Author Topic: Stock electronics and controls on Alembics? (Read 539 times)

mele_aloha · « **on:** January 31, 2007, 08:58:48 PM »

Dear friends,

It has just been brought to my attention that there are no bass and treble controls on the Series II that I just ordered.

Can any of you give me your feelings on not having these controls and if you would rather have them on the bass? Do the other controls make up in a different way or would you prefer having those controls yourself?

Help, please give me some feedback as I honestly dont know. I've never had a bass without them.
Should I be requesting them?

Thanks, Paul

(Message edited by mele_aloha on January 31, 2007)

edwin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2007, 09:48:22 PM »

Series II have very different tone controls. They are filters, one for each pickup and have been described in great detail all over this board. It would be a good thing to do to do some research, however, they are something you have to really use to understand. Once you start using the Series layout, you may find your other basses lacking!

I know this isn't as specific as you want, but this can get you started:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/18483.html?1116292629

Enjoy!
Edwin

bassjigga · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2007, 09:49:37 PM »

Here are the specs on all the instruments.

http://www.alembic.com/prod/basses.html

Most Alembics utilize low-pass filters rather than your typical shelving (bass/treble boost/cut) type controls. The low pass filter adjusts the frequency. Frequencies below the set freq (say 2 khz for example) are passed through while those above are reduced. Hope this makes sense. You should probably talk with the people at Alembic and educate yourself about the electronics before you order. A good amount of the price of a Series II is in the electronics (the most expensive and versitile package Alembic offers). You might save yourself a lot of money if you decide you don't necessarily need or want Series controls. Good luck!

jseitang · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2007, 10:51:09 PM »

once you've played around with the tone controls of a series II, you'll understand that its A LOT more than just treble abd bass!!!

mele_aloha · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2007, 11:02:52 PM »

I thought that this was correct and then someone wrote in my other post recommending that I get bass and treble controls. I took this as coming from someone who knew what they were talking about since they have been all over this board with a lot of writing and communication. This person also has instruments on order and purchased them previously from Alembic. So sometimes I am blown away by the comments in the forum. Also this person recommended that I eliminate on of the three ebony strips that I have in my neck as it might be just adding another pound to the weight of my bass and probably not be that effective. Does this make since? I thought more ebony was better for the sustain.

?Paul

keavin · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:34:03 AM »

There has been series basses made with everything from you name it,I personally would love to have treble/bass controls on my series but ive gotten used to going to my rig for for additional EQ ...BUT with those filters /Q swiches you can get a pretty wide variety of High&Low tone frequencies so it pans itself out.... but i say if you can afford to get a solid Gold/diamond encrusted with a platinum fingerboard alembic with a Rolls Royce Grill & you got the Bucks,,,,Dammit go for it!

jacko · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:37:00 AM »

Paul.
I've checked out your plans and they look to be spot on. I can't wait to see the FTC kick off.

graeme

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2007, 05:22:22 AM »

Paul - don't worry too much. You use the onboard filters to voice the sound. You can add bass and treble controls as well, but you probably won't touch them too much, so why not leave that part of the sound shaping to your rig. Also less chance of hitting the wrong control.

(Message edited by adriaan on February 01, 2007)

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2007, 05:45:45 AM »

Hi Paul,
Some people want a lot of tone control options, others feel there's plenty of variation and control in the lowpass filters with Q controls (either toggles or CVQ). IMHO Jimmy Johnson is one pro who uses his Series II directly into the house PA without any additional EQ, and sounds beautiful and tasty. Your personal tastes and opinions are the primary selectors for YOUR bass. Make it your dream.
Mike

olieoliver · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2007, 06:50:01 AM »

Hi Paul, I thought the same thing when I got my S-2, WOW no tone controls. But have found that the low pass filters and continuous Q controls allow me to shape the tone any way I want.

I agree with Adrian, use your rig for the TONE controls, if needed.

As for the extra lam of Ebony, I'm no expert but can say that I am having a bass built that has 2 extra lams of Ebony.

Looks to me that you did your homework, knew what YOU wanted and ordered it that way.

Mike is right make it your dream. If you want to add tone controls go ffor it.

This is going to be a real cool bass.

Peace Olie

jseitang · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2007, 08:08:59 AM »

mele, please check out my bass. its in the custom of the month archive. you will see that not only do i have 3 ebony strips down my bass, i had it made with purpleheart lamintes in the headstock only, and then, to have one thin venner of ebony on each side of the neck before it touches the body....

jacko · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2007, 08:13:15 AM »

Can you post a link to that please Jimmy?
edit (or even just say which cotm it is)
Graeme

(Message edited by jacko on February 01, 2007)

adriaan · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2007, 08:23:40 AM »

It's the January 2002 COTM, Bass of Doom!

jacko · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2007, 11:07:27 AM »

Oooh. Sweet! How has the vermillion aged Jimmy? there's a couple of FTCs on the go where the vermillion is VERY red - I really like that;-)

Graeme

kmh364 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2007, 11:40:40 AM »

Paul,

Everyone here means well and they all certainly have their own opinions on all things Alembic. If you're confused as to which way to go with anything RE: your custom, call Alembic and speak to them. They'll help you get exactly the right thing for you.

Cheers,

Kevin