What's up w/ my Epic 4?

[jason42]

I've had this guy since day one, over 20 years.  Recently, I've had it slowly distort to cut out, even cut out entirely, or sometimes just sound like it's through a fuzz box.  Jack is tight, battery is new.  Cavity looks just like it did the day I bought it.   The other night, while playing it cut out hard.  For the first time, spinning the treble pot made it cut in & out.  Is it possible this is all caused by a bad tone pot or do I have a bigger problem?

I've attached audio of what it does to me.  Thanks all.

[mica]

Make sure when you are spinning the treble pot it's not moving inside the cavity and the solder side of the board is coming in contact with the shield - that would be if it cuts out completely. To fix this, take the knob off (<----read the instructions linked there), hold the treble board inside with one hand, and tighten the nut with a 1/2" nut driver with the other. You may have to loosen a little first to position the board to be clear of the cavity edge. This will make sure it can't make contact and short out, killing your signal.

It's also possible the IC is faulty now. You can send the electronics in for a no charge test, or you can buy a TLE2022 chip for $9 from us if you want to try it.

I know you said the battery is new, but if you could test the voltage is at least 7.5 volts that would be great. It's amazing how many defective batteries there are.

[jason42]

Tested the battery - all good.  Tried another just for good measure just to bee 100% on the battery.  Nothing seems to be touching the shielding.  I did tighten the pots though, as they were a bit wiggly.  Problems still persist.  In fact even spinning the volume can make it crackle.  Not sure if I'm making it worse or not. 

So, if I was to send you the electronics for testing, am I taking the pickups off and everything? 

[David Houck]

Have you exercised the pots?

[jason42]

Yes.  It definitely improved the treble ppot, but overall it still distorts and fades to silence.  I'm inclined to think there is a bigger issue.  So how do I send the electronics in for testing?

[mica]

You'll need a 1/2" nut driver to remove the nuts after you takes of the knobs following the instructions in my earlier post. Send in the electronics in a sturdy box with adequate wadding to protect it during transport. Insure for $750 and send to me: Alembic, Inc. - attn: Mica 3005 Wiljan Ct, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

Please include a note that has your return address, phone number, email and reference the discussion at the club or give me a description of the issue in the note. We'll test it right away and let you know what the issue is. You've already got a "before" picture, so you'll know how everything should fit when you get it back.

[jason42]

You should see it middle of next week Mica.  Thank you

[jason42]

Mica, any idea?  Or any guess when I can expect an idea?

[mica]

Probably tomorrow - I've been out sick and your parcel was waiting on my desk for my return today. I got it checked in and up to Tony's desk - he's an early bird and I tend to be a little later, so he'll be working on it in the morning.

[jason42]

Thank you Mica.  No rush, but I'm glad you have it. I hope you feel better!

[jason42]

Thank you for the repair!  My Epic is back together and working great.  Appreciate the service!!!

[mica]

Yay! Thanks for the update. I'm getting my bearing after being gone a week for NAMM and a short wood buying trip, so I'll check this item off the list!