How to remove Series 1 electronics

[phobucket]

I want to rip them out and install a passive PJ setup.  I know this will take a little bit work with the chisel  
 
 
 
 
Actually, I'm working on restoring my 76 Series 1, and one of the areas that needs the most cosmetic work is the pickups.  A previous owner attempted to pry out the humcanceller and ended up digging chunks out of the cover.  I am planning on making thin ebony veneers to cover the damage.  
 
So I've heard references to the electronics being modular and that the wires don't need to be snipped.  Has anybody here removed their electronics before?  Have any tips?  Mica mentioned using a mallet to pound out the humcancellor from behind...yikes!

[adriaan]

Careful with that axe, Eugene (as Pink Floyd used to say).
 
I think a rubber mallet would be your weapon of choice for getting the humcanceller out. (And I've always assumed it would be striking against the back of the instrument.)
 
On older Series instruments, different connectors may be used, so perhaps best if you could post some snapshots of the wiring.
 
(Message edited by adriaan on April 09, 2010)

[phobucket]

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?
 
Yes..I would assume rubber mallet on the backside, maybe protected by towel and book to even the blow across the back.
 
Good idea on the pics.  Haven't opened the bass up yet, but I'll try and post them in the next week or so.

[edwin]

I would call the factory and talk to someone there. I know it can be done (my '78 bass was refinished and thus had all the pickups removed), but I bet there's a simpler way that doesn't require the application of so much force.
 
The electronics back then weren't quite so modular, but each pickup did terminate in a sleeve connector that makes it pretty easy to remove. It should be pretty obvious when you open it up.

[mica]

It's not always possible to save the humcanceller. As a 1976 bass, we hadn't settled on the adhesive so there could be anything under there. The strike is actually directly on the front of the huncanceller, directly to it. If it works, it works. If it doesn't you'll have to remove it without care for its future with something aggressive, like a router.  
 
Maybe in your case you can just buildup the space around the pickup with it in place, and put an Ebony veneer over the whole thing, pickup and all. Just a thought!

[phobucket]

Thanks for the info.  That actually gives me an idea to build a ramp between the pickups a la Gary Willis.  The humcanceller is not sensing the strings as much as the other pickups, right?
 
(Message edited by phobucket on April 10, 2010)

[sonicus]

@     phobucket
Please excuse me if this inquiry seems out of line, have you considered restoring this instrument to original functional and cosmetic condition? In your opinion what are the pros and cons of restoring this Alembic Series 1 to original condition ?  
 
       I am very interested in your response .
 
  Sonic Regards !

[phobucket]

@sonicus
 
Great question.
 
This instrument has had a prior repair at the neck/headstock joint.  According to the prior owner, the repair was prior to 2002 and is very stable, but it is not so pretty.  If I were only concerned about sound, I'd leave it as is except for maybe a fret job.  That said, I think there are some things I could do to make it prettier for not much money (clean up the hardware, prettify the humcanceller, replace the 12th fret inlay).
 
On the other hand, it could be completely restored to like new condition.  It would be beautiful, but I don't think it would sound any better.  Also, then I'd have to worry about bumps and bruises more than I do now.  Not to mention I'd be without the instrument for a while (my only Alembic) and there is the added cost of a total restoration, although I am sure it would increase the value of the instrument.

[sonicus]

Besides the humcanceller cosmetic issue what else is wrong with the electronics and pickups ?  One of the very important attributes of the Alembic Bass that makes it TRUELY an Alembic are the Alembic electronics and pickups . I am posting this in your best interest in mind. How will the Alembic Bass feel with out it's Alembic  electronics and pickups ?  OH   NO !
 
  lol_________  As always _ Sonic Regards !

[tbrannon]

Wolf-  
 
I don't think he's planning on replacing the Series I electronics, from what I understand, he's just trying to find a way to pretty up some of the damage a previous owner did to the bass.    My understanding is that he just wants to create a veneer to cover the damaged Alembic pickup/humcanceller casing.

[edwin]

I don't get the idea from phobucket that the idea is to replace the Alembic electronics with third party gear, but to be able to remove them so that they can be restored to a better cosmetic condition.  I think the first sentence of his first post was in jest, although that doesn't always come across on the net.

[edwin]

Oh yeah, one more thing. Any pictures?
 
(Message edited by edwin on April 10, 2010)

[sonicus]

As always , my intentions are positive , please excuse any misunderstanding that has been perceived.

[edwin]

I don't know, you might have missed an opportunity to get some Series electronics cheap! Heck, I'd even throw in the P and J pickups and the chisel!
 
:-)

[elwoodblue]

Spooky...Toby and Edwin posted very similar posts at the same time.
 
...yes...pictures would be swell !
 
Phobucket, to your previous question,as I understand it, the humcanceller picks up the environmental noise and doesn't have to be in close proximity to the strings like the pickups.
 
You can see the humcanceller in #12 is hidden in the upper part of the control cavity: