Buying a 1985 Series 1 without DS 5

[Harleybass]

I would love some feedback on using a Series 1 without The DS- 5.Not new to the Alembic world,owning 5 in the past .first go around with The Series 1.Thanks

[5a quilt top]

The biggest issue will be battery consumption. I understand that the S1 electronics reduce the lifespan of 9 volt batteries far more quickly than non-Series electronics.


So, if you're accustomed to getting 6 months - a year out of a battery with your other Alembics, it will be significantly less with Series instruments.


I always use a DS 5 power supply with my S1 and S2 basses, so I don't know how long the batteries last, but I'm sure there are other Forum members who have some experience with that.

[StephenR]

I don't think I have ever used my Series bass without the external power supply so I am also not sure about battery life. If you are planning to use batteries until you can get a power supply from Alembic that seems fine but personally I would be reluctant to gig without the power supply.

Do you have the bass already and is the 1/4" output wired for stereo or mono? If it is wired in stereo and you use the batteries and a mono cable you are only going to get one pickup, so that is a consideration, too.

[Harleybass]

I do not have the bass yet,I was told using the battery I would only get one pick up.so I assume the 1/4" is stereo.I'm hoping its the neck pick up.do all the controls work when using on battery ?(the controls for that one pickup any way)When they come in from Alembic I would then get one.I would like to be able at least to use the Bass.Thanks for your input

[jazzyvee]

I have a series bass too and have never used it live on batteries, just tried it out to check all was working. Mine came with a stereo to mono lead which gives me both pickups out to mono. All the controls still work when using the battery just like with the DS-5.
here is a link on how to create a lead.
http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=275.0

[wayne]

You will get approximately 20 hours of life from brand new batteries.

C-Ya..........wayne

[StephenR]

Sounds like the bass is wired in stereo so if you use the 1/4" jack with a mono cable the neck pickup will be the one that works, filter and Q switch will be fine, too. Luckily for you the DS-5 power supplies will be back in stock soon.

I am sure everyone is going to want to see pictures of the bass and also get your impressions of the instrument as you get to know it.

[lembic76450]

I use my Series I often with just the batteries. Pretty much all rehearsals
and even some gigs.  As Wayne says, battery life is short,  though I think
that I get a bit more then 20 hours.  At a gig I make sure to unplug my bass
on breaks.  Also, if there is any doubt about them lasting through the gig, I change
them out before hand. I have left the 1/4" jack stereo and I have a TRS to 1/4" cord
made with the summing resistors built into the connector on one end.

[hammer]

If you re also looking for a good amp, check out the Walter Woods listing discussed in the The Swap, Sell and Wish List section. It's got a built in power supply for Alembics.

[hieronymous]

If you re also looking for a good amp, check out the Walter Woods listing discussed in the The Swap, Sell and Wish List section. It's got a built in power supply for Alembics.

That would be cool - getting your first Series I and also getting a Walter Woods amp tailor made for it!

[keith_h]

The batteries don't last long depending upon how much you are playing. If you play a lot think in the term of weeks rather than months. Thing like neck LED's won't function either. If the bass doesn't have a stereo/mono switch you can make a stereo to mono cable. The instructions are here:
http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=275.0

[hammer]

I'd also think about whether you are going to want the mini or the rack version. From what I understand the minis may be available soon...the rack mounts?  I wouldn't hold my breath because it might be a while. I'm know some people prefer the minis but personally I prefer the rack mount versions.

[Harleybass]

Thanks for everyone's input.anyone know if Alembic can make me the cable?I'm weighing all options.currently bave a beautiful 83 Distillate.

[rv_bass]

Oops, I thought you meant five-pin cable.  I bought the stereo to mono cable from Bayou Cables (link in HarleyBass' post below).

[Harleybass]

Bayou cable make them

http://bayoucables.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=35