Question About Series Stereo Bass.

[nemesis]

Hello Alembics'

I have a question that I think I know the answer to but wanted to get the real scoop. I have had a series 4 string bass since the 70's. I have always played it through the blue box, first using the "mono" plug to a single amp. Then I grew up and have done nothing but stereo for many moons. I've never had any batteries in it, always the blue power supply, and 5 pin cable. I've been working up the nerve to go out and perhaps do some open mic things. I was thinking to make it easy just put batteries in it, plug it to the back line. So you know where this is going. I tried it today in the play room. Found that I only got he neck pickup sound. So I assume I need to get a cord that has the Stereo on one end, and goes to mono on the other end. Correct? Then the second part is is there a recommendation for a cable supplier to make a quality cable? I know dumb questions, but never done this before, and a dummy....
Thanks,
Nemesis Jon

[elwoodblue]

Here's the recipe for that cable:
http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=275.msg1098#msg1098

[StephenR]

The other option would be to have the bass rewired so that the 1/4" jack is mono then, of course, you would have to use the blue box if you want a stereo feed.

[rv_bass]

Two other options would be to have a mono/stereo switch installed, or just play through the neck pickup at open mics (it's usually just a couple of tunes you get to play anyway). 

[lembic76450]

At Bayou Audio Cables,  he makes an Alembic stereo to mono cable that has summing resistors in the
stereo end.  I have been usuing one for a couple of years now.  It is all I use for rehearsals and anything
where I need a hit and run set-up. No mods done that way.

[nemesis]

Thanks guys for all the input! I like the idea of the cable, and thank you lembic for that, will check it out!

Nemesis Jon

[hieronymous]

Yeah, I didn't realize Bayou Cables was still in business! He had stopped making the 5-pin cables several years ago.

I think it would be ideal to have a switch to go b/n stereo and mono - that's what my Stanley Clarke with Anniversary Electronics has - I rarely use stereo but it's nice to have as an option!

[keith_h]

Yeah, I didn't realize Bayou Cables was still in business! He had stopped making the 5-pin cables several years ago.

I think it would be ideal to have a switch to go b/n stereo and mono - that's what my Stanley Clarke with Anniversary Electronics has - I rarely use stereo but it's nice to have as an option!

I don't know if things have changed but Bayou Cables had been a side thing Butch did to make some extra money. He still lists 5-pin Alembic cables on his website and 5-pin to 1/4" mono complete with summing resistors. It would surprise me that he would drop them since everything he does is made to order. As I recall he even played an Alembic bass at one time.

I have quite a few cables from him as it was about the same cost as me buying the materials for one or two pieces. I have both a 5-pin for the Series 1 and a 1/4" TRS to two 1/4" TS for the Brown Bass. In fact it was running the Brown Bass in stereo that more or less led me to the Series 1. I've also had interconnect and speaker cables made for my PA and bass rig that accommodate different connector ends and bridging.  All have held up well.

[nemesis]

Thanks again for all the help! Ordered a cable from Bayou Cables. So in business and seemingly doing fine. Ordering was easy, and it is to be shipped on Friday. It is TRS on one end and TS on the other, with resistors in it somewhere. So thanks to Lembic 76450 for the input, it should work out really well I hope. This is a great group of Alembic-ions, good info and always right on the mark. Thank you!

Nemesis Jon