Elan 90H6083 PU problem

[ciba]

I am absolutelly thrilled about my sweet Elan,but...
About two days ago I started experiencing problems with my bridge PU, and just now it went really south. Now my bridge PU works with only maybe 10-20% volume
I can see the problem is actually since someone that had a bass before me was beeing smart with the PUs and managed to break the plastic where the screws are and the crack goes all the way through and also “through” the place where the plastic merts the wire. Now my question is what can I do? Is there something to do or do I need to break the bank (1100$ + shipping and customs to Europe) and just buy entire set og AXY PUs for my beauty?
I hope someone can help me. Pics comming tomorrow
Thank you for answers in advance

[mica]

Do send me or post some pictures of the damage to the pickup. Usually a pickup problem presents as does it work or not? It's rare to have it sort of work, so it may not be the pickups. If it does turn out to be the pickup, you only need to replace the defective one, which is much less than $1100.

[ciba]

Thanx for fast answer Mica. As promised I will post some pocs here tomorrow and maybe even a link to video where the problem can be heard.
Electronics works fine so I guess the problem is in the PU,so my question is than...how much would a bridge AXY PU cost me? I could just as well order one

[ciba]

Hej Mica. As promised here are some attachments, where you can hopefuly see the problem I am dealing with. And you were right. This morning when I pluged it in the brindge pickup was totally mute. No sound whatsoever comming from it. So I guess my problem is a dead PU. In that case I would just like to order one, and I need help in how to do that, since I saw that on your site you are only selling it as a package with PUs and controls.

[garth4664]

Hello Ciba, looks like you should be able to swap the pickup plugs on the bass preamp circuit board. Swapping front and rear pickup plugs should tell you if it’s a pickup issue or a preamp issue. Be gentle with the plugs Mica told me to use this technique on one of my basses several years ago to help diagnose the problem...in my case it was the preamp. Best of luck.

[ciba]

Brilliant Garth! Thank you

[ciba]

Well garth4664 was right. I did like suggested and the conclusion is that the bridge PU is dead.
As I am newbie with the whole Alembic stuff I have to ask you Mica, what is the procedure in ordering a new one. A friend of mine (also Alembic owner) said something that it is possible getting FACTORY SECOND AXY PUs for my Elan. Since all the electronics/preamp and the neck PU is working like it should I am only interested in the bridge PU. Thank you in advance Mica.

[jazzyvee]

Hi ciba, I am in the UK and have 2 AXY pickups that I bought new from alembic a couple of years or so ago. One I may be willing to part with as it's a FATBOY pickup which is the same size case as am AXY but has a larger magnet inside the casing. There is a lot of love for the sound of them on the forum especially in the bridge position. I did not find that one to be as clear sounding as the standard AXY pickups so didn't stay on my bass for more than a few hours. The pickup is as new and i'm based in the UK so as you are in Denmark, if there is duty  to pay then it should be a lot less than from the USA.

If you are interested PM me and I will check my paperwork to see what they cost me.

[ciba]

That could be an option Jazzyvee. Although I will stil wait for the answer from Mica.
But mail sent tp you jazzyvee

[adriaan]

Perhaps even a 3 way swap/sell setup ... If Ciba prefers an AXY, I'd be interested in Jazzy's Fatboy.