Author Topic: Stupid Question Time Again (Read 450 times)

kmh364 · « **on:** July 19, 2006, 10:08:09 AM »

Looking For Pros/Cons and/or opinions and recommendations:

I am seriously considering sending my new Series I back to the mothership for an upgrade to Series II electronics (and to have a finish crack repaired). Ignoring the real possibility of further shipping damage and/or total loss, is it worth my time and money to do the upgrade? The upgrade is under a grand so it's well within my reach (especially on a $12k instrument).

I love the relative simplicity of the individual vols w/p.u. selector and two filters with 3-pos. Q's. Would I be shooting myself in the foot by adding the Master vol. scheme along with CVQ's?

BTW, I already have an F-2B and an SF-2 (not easy to operate, LOL!).

Bottom line: Do I really need the upgrade? I am not dissatisfied with my Series one (sonically) in any way.

As there's not a lot of shy members on the site (LOL!), experienced opinions would be most helpful and appreciated.

Cheers,

Kevin

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2006, 10:15:28 AM »

Sounds like GAS Kevin. LOL

Keith

kmh364 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:01:13 AM »

Not really. Mica dangled the SII upgrade carrot in front of me this past winter when I spoke to her on another matter. I bought the Series I new for less than wholesale from a Wickersham personal friend this past winter, so it is as it was (i.e., not custom spec'd by me). That is to say, it's a standard point SI 34 scale 4-string with only a 5A quilt top and back lam as options. I wasn't in the market for anything at the time, but when I came across it, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a new (otherwise unaffordable) Series bass. For what I got it for, and considering it's doubtful I'd be able to afford a new custom spec'd (by me) Series I or II, I can afford to customize it. I'm just wondering if it's worth spending another grand to make it a hybrid Series II (alright, a Series I with SII Electronics, LOL!).

To further demonstrate my Alembic obsession, I had THG make me extra custom knobs just in case I went the SII route, LOL! They weren't cheap, but they are nice!

kmh364 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:07:31 AM »

Sorry, repeat post.

(Message edited by kmh364 on July 19, 2006)

olieoliver · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:31:04 AM »

Kevin. I've never played a Series I but I've always been a firm believer in the if it ain't broke don't fix it philosophy. So if your happy with your S-1 I don't know that I'd make the change.
BUT I will say that my recent acquisition of a S-2 has virtually ceased all playing of any other instruments I have. In other words. IT KICKS BUTT! Whew!
It's like why would not drive your Lamborghini just because you have a Ford in the garage.

So on I guess I haven't really helped you much, but good luck on either decision.

O

ctjim · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:51:31 AM »

Kevin - another consideration. What effect will the S-2 upgrade have on the bass's weight? A big criteria for me. My recommendation would be to 1st invest in a nice flight case. This would take the shipping worry out of the equation. FWIW. Good luck.

811952 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:58:40 AM »

I have a Series 1-1/2, with a master volume but retaining the 3-position Q-switches. The Series II CVQ will give you more granularity of control, which I don't think you'd miss unless you're recording. The master volume is waaaay worth it though, in my opinion. Probably if the whole schmeer was less than a grand to upgrade to, then it would still be tempting! So, sorry Kevin, but I'm no help whatsoever!

John

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2006, 12:09:37 PM »

I am getting a flight case no matter what...the stock Alembic case was damaged as well and didn't do a good job of protecting the bass. I wouldn't have ordered it new myself without a flight case, but I didn't order this from Alembic.

As far as added weight, it's just a harness swap-out, along with the added CVQ and MV pots, so it should be negligible on a 11#-12# Bass.

mikedm · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2006, 02:39:19 PM »

Kevin,

I have the Anniversary package and while I like the individual volume pots, there have been times when I would have liked a master volume in addition to the package. Sounds like you've given this some thought based on your time with the bass. If you need someone to push you over the edge, then pull the trigger and do it. I feel the need to wash my hands; howdy friends, my name's Pontius.

Mike

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2006, 07:53:01 PM »

I would love to have a master volume just for the purpose of doing fade ins and fade outs.

What you give up in going to CVQs is the ability to just reach down and flip a switch in the middle of a song. Of course, I don't have CVQs so I really don't know what I'm talking about.

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2006, 08:27:58 PM »

Kevin:

FWIW Rory, who used to hang out in these parts, had both Series I and Series II basses. He told me he far preferred the Series I set up.

Bill, tgo

kmh364 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2006, 05:21:15 AM »

I like the Series I set-up myself, even over my EMW set-up. I'm just wondering if I'm missing something without the Series II upgrade. As I've said, I have a Superfilter, which can be infuriating sometimes when looking for a specific or certain tone. That's why I'm asking...if I thought unequivocally that going SII would be a definite improvement, then I'd go for it in a heartbeat. I'm just trying to prevent the possibility of investing more money in the bass, with negative results. By negative I mean less usable (i.e., harder to use) with no real tone improvement.

Dave's point about the switches are apropos: a switch is less hard to use than a pot, but it's less flexible as well.

Where's James (malthumb) when you need him? LOL! I think he has an SI with SII guts. Come to think of it, wheres Paul TBO (palembic)? I think our most prolific forum poster from BeNeLux also has a SI with SII elecs. C'mon guys, step up to the mic and be heard! LOL!

jorge_s · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2006, 05:47:40 AM »

I have a SII but I am having my next instrument built with SI electronics. Although the CVQ are amazing, I just have too much trouble duplicating a tone after I find it (it is just too effective). I figure by flicking a switch instead of fine-tunning a knob, it narrows the search. I do however love the look of SII electronics with all those knobs. I am having a master volume put on though. For me this is a must.

kmh364 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2006, 06:59:17 AM »

Yeah, I like the look of S-II elecs as well. That's why I had the extra knobs made...if I don't get the upgrade, at least I have plenty of spares, LOL! Having said that, while the single pointer and two vols/two filters looks decidedly lo-tech (compared to S-II's plethora of knobs), they work great! I'm just afraid that, while S-II looks the biz, it may prove to be an irresversible mistake if I don't like the added complexity. As such, that's why I'm asking those here that have taken the plunge what they think.

Keep 'em comin', guys! LOL!

keurosix · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2006, 11:38:30 AM »

Kevin,
I previously owned a Series 1 four string and a special Series 2 doubleneck with Series 1 1/2 electronics. The main difference was a master volume on the doubleneck. I often disliked fading out with 2 vol pots, only to pull them back up again. I got used to using the pickup selector, but that was a 2-click move to standby. The best solution was the cheapest: a stereo volume pedal, and I did not worry about the master vol again - my foot did all the work.
I think the Series 1 switches are really quick and foolproof for repeat sounds. An adjustable CVQ takes more time to get it to the same spot more-or-less. Series 2 will have more finite possibilities, but is it worth the price tag? You already have the SF2 which can give you the sonic flexibility, so S2 might just be overkill. Personally, I would spend the grand on LED's on the neck if you're already getting an overspray. See if Mica can quote that for comparison. (Now I have an Europa 6 string, and an Epic 5 string fretless which both have a master vol.)
Kris