Author Topic: Hoping to bring my distiller back to spec (Read 562 times)

chalkie · « **on:** June 16, 2009, 06:54:46 AM »

I've just bought a 1982 distiller 82D2131. the electronics seem slightly odd though:

one of the switches isn't right. I think it should be a 3-position bass cut/straight/boost, but it seems to be just a straight/boost 2-position switch.

Also, the wiring on the Q-switch seems a bit odd; the switch appears to be a single-pole double-throw, but the centre lug has no electrical connection to it! (and toggling it makes no discernible difference) Looks like someone has had some fun electrically with this guitar in the past. I'd like to get it back to standard :-)

(Message edited by chalkie on June 16, 2009)

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2009, 05:29:07 PM »

This one seems to work like Europa/Rogue's Q switch. It just works as plain or 8 dB boost at cut off frequency... Nothing wrong.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2009, 05:33:15 PM »

Spoillers are like that, too.

Check Distillate's specs at FAQ & Must Reads

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2009, 06:45:42 PM »

There should be one 2-position switch for the Q function and two 3-position switches for the bass and treble cut/flat/boost functions.

Just flicking the Q switch on a sustained note doesn't make much audible difference. To hear the Q working, put the Q switch in the down (boosted) position, sustain a note and then rotate the filter control back and forth. You should hear a distinct wah-wah as you sweep through the frequencies. In the up (dampened) position, the filter response is flat.

Another way to hear what the Q is doing is to play a passage that you are really good at repeating, once with the Q up and once with the Q down. Concentrate on listening to the attack of the note. When the Q switch is in the boosted position, you'll hear a sharper attack on the note. As a gross generalization, you'll probably play blues, ballads, some jazz with the Q switch in the dampened position (up), while with slap, rock, metal you'll probably use the Q in the boost position (down). It's a starting point anyway.

Check that there isn't a jumper from one of the end lugs to the center lug on the Q-switch. Post clear pictures when you get a chance.

chalkie · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2009, 02:19:30 AM »

OK, here's a first go at some pictures. Bass boost external view

Bass boost internal view Its a double-poll double-throw switch. I may need to remove the electronics to show a better layout, because the switch is largely obscured by those huge capacitors & resistors

Q switch internal view 1. Veroboard ??

Q switch internal view 2

Tailpiece surface corrosion

Serial (sorry, focus is slightly off but its legible enough)

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2009, 03:58:01 PM »

Here's the proper Q-switch connections:

So move that violet wire to the center and your Q should do it's job.

The other two switches should be 3-position. Can you read the numbers stamped on the side of the switch?

Yup, that's Veroboard - handwired by my grandmother no doubt.

For the tailpiece, corrosion has crept under the polyester finish, so about the only remedy there is to take the tailpiece off, sand away the coating, then buff to a polished finish. It will tarnish, but you can clean it, where now, you can't get under the polyester to clean up the tarnish.

altgrendel · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2009, 07:18:10 AM »

Yup, that's Veroboard - handwired by my grandmother no doubt.

I'm impressed! o_O

chalkie · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2009, 09:30:33 AM »

Yep, your wiring sure makes more sense than I have currently installed!!

For what its worth, I had half-guessed that the violet wire should go to the centre. My other guess is that is was moved for a reason - possibly the switch itself is faulty. I'll try moving it back and see what happens. For what its worth, my family background is electronics engineering, and my saturday job as a kid was soldering PCBs for my dad's company.

Ever heard of Bad Boys Rape Our Young Girls, But Virgins Go Without ? If its not one you know, there's a clue in Mica's photo.

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2009, 10:01:28 AM »

I learned it as ...But Violet Goes Willingly

chalkie · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2009, 12:55:57 AM »

yeah, when I googled it I found that the common modern version is Bad Boys Ravish Our Young Girls, But Violet Goes Willingly. The one I learnt was from my dear old dad probably 40 years ago, and I suppose he'll have had that version for some time by then. He said that it was used by the RAF engineers.

altgrendel · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:22:09 AM »

For those wondering what the heck they're talking about, go here

It's at the end of the page.

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:06:09 AM »

Or perhaps here.

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2009, 12:44:17 PM »

Okay..what is does this one signify and stand for

Richard Of York Goes Battling In Vain

No prizes unfortunately

dannobasso · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2009, 06:52:46 PM »

Spectrum colors.

lbpesq · « **Reply #14 on:** June 21, 2009, 09:08:38 PM »

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pickles.
(though the scientists recently told us there really is no pickles)

Bill, tgo