Author Topic: How to activate the Activators H-S-S for guitar (Read 198 times)

fauhsil · « **on:** April 10, 2010, 08:33:36 AM »

Greetings everyone!

I need some help of You guys.

I am a happy owner of Alembic Activator set for guitar. The set is two single coils and one humbucker.

I would be very happy if someone could help me to connect them because I don't have any additional electronics included- pickups only.

1. What kind of pots I have to use?
2. Are these active pickups with built in preamps as EMG's?
3. Do I need any electronics to use them, and if so - what kind of electronics?
4. Cordially thanks for any help.

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2010, 09:27:06 AM »

Tomek:

Welcome to the club and congrats on picking up some Alembic pickups. These are low impedance and will need a preamp. They do not have built in preamps ala EMGs. The traditional Alembic setup employs a preamp and a low pass filter (or filters - one for each pickup) in place of the usual tone control, and may also include a Q switch to add a boost at the roll off frequency chosen by the low-pass filter. The best solution is to contact Alembic and talk to Mica. Your best option is to call rather than email. Good luck.

Bill, the guitar one

fauhsil · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2010, 09:40:01 AM »

Hello.

I am really greatful for Your advice, I really appreciate it.

According to pickups stock price, it will cost a small fortune for brand new preamp and filter.

Maybe someone can give me a clue, where can I find schematics and a part list ?

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2010, 07:58:15 PM »

Tomek:

By the way, the pickups are not single coil and a humbucker, though they are shaped as such. Both shapes are actually humcancelling pickups - they have a single coil stacked over a dummy coil (no magnet in the middle). Alembic electronics are not cheap, but nothing else sounds like them. You can certainly experiment with using other brand preamps, but some type of preamp will be required. As for schematics and parts, again, I'd suggest you call Alembic and speak with Mica. She is extremely friendly and helpful.

Bill, tgo

fauhsil · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2010, 12:06:13 AM »

Dear lbpesq:

Thanx for notice about pickups, I didn't knew it.

You mentioned about other brand preamps - what kind of preamp it is ?

I will speak with Mica for sure.
THX!!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2010, 01:28:51 AM »

There are a few of us on here that have alembic activators in fender strats and when you get yours sorted you will find they are fantastic at opening up the sound of the guitar.

If you like the analogy, putting alembic activators on a guitar is like taking an extra strong mentholyptus lozenge when you have a blocked nose. Everything smells clean and fresher and more intense.

Jazzyvee