Author Topic: Series I Guitar Controls (Read 747 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** May 22, 2009, 09:51:08 AM »

I'm used to the 5 position blade switch of a strat and would like the pickup switching to work in the same way.

Based on what I'm used to, the switching of pickups on my new guitar are reversed.
I would expect the pickup switching to be as follows.
1) Fully anti-clockwise = Off
Now turning clockwise one step at a time.
2) next Position = Neck only
3) next Position = Neck and Bridge
4) next position = bridge only

But new guitar is wired the opposite way round as follows.
1) Fully anti-clockwise = Off
Now turning clockwise one step at a time.
2) next Position = Bridge only
3) next Position = Neck and Bridge
4) next position = Neck only

I opened the rectangular control cavity and the pickup connectors are marked B, H, N ( I think).
If I swap the two marked B and N, would that give me the switching options I prefer, would it affect the hum cancellor, and would it be safe to do that?

Also would that also affect what signals appear at the bass and treble outputs on the psu?

(See I've just got it and considering my own custom options)
Jazzyvee

dfung60 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2009, 09:18:27 PM »

You're right on with your guess. The preamp for each coil is on the PC board right after the connector. Leave the hum-cancellor connected in the same place, switch the outer ones, and you should be a happy guy!

David Fung

jazzyvee · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2009, 04:04:42 AM »

Thanks Dave, does that mean the bass and treble outputs will be swapped too?

Jazzyvee

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2009, 04:57:11 PM »

Hi Dave, tried that earlier but all that changes is the pickup switching. The tone controls don't change so I get the neck pickup filter, vol and switch controlling the bridge pickup and vice versa.

Changed it all to standard and I'm back to square one.
Any more advice?
Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2009, 08:36:37 PM »

Loosen the knob on the pickup selector switch, turn it 180?, then tighten.

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2009, 08:52:13 PM »

I just read the thread in the Showcase section (congrats again), and the knob is indeed upside down; turning it 180? should solve the problem. It's not unusual for owners to turn the knob over this way; especially on basses where the selector switch is under the neck pickup and the pointy end of the knob stabs you when you're playing slap.

terryc · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2009, 05:33:56 AM »

when Mark Kind had his S2 basses built by Alembic back in 1987, he requested the selector to be placed amongst the regular controls because he had the same problem, made for a busy layout at the control section.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2009, 06:11:04 AM »

so..is there any difference in sound by having the pups round the other way
That means...treble where bass should be and vice versa???

G
Sorry for the hijack Jazzy!!
Love the new guitar !!

George

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2009, 10:34:47 AM »

No, there shouldn't be any difference in sound. If you switch the pickup connections on the pc card, then you may want to readjust the hum canceling trim pots.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2009, 10:52:46 AM »

I've now turned the knob 180 degrees as you suggested Dave and it's pointing sharp side up and the switching is more logical now.
Thanks

Jazzyvee

dfung60 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2009, 03:29:42 PM »

Whoops, sorry about the wrong info! I would have to look in the cavity about doing the swap post the controls (will probably require resoldering the output connections). But it sounds like you won't need that now unless the pointy end of the selector bugs you.

David Fung

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2009, 04:30:45 PM »

we shall see, it's early days yet.

Jazzyvee

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** May 26, 2009, 04:29:18 AM »

I'd like to get a spare Series I Cable, do you know anywhere I can buy one off the shelf?

Jazzyvee

keith_h · « **Reply #13 on:** May 26, 2009, 04:42:57 AM »

JV,
Series 1 cables are not an off the shelf item. You would either need to order one from Alembic or from one of the custom order cable makers. I know Butch Ammons at Bayou Cables will make them.

Keith

jazzyvee · « **Reply #14 on:** May 26, 2009, 10:58:37 PM »

I've just contacted the UK Alembic distributor and the cable is ?110 so I'm gonna see if I can find the bits to make one up myself.

Are the Neutrix 5 pin connectors the same as the Switchcraft conectors? I can't seem to find an outlet on the net from the UK that sells the original Switchcraft ones.

Any pointers?
Jazzyvee