Author Topic: Spoiler Needs an Electronics Refit? (Read 692 times)

ox_junior · « **on:** March 23, 2004, 03:38:13 PM »

My early 80's Spoiler recently started giving off what sounds like high-frequency noise. Nothing I do gets it out, but the problem is INTERMITTENT, not consistent. Depends on where I am. I read Mica's message on the Yahoo Alembic board about the electronics refit, but it only mentions that Series I and II basses need this.

I'm afraid of the potential cost, plus the time away from my bass (I need it for my tribute group - www.thewhoshow.com).

Mica, any thoughts? Do these basses require the refit? Can the work be done through a dealer as opposed to waiting a long time to have it done at the factory? Help!! Of course, if you have a spare Spyder you can loan me....that'll help!

Thanks in advance, Mike Bisch

keavin · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2004, 04:04:22 PM »

hey mike,did you try adjusting the tiny trim pots inside the electronics cavity? (the one under the Q switch pot) it might be tweeked, or(turned up)a little bit too high,.. well at least that worked for me on my series bass when mine had a high frequency noise, make sure its turned down somewhat while adjusting it though,i think that should do it!(hopefully)

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2004, 04:47:11 PM »

Howdy Ox Jr.
Also check in the electronics cavity. The pickup leads should be going through a hollow cylindrical tube form called a ferrite bead. The ferrite bead significantly reduces stray RFI (radio frequency interference). I needed one for my used '81 Distillate, and Mica was able to send one at no charge. Just another example of Alembic going above and beyond the call for owners of their remarkable instruments.
Mike

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2004, 04:53:59 PM »

There is an RF upgrade for the Spoiler electronics. If you don't have the bead that Mike is referring to, email me off the board with your mailing address. For the upgrade, you'll have to send the electronics in, and it's running $85 for the service.

The trimpots in a Spoiler only affect the gain of each pickup.

ox_junior · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2004, 05:39:55 PM »

Holy geez, you guys are the coolest!!!! Such jiffy service!!!

What a relief that it could be possible for me to manage myself. If not, thanks Mica for clarifying the cost, sounds like the turnaround time could be quick as well.

Mica, one more question - at one point you mentioned that it was possible to swap out the Spoiler's pickups for the ones used on Series Is and IIs. I might be interested in this, since its obvious that I want to get as close to the Series II sound as I can. What model # should I order?

Thanks again everyone for your help.

Mike Bisch

811952 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2004, 05:42:00 PM »

You can also get a squeal if the filter pot is going bad (as in on an older instrument), is turned all the way up and you've got the Q switch in a boost position. A little exercising of the pot usually makes the situation go away...

adriaan · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2004, 12:25:08 PM »

One of the first things I noticed when trying out my 88 Spoiler in the shop, as I was also trying out some Fenders and Yamahas, was the absence of noise - all the modern active basses were coming up with horrible rattles and hisses (even when no note was played, haha) but not the Spoiler. And it doesn't even have the ferrite bead!

You must be thinking about the FatBoy pickups. They are the same design as the AXY, so they're humcancelling, but they're wound around the bigger magnet that is also found in the Series I/II single coil pickups. Apparently they produce a hotter (richer?) signal than the AXY.

The size of the Fatboy is supposed to be the same as of the AXY that comes standard on Spoilers. The Fatboy does look more square on photos than the AXY, but I'm sure it will fit if they say it does.

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2004, 12:38:48 PM »

The FatBoys and the AXYs are made in the same casting shells, so from the outside you can't tell which is which. Adriaan's right, you can't use the Series I/II pickups without the Series I/II electronics - those are single coils and need the rest of the electronics for humcancelling.

The FatBoy is an AXY wrapped on a Series I/II magnet. It's as close as you can get to the sound without converting to full-on Series I/II. It's hard to put in words the difference in tone, but to me it's a fuller sound, like the Series basses.

Add a Superfilter to your rack and you're even closer.

Your ferrit bead is out in the mailbox as I type, so you'll see it soon.

ox_junior · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2004, 03:08:37 PM »

Thanks Adriaan and Mica, excellent info on the pickups. I'm going to order up one soon (I usually use just the bridge pickup only, since that setting seems to work best to give me the tone I'm looking for.

Will also look out for the ferrite bead in the mail. Thanks for that Mica.

You guys are the best! Thanks, Mike

ox_junior · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2004, 10:46:21 AM »

Mica, the ferrite bead works great!!!!

Thanks a million, you are the best!!

Mike

ox_junior · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2004, 10:51:51 AM »

Mica, the ferrite bead works great!!!!

Thanks a million, you are the best!!

Mike