New to Alembic, a couple of questions

[mica]

This bass likely has the 1/4" jack wired in mono. You will have stereo output through the 5-pin and power supply still. You can always rewire the 1/4" jack to stereo or even add a stereo/mono switch later yourself.

Basses before 1990 or so will likely have a dedicated stereo output, after that, more likely a dedicated mono output. But remember when buying used that the bass was likely special ordered, so anything in fact goes

[Deltaphoenix]

Awesome, thanks for the clarity, Mica.

I would bet it is mono being from 2001 but like you said, who knows

Hoping it has all of its documentation when it shows up.

[edwin]

I never ran my Series basses from the batteries. In fact, my 78 Series I didn't have that option and neither does my Series II equipped Starfire. It's pretty easy to carry around a blue box power supply.

[edwin]

Oh yeah, congrats, you're going to love it!

[jazzyvee]

That is quite likely, I have a 1980 series I bass and that has a stereo jack socket so using a 1/4" lead you only get the neck pickup. Fortunately for me I always use the 5pin cable but there was a stereo to mono cable that came with the bass so I can use that if needs must.

[Deltaphoenix]

I have no issue with using the Blue Box but the use that I would have for the switch is this:
When I am processing the bass through the modular (or even heavily through pedals) I have 2 different signal chains. Flipping the switch from Mono to Stereo would give the ability to add the second chain in an impactful way. For example, when in mono the sound is more normal, flip the switch For stereo and the second signal is going through fuzz and a pitch shifter so there is a lead sound on top of the original sound.

FYI I do also just play more normal bass but I do like to whacky too

[StephenR]

You will definitely want to use the blue box not batteries due to their short lifespan in a Series bass.

Looks like the bass you bought comes with the "old' style blue box. The newer version has a mono/stereo switch. Using either box in stereo means you can add a second signal chain but it will only be fed by one pickup. You still wouldn't have a switchable second signal chain but could always fudge it by running one pickup though a signal chain with no effects, one pickup with effects and using the pickup selector to get either pickup/signal chain or both. With the newer box set to mono you could also have two mono outputs each going to a different signal chain and instead of a switch use a volume pedal for the feed to the effects.

It is possible to use both the blue box and the 1/4" jack simultaneously but the bass will run on batteries only in this configuration so it isn't very practical and you would still need a switch or pedal somewhere to turn the second signal chain on/off.

[Deltaphoenix]

Yeah, it looks like I will need to consider ways to route and what I am processing the signal with.

My Buchla 200e modular has preset recall and can accept Midi CC messages. I have a Moog MP-201 and I think it can send CC messages so it looks like I can (after I figure it out  ) have a footswitchable way to enable an output to be heard from the stero out, reroute what/how the sound is being processed and so on because I have a matrix mixer in the Buchla. This should be fun!

[jazzyvee]

Great catch, thats a lovely bass. I have a series II and it has a mono jack but i always use the external power supply. I have just created a lightweight rack with sf-2, ds-5 and 1u class d power amp. It works great but you can find yourself chasing your tail trying to find the right tone. At the moment im setting it in low pass mode to get control of the frequencies below 350hz and band pass on the other channel to emphasise the low end punch. For serious bottom end accept no substitute. 😁🎵✔️

[s_wood]

The 1/4" jack on most of the Series basses built before the late 80's is wired in stereo.  It's easy to convert to mono - ask Mica and she will send you the schematic that shows how to do so.
Look here for more: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=270.0

[Tennesseemick]

But remember when buying used that the bass was likely special ordered, so anything in fact goes

I entered this wonderfully supportive community when looking for the history of my Epic. Once you have the serial number, post it in the Serial Number discussion under Owning an Alembic. You can learn much about the bass. I do also suggest you register the bass with Alembic.

Congrats!

[Deltaphoenix]

Mick, yes sir. I am definitely going to register my bass with Alembic and I will post the serial number in th eserial number discussion.

I had some great momemtum selling things to get this 1/2 way paid off. I feel like I have hit a wall the past couple of days. I am sure that I will get some more things sold soon and bring this bass home.

[Deltaphoenix]

GREAT NEWS, I have paid the balance on the bass and i expect that I will have it here by Friday! I am so excited!

[Tennesseemick]

AWESOME!

[srfogel]

Pretty sure if there is no s/m switch the 1/4" out is mono.  Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.