New Bass Day!! But all is not well with my new Series 2...

[captain_bassman]

Hi all, sorry for the radio silence since last week.
 
I've had some more time to get acquainted with my new 'bic and can report that, using battery power, everything seems fine. So perhaps the problem is with the the switch on the DS-5.
 
It appears to be in the mono (down) position but - like Keith and Jimmy say - maybe hasn't actually engaged properly inside. At the mo I don't have another amp head to test a stereo connection.
 
I can order the switch from here in the UK but looking inside the DS-5 the soldering looks a bit daunting...! Would I be able to get a pre-wired replacement switch?

[keith_h]

While the switches have a long life they are not that robust when damaged like you described.  
 
I'm sure Alembic would be able to send you a complete switch assembly. You would need to contact Mica to determine the cost, etc. It usually works better if you can call them first to talk about it. They are usually available after 10AM PDT and before 4PM PDT. Otherwise try e-mailing them at the sales or help addresses located here and update this thread that you have e-mailed them.  
 
Keith

[captain_bassman]

Cheers Keith (again!).
 
Final question, for now...
 
What size hex wrench fits the pick up selector grub screws? The smallest one provided with the bass is too big and I don't have anything smaller in my other basses.

[David Houck]

According to the FAQ, the hex key size for the knob on the pickup selector switch is .050.

[afrobeat_fool]

How's that for service, buddy?

[keith_h]

One other thing came to mind. Be careful if you try to remove the volume/filter knobs. From the pictures I saw in the archive they look to be collet knobs. These have a removable cap then you loosen the collet from the shaft. It has happened more than once that someone thought they were friction style knobs and ruined a pot. Of course they might have been changed, if so post a picture if you are unsure what type you have.  
 
Keith

[captain_bassman]

Thanks guys!
 
Correct hex wrench size now ordered and I'm pleased to report that, following my first gig with it last Saturday, everything is working fine using battery power.
 
I've looked into getting a replacement DS-5 switch from Mouser here in the UK but there seems to be several types of C&K 7201 availabe (they all look similar and are 27v but have different letter suffixes after the 7201 bit). Is there a sepcific one I should use?

[keith_h]

I believe the full order number would be:
 
7201 P3 NONE Z B E 2 2  
 
That should be a flat toggle, standard bushing, solder lug, gold contact, epoxy, black actuator, black bushing.  
 
The only thing I am unsure on is whether the original is epoxy or epoxy potted base. Functionally it won't make a difference. As usual I reserve the right to be wrong on everything else.  
 
Keith

[mica]

Keith and Jimmy are correct - when the switch breaks, the position of the actuator stub won't be meaningful since the spring is probably broken inside.  
 
On the DS-5 we're currently using C&K 7201P4DCBE since the 7201P4H3CBE22 with the black bushing and actuator had an huge lead time and was hoarding my inventory for mounting on instruments.  
 
You can use any DPDT on-on switch. You can email for a replacement if you can't find one locally.

[captain_bassman]

Thanks again Keith and Mica - fantastic support! I've now ordered a couple of switches from Mouser so will report back when I've dusted off my soldering iron and (hopefully) got the new switch safely installed and tested...