Author Topic: Laser LED's (Read 276 times)

mele_aloha · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2007, 12:27:48 PM »

So Peter, Is a filter actually a tone control like bass and treble?

tbrannon · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2007, 12:50:28 PM »

Paul- in the simplest way- yes, it works kind of like a tradional tone knob...But not really. =)

Lets put it this way- I'll never forget getting my bass, flicking on the Q Switch, striking an open A and then rolling the filter down-
Don't ask me to describe it because all I could say would be, Sweeeeeeeet!

It's one of those jaw droppers- I was at practice about a week after getting my bass- inbetween songs, I panned back to the bridge pickup and was rolling down the filter trying to find the sound I wanted and both guitarists just stopped dead in their tracks.

I'm not a techie, so don't ask me to tell you exactly how it works or even what it does- all I know is that it's a killer tool and about 100 times more flexible and useable than your traditional tone knobs.

I'm not much of a recording guy, but I've often thought it would be cool to have a sound file of what I described above- Q on, then play a note and roll the filter down.... I'm not setup to do it for you, but a few here probably are. Perhaps somebody will pick up on this if you're interested.

Toby

(Message edited by tbrannon on January 11, 2007)

lbpesq · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2007, 01:36:44 PM »

Paul the Hawaiian One:

Alembic uses a low pass filter. At whatever point it is set, it allows all frequencies below to pass through, while preventing the frequencies above that point from passing through. Set fully clockwise (at the traditional 10 position, or 11 if your name is Nigel) it allows everything through. You will find it to be far more useful and sensitive than the traditional run-it-through-a-capacitor tone control. The Q switch boosts the frequency at the cutoff point. When you engage the Q and move the filter back and forth, you get a wah-wah effect as the boosted frequency moves high to low and back again. It is really amazing how much a very slight adjustment to the filter can result in a significant difference in tone. It is one of the main reasons that Alembic instruments have so much tonal flexibility.

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on January 11, 2007)

bob · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2007, 01:54:31 PM »

To put it yet another way, a typical treble knob will cut (or boost) everything above a fixed frequency, by varying amounts depending on how far you turn the knob.

The low pass filter reduces everything above some particular frequency, at a constant roll-off of 12 dB/octave - except you get to pick what that frequency is, from 6 kHz down to 350 Hz.

Then as a bonus, with the Q switch you can add a boost right around the frequency that you selected.

The wah-wah effect is cool, but of rather limited use in a playing situation.
-Bob

keith_h · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2007, 02:23:33 PM »

Bob said, The wah-wah effect is cool, but of rather limited use in a playing situation.

I don't know how limited Bob but it can save having to buy one more pedal. :-)

Keith

keurosix · « **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2007, 05:34:18 PM »

Paul,
You have a Series II on order? The Q control on a series II is actually a rotary pot for a continuosly variable boost at the filter frequency. This is the best of all combinations with the most versatility, however, it may have the steepest learning curve, and be the most difficult to get repeat sounds. I have Series 1 experience with a 3 position Q switch. That was superior tone sculpting. I can't imagine a Series II! Too much! Sorry, we've gone slightly off topic. You've ordered laser LED's on your custom? Awesome!
Kris

mele_aloha · « **Reply #21 on:** January 11, 2007, 06:59:09 PM »

This is Awesome!!!

Don't worry Kris. I didn't start this thread. This is just out of the blue the these guys above just explained to me the best thing I have been waiting to here about this bass.

See, here on the Big Island where I have been for 16 years there aren't places to go try basses let alone Alembics. I think a funky little music store had one here one time but it was even right handed and I'm a lefty. So this news above is awesome because you guys explained it perfectly. I know exactly what you are talking about when you describe the sound because this is the sound I have been wanting to achieve for so long, or should I say the sound options that I've wanted. That kind of wah sound. With the variation of the wah. And I do understand the rest of it. This is the veriables I have been longing for. I have bought a few other basses like my Carvin and thought that I would finally get that sound. It's the sound that I here alot of pro's play especially in jazz and fusion type music which I love. But no, the Carvin didn't quite have it. There is one position that I can almost get it but the rest of the sound stinks. It's just not an Alembic.

So as of tonite you guys finally gave me an explanation of the filter and the Q that I was hoping they were.

Sounds pretty naieve doesn't it? But believe me this is what I have been waiting to here. I am so excited now after reading these posts in a thread which wasn't even meant to be the place to explain it to me.

I've wanted that sound for so long and I figured if I finally just paid the most for the best bass that Alembic makes I would be able to get it.

Plus I was listening mullers utube links of MK and it really assured me that the Alembic would be what I was waiting for.

Now the only problem is that I am so stoked and I have to wait 9 months or so. Oh well--

Thank you guys so much. You have really welcomed me without making me feel less than.

Alohas, Paul

I am going to finally reveil my order if I can upload it but I'll put it in the appropriate thread. Thanks again!

(Message edited by mele_aloha on January 11, 2007)

erwin · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2007, 04:06:26 AM »

Better start a new thread for that Q shizzle.
Didn't get an answer at all...

jacko · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2007, 08:23:00 AM »

Erwin. The first 5 replies pretty much answered your query. To reiterate, the Alembic Laser LEDs are very, very bright indeed. Another MK owner here in edinburgh has them and you could use them as runway lights.

graeme

mica · « **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2007, 08:36:35 AM »

The front Laser LEDs are at least 1,000 times brighter than the side position marker LEDs. There are a variety of intensities available. Not every color is available in every intensity.

Now there are LEDs that are so bright they are unsafe to use as fingerboard markers since someone looking at them could damage their sight with the intensely bright light.

Side LEDs are about 2mm in diameter and the Laser LEDs are 5mm. There are some superbright LEDs that are 3mm.

erwin · « **Reply #25 on:** January 12, 2007, 10:26:24 AM »

I'm very sorry about my responce but i hop you'll understand. Thank you very much Mica! And i want to let you all know that i just LOVE Alembic. Had one before but i have got a electric shock from one so i dont want to have one for a while...But i will have one in the future ;-) Greetings, Erwin

j_gary · « **Reply #26 on:** January 12, 2007, 12:45:37 PM »

No worries Erwin.

I got such a big shock the first time I played an Alembic, I bought three of them. Trying to buy another.