York Guitar and Bass Boutique. Here is a link to his site:

http://www.guitarboutique.com/

Others here may have more recent experience with luthiers in your area who have considerable experience in the repair of Alembics. Just because someone sells something, does not mean they are experts at fixing them. Since the straps locks are recessed and the finish is older (so a bit more on the brittle side), it is easier to pop a chip out of the finish if you try to force anything in this situation. The price Jimmy (or anyone) would charge to remove and replace the strap locks properly is, I'm sure, far less than the $1,150, plus shipping, price tag of a refinish job at Santa Rosa.

Anniversary basses are great basses. I know you will enjoy yours for years to come.

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2004, 12:22:54 AM »

Rover,
Your pickup-selector issue seems cosmetic at best; one of the perils of living with Alembic basses is adjusting to the quirks their designers built into them. Believe me, a pickup selector that works 100% counter-intuitively is less than others have dealt with. I urge you to follow poor_nigel's example.
Re: your straplock dilemma, if they work leave them alone, but if they don't and you're willing to make a three hour journey north on the Thruway on my schedule, I'll do my best to fit you in because I can probably knock it out without causing noticable havoc, but dinner is on you. While I have great reverence for these instruments, it seems like your bass may need drastic action to replace the Straplock whose head has broken off should they not work or you want to swap them out for something else.
The unit that turns to a certain point can probably be coaxed out with pliers, but the unit whose head has broken off might need to be drilled out, which is a job for steady hands but not impossible. In other words, do as much as you can at home but your compatriots here will tell you what to ask for at the luthier's shop. Good luck.

echo008 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2004, 06:51:14 AM »

I wanted to suggest you send an email/call Chris at the American Guitar museum
http://www.americanguitarmuseum.com/agmmain.htm
he is located in New Hyde Park on Long Island, I have never had him work on my Alembic (there was never a need, I would take mine to him in a second if I needed), but he has done other electronic installs/ setups repairs on my other basses as well as my Fiances guitars.
As well, I also think you would not do wrong in going to the Guitar boutique in NYC, Im seriously looking to try one of Jimmy's J basses.
- Tom

poor_nigel · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2004, 10:15:02 AM »

Robert - Personally, I would jump on Shawn's offer. It would be worth the three hour drive just to check out his S-II graphite jewel in person. He may ever let you touch it - no way!!! There is certainly nothing to lose in that offer. You would even get to spend time with another crazed Alembic person. Hey, we gotta stick together, now.

rover · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2004, 04:33:18 PM »

All,

Thanks for easing my concerns about the electronics. I'm leaving the Selector Switch as is and if I can't get used to it, I'll follow Nigel's advice.

Your comments have convinced me the strap locks are more problematic and need TLC from skilled hands, definitely not mine. I've met Jimmy Coppola and had been referred once before to Chris at the Guitar Museum, so I'll give them a call and hope for the best since the bass can only be played without a strap.

As to Mr. Sheriff's kind offer to fill the role of KungFuSurgeon, I fear the dinner could cost more than a flight to Santa Rosa...though it would be tempting to play Smoke on the Water on a graphite neck with a pick at volume eleven.

Thanks to everyone for sharing both your knowledge and humor. When I move forward on a custom, I hope I can again look to your collective expertise.

Rob

rover · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2004, 04:35:36 PM »

All,

Thanks for easing my concerns about the electronics. I'm leaving the Selector Switch as is and if I can't get used to it, I'll follow Nigel's advice.

Your comments have convinced me the strap locks are more problematic and need TLC from skilled hands, definitely not mine. I've met Jimmy Coppola and had been referred once before to Chris at the Guitar Museum, so I'll give them a call and hope for the best since the bass can only be played without a strap.

As to Mr. Sheriff's kind offer to fill the role of KungFuSurgeon, I fear the dinner could cost more than a flight to Santa Rosa...though it would be tempting to play Smoke on the Water on a graphite neck with a pick at volume eleven.

Thanks to everyone for sharing both your knowledge and humor. When I move forward on a custom, I hope I can again look to your collective expertise.

Rob

echo008 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2004, 06:02:57 PM »

Hi Rob,
Best of luck in getting it sorted out ... may it be quick and painless.
I for one would also like to know how it works out for you.
happy holidays
- Tom

rover · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2004, 07:35:41 PM »

Tom,

I'd be happy to keep you posted. Unfortunately, I doubt that I'll have the opportunity to resolve the issue before the holidays. Again, thanks to you, Nigel, and KFS for the education and the suggestions. Hope Santa treats all of you well.

Rob