Author Topic: Dumb question about S2 controls (Read 200 times)

bassman10096 · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 06:18:52 PM »

I just received my new bass and it's beautiful!!!
But I'm still struggling getting my sound under control. For those who have continuously variable Qs: Which direction increases the boost? Clockwise or counterclockwise?
Duh, Bill...

rklisme · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2004, 06:30:00 PM »

Bill

Congratulations and you know the drill, pics please! I don't know anything about the S2 but I am sure you are in bass heaven right now. Have fun!

Rory

bsee · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2004, 06:51:53 PM »

Clockwise, I would guess. The old way to tell is to look for the wah-wah effect. Turn the CVQs full clockwise, play a note and then spin the filter knob back and forth quickly. If you're getting a wah-wah effect, then your CVQs are providing a boost.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2004, 08:02:28 PM »

Thanks guys. Like I said, Duh. I'll use the wah wah method to confirm the operation. It's been 6 months since I sold my Spoiler to finance this affair, plus it's a bit daunting to contend with two filter and Q arrangements simultaneously (not to mention the confusion the SF-2 injects - I've basically shut that out of the equation for the moment).

Unfortunately, my wife left for the weekend thru Tues and took the digital camera with her!

Suffice it to say that I think (and everyone who's seen the new bass) that it's the most incredibly beautiful instrument ever seen (apologies to everyone else here). I'm ecstatic with the way it came out and can't wait to show it to you all.

Bill

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2004, 08:27:40 PM »

Remember that what you're actually doing is generating two separate tones and blending them together if you desire it. Set the pickup selector to either individual pickup and you only have three knobs to worry about.

I haven't played a series or signature bass myself, but I suspect that combined pickup tones with meaty bass coming from the neck pickup and tight mid-to-high tones from the bridge would sound great. I would dial these in individually, then mix them and repeat.

At least you should have plenty of time to get acquainted with the instrument in your wife's absence!

bassman10096 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2004, 11:04:14 PM »

Tomorrow I start with a disciplined look at the controls. Today, I've just been playing with the action (predictably introduction to the WI humidity caused the fingerboard to swell) and just amazing myself with the tonal variety, the fantastic feel and play and the great looks of this bass.

Thanks for your advice.

Bill

kmh364 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 15, 2004, 04:50:07 AM »

Congrats, Bill. Take tons o' pix and post them here for all the drooling masses to enjoy, LOL!

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2004, 06:01:05 AM »

Bill: sounds like you need a CVQ lession from Series Master BKBASS (Barry Kravitz...Barry's Dark Custom). Shoot him an email. He should be able to help you out with all your series electronics questions.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2004, 10:16:34 AM »

Congratulations, Bill.
Don't forget to eat, wash, and breathe during your Alembic get acquainted honeymoon. Maybe your wife knew it was coming and wanted to let you spend the time to get over the initial monomania such an instrument always generates.

Have Fun!
Mike

bassman10096 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 15, 2004, 10:21:57 AM »

Great suggestion. I'm going to do just that.

So far, I've identified and somewhat characterized the functions and (now) all the controls. But I still have lots of questions for the next week (month? year?) or so.

Thanks
Bill

kmh364 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2004, 06:11:21 AM »

Ask away, oh seeker of knowledge. There's always someone here that knows the answer to just about everything.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2004, 07:47:44 PM »

Thanks guys. I've already changed my right hand technique to accomodate the much greater sensitivity and nuance of playing this thing! The electronics are only one way to control tone on an Alembic.

I'll post some pictures when my wife returns with the camera.

Bill

kevin_k · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2004, 07:41:34 AM »

Bill,

Glad to hear you got your bass. Hope it brings you a lifetime of enjoyment. I too had a similar experience with adjusting my right hand technique. So much sound/power right at your finger tips.

As far as the controls, I think I have a lot of experimenting left to do. I sometime just turn the knobs randomly to see what I get, but most of the time I do small adjustments from no specific starting point.

I don't have the superfilter, so I don't have that extra layer of tone control, but I imagine it is worth every penny.

I thought it was a pretty smart idea for you to add the on/off switch for the LEDs. I think if I have my bass refinished down the line, I will add that switch.

Later,

Kevin