83 Distillate-3-way switch problem-any NY Luthier/techs with Alembic experience?

[Bassman8416]

I just got a beautiful 83 Distillate on Reverb.. One of the 3 way switches, the middle one, which sounds like the bass boost/flat/cut.....makes a buzzing, crackling sound to touch and when switching...I gave all knobs and switches the recommended "exercise". Still has that issue. The seller is contacting the Mothership to order a replacement. Is this a fairly easy fix for my tech or should I find someone with experience with Alembic basses and their electronics? I live on Long Island in New York.

[tubeperson]

Try Jeremy perks at Rudy's Music in Soho.  He services all of my basses except the Steinbergers.

[edwardofhuncote]

One other easy D-I-Y thing to try Craig... verify the body of the switch is making contact with the shielding paint inside the cavity. Loosen the mounting nut (1/4"?) and turn the switch just a degree or two in either direction, then re-tighten. I had a very similar issue on my Q-switch one time... turned out to be the shielding, or rather lack of it. And if that ain't it, I'm sure the good folks at Alembic HQ can fix you up.

Good luck, that's a sweet-looking bass.

*ps, if you need some shielding paint, I can send you a little quantity via Fed-Ex. (can't send by USPS) It's not quite as good as the silver stuff they have out there, but has worked fine for me. 

[mica]

I would send the electronics in for the RF upgrade. Even if you fix the switch, it will need to come back here at some point to not be vulnerable to high frequency noise. We can also fix the switch while it's here.

[Bassman8416]

I would send the electronics in for the RF upgrade. Even if you fix the switch, it will need to come back here at some point to not be vulnerable to high frequency noise. We can also fix the switch while it's here.

I was thinking the same thing Mica. That would mean sending the bass? I am open to that anyway so you can give everything a once over. Any idea how long the bass would away? Thank you kindly,
Craig

[Bassman8416]

I would send the electronics in for the RF upgrade. Even if you fix the switch, it will need to come back here at some point to not be vulnerable to high frequency noise. We can also fix the switch while it's here.

Hey Greg,
               Your idea worked. I completely loosened the switches then tightened them up....no buzz or ground issue. I still would like to have the RF upgrade done and may have the frets leveled and everything checked out. I will have to give HQ a call.

[edwardofhuncote]

Sometimes a blind squirrel finds an acorn.

I may send mine out for the RF upgrade too one day, but since it's good and quiet right now... shoot, I hate to mess with it.

[Bassman8416]

Sometimes a blind squirrel finds an acorn.

I may send mine out for the RF upgrade too one day, but since it's good and quiet right now... shoot, I hate to mess with it.

I hear you, and being I just got the bass  I am in no hurry to send it out...lol. I read something on the forum about getting more output on these older Distillates? Did you do that modification?

[edwardofhuncote]

This oughta' get you there... might be the scenic route. http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=233.0

I did not have the output increase mod done, though someone did replace the pickup selector switch with a Pan control. For all I know they may have done that too. It doesn't seem much different from my Persuader, volume-wise.

[gearhed289]

I read something on the forum about getting more output on these older Distillates? Did you do that modification?

I did and it was well worth the effort. I posted a "before and after" clip and a visual at the bottom of this thread - http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=21925.msg222093#msg222093

[Bassman8416]

I read something on the forum about getting more output on these older Distillates? Did you do that modification?

I did and it was well worth the effort. I posted a "before and after" clip and a visual at the bottom of this thread - http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=21925.msg222093#msg222093

Nice, I am also considering the RF upgrade as well. I do have some noise going on.