Author Topic: Serious problem w bridge filter -Mark's new 6-String (Read 236 times)

the_8_string_king · « **on:** October 11, 2007, 09:19:19 PM »

Hi Mica. Heads up, I just sent you an email with a similar header to the one above. I think I have a defective filter for my bridge pickup; there's a serious problem zone, and a total dead spot in the middle of the filter range where the volume just drops to nothing, and then it'll suddenly (or eventually) come on with all or partial volume...

Anyway, I sent you a detailed email with lots of info a few minutes ago... (within the context of my limited knowledge) I'm pretty sure I've got a bad/defective filter; but maybe it's something else. But I'd like to get it fixed/resolved/replaced/whatever as soon as possible.

Hopefully some balance can be found between the business of Alembics schedule and the fact that it's a brand new instrument.

Anyway, that's it. I'll probably call you soon to rap about it, maybe tomorrow.

Take care. And hey, other than this problem, it totally rocks!!!

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** October 11, 2007, 09:26:32 PM »

I sent you a reply already. It shouldn't be hard to change out, and then we can test your original filter.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #2 on:** October 11, 2007, 11:37:03 PM »

Thanks for the quick response, Mica. I tested ALL the controls very thoroughly tonight, slowly, and one at a time. The bridge filter seems to be the only one that isn't perfect.

I returned your email with my home address for shipping, and I'll promptly return the defective filter once I've got the new one and swapped it out. I'm sure you've built it to be an easy process, but if you could walk me through it/give me instructions, that would be cool.

Actually, I do recall you gave Shim instructions of some sort... for something like this...? I've gotta crash now, but I'll take a look at his old thread. I think he had to switch his 2-position Qs to 3-position...? and had to swap the filters too?

Just so I know whats coming... will swapping out the filters require me to switch the Q switch also... or not?

Thanks again for the quick response. I won't bother calling you at this point, have a great weekend, hope everyone's feeling better.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2007, 03:56:20 PM »

Hi Mica. Friday 10/19, I haven't got the replacement filter yet. Prior to seeing my own earlier post, I thought I'd contacted you/posted on this last Friday... but I see it was actually Thursday.

At any rate, I haven't got it yet, and small stuff from California usually gets here pretty quickly... usually just 2 or 3 or 4 days at most.

Since I haven't got it yet, I'm slightly worried that it's either been lost/stolen/not shipped yet.

No biggie, regardless. Obviously, sooner is better than later... but the bass is perfectly playable... the only issue is part of the filter range of the bridge pickup.

But... since it seems like it should've been here by now, I'd like to confirm that it shipped, confirm that it was shipped to my home address as requested in my email to you, and... who is the carrier? USPS, UPS, FedEx, or someone else? It would be helpful to know who to keep my eyes open for. I've been checking my mailbox every day.

Oh, also, a reminder... I haven't heard anything from you about the electronics issue with my 8-string. Of course, I had been planning to come up in person to pick up my 6-string, and changed the plan to having it shipped. And I know y'all are always busy, and there's been that flu issue recently. But/so, at your convenience, any update would be appreciated -regarding the 8-string.

Of course, as stated before, if your Dad determines the issue can be solved (or we can try solving it) by sending a replacement pan control, that would be great... but I'm already prepared for the likelyhood that you'll need to actually have it there to determine and fix the problem.

Take care, Mica, best wishes to you and your family (especially the new addition) and employees. I hope everyone's feeling better.

And thanks again for another incredible instrument. I've only had one day since I've got it that I've played it less than an hour and a half. It's VERY hard to put down. I love my 8-string, and it's the most awesome bass I've ever seen or heard. But it's a big old bear, and it takes effort to play; by contrast, my new 6-string is easy to play, almost effortless; and the tone is just as good in its own way, and even better in certain ways. It's incredible.

BOTH of these basses are extremely awesome... and I'll always be grateful to Alembic for the amazing craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail that is reflected in these two awesome instruments.

The new 6-string has been incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

Best wishes, Mark.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2007, 04:26:59 PM »

Monday 10/22, still haven't got the replacement filter yet; did it ship?

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:10:45 PM »

Not yet - I sent you an email today asking about what shipping address you'd like us to use. Since you had a problem with a stock filter, I waited to ship one to you until my dad could personally test it for functionality. I'm sure you don't want to swap out a filter more than is necessary.

Just reply to the email with your preference on shipping and it should arrive on Thursday.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2007, 06:00:25 AM »

email sent, thanks for the update!

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2007, 05:02:46 PM »

Hi gang, I just wanted to let you know I got the package. It was left outside my front door, and fortunately no one stole or otherwise molested it.

I'll be trying to install/switch it later... unfortunately, as badly as I want to do it immediately, I have a couple responsability type things I have to deal with first. But I wanted to let you know it arrived.

I'll try to switch it out in an hour or so -carefully. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hey... is return postage already paid for? I don't care, I don't mind paying for the return... I think you said something about just using the label on the box. (I'll check the email again if I don't see a response from you.)

Should I just drop it off at any UPS place?

Thanks for shipping it out. Hopefully this'll fix the problem. I'll let'cha know.

Mark

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2007, 05:25:29 PM »

The return label was in the box - just slap it on over the other label and give to any UPS driver or drop off location.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2007, 09:40:44 PM »

Well, the good news is: PROBLEM SOLVED!!! The bad news is, it was frustrating, and took a while... but that's life.

I had a hard time getting the knob off... even after I loosened the hex-screw, it wouldn't budge; I remember it being very easy with my 8-string. Eventually, I ended up getting my 8-string out of the instrument safe, and removing one of it's knobs. It was easy. Once I did that, I saw that I could shove something through the top of the hole to press against the bare filter knob... I used one of the tiny supplied allen wrenches, and it came off.

Then I loosened up the fastener nut for the filter... came right off, and disconnected the 3-pin plug... very easily. But I didn't have the angle to get a grip on and disconnect the 2-pin plug; and it wasn't possible to get the filter out without rotating it -which couldn't be done without having the Q switch loose.

So I tried to loosen the Q switch, but none of my tools could get an angle on it because of the position of the knobs; so it was a catch 22.

After trying different things, I realized I simply HAD to loosen/liberate the Q switch... so I kept trying. Eventually, I managed to loosen it a little... and then it just loosened right up. It wasn't on there tight... it just was hard to turn... to get a tool in there to turn it. Once I got it started, it was easy.

From there, it was all relatively easy. I had a little trouble pulling out the filter and Q, but I quickly saw all I had to do was (temporarily) disconnect another of the 3-pin plugs... then it was easy to pop the filter and Q switch right out. Then I put the replacement filter and Q in... took (just a little) patience and perserverance to get the Q switch in, but after just a few minutes, both were in, and I put on the fastener nuts, and tested the filter.

I was pleased to find no problems with it; so I put back on the knob and the rear (continuous wood) electronics plate (after getting the new filters trimpot tweaked to match the input of its predecessor).

The majority of the time and frustration was due to my being unfamiliar with the procedure, and going very slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the instrument and/or any of the electronics.

But it paid off! The problem seems to be totally solved. The dead spot and general problem area with the other filter doesn't exist with the replacement... which seems to confirm that there was a problem with THAT filter.

Anyway, I'm a happy camper at this point. It seems like the problem is completely solved. I had me a couple shots of Vodka to mellow out (it worked) and now I'm gonna go pluck it for a few minutes before I crash.

I played the 8-string for a few minutes before I locked it up -for the first time since I got the new bass. Boy, was that weird... it seems so big and heavy now... the neck seems so long and wide. Obviously 'cause I've been playing the heck out of the 6-string, and it's become my frame of reference. Anyway, it was striking in several respects... it's size, weight, mind-blowing sustain (it blows the 6-string away in sustain, due to the 6 Ebony neck lams, I'm sure), and the SLOWER neck... the satin finish on the 6-string rocks!!!

Anyway, thanks for getting me the replacement filter, it seems to have completely solved the problem, which is great. And now I have more experience working on my Alembic, which may be useful in the future. I'll find a UPS place soon, and ship you back the original filter and Q.

Thanks again for getting me this replacement so that my awesome new custom 6-string is now 100%!!!

edwin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2007, 10:35:22 PM »

Just curious, where do you live that you have your instruments locked in a safe?

Edwin

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2007, 02:16:21 PM »

Hi Edwin. I live in Las Vegas (Nevada -as opposed to Las Vegas, New Mexico. You can usually see info like this by clicking on a members profile -it's included in my profile). I just keep them in a safe as a precaution. My house is reasonably secure, and has an alarm system, and my neighbors all know me and I'm on good terms with 'em all -especially the ones on either side of me. Between the neighbors and the alarm system, it's pretty unlikely anyone could successfully get into my home and steal my instruments without being seen by the neighbors, and having them either confront them directly or call the cops.

But I'm paranoid. And even though they're insured for full replacement value through Heritage... I would never want to have to have any of them replaced. That would only be acceptable as a last resort, which would be better than being totally screwed. These instruments are unique... especially the Alembics, but also my Les Paul and my classical guitar which I've owned for over a quarter century, and which have my unique personality, style and feel worked into them.

Hi Mica. Thanks again for the replacement filter & Q switch. It seems to be working perfectly, and I've put the original filter & Q and extra washers & nuts in the box, taped it up, and put on the return label. I'll stick in in my backpack, and drop it off at the first UPS place I see either going to or coming home from work. And if I don't see a place in a few days, I'll find one in the phone book.

Thanks again for another incredible instrument. My old Elan was an impressive instrument... but Elana totally blows it away -as intended- in every respect... looks, feel, versatility...

it rocks!!!

5stringho · « **Reply #12 on:** October 27, 2007, 02:55:45 PM »

Hey, 'King!

Wazzup! Glad to see U got yer little faux-pas with the filter rectified. I know that had to be killing you! Anyhoo, just something else for curiosities sake; what kind of safe do you have for yer fiddles? A large fireproof gun safe? I've been kicking that idea around myself.
Thanxx fer the info, have a great weekend, tty soon.
Mike (the 'Ho).......

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #13 on:** October 29, 2007, 05:48:47 PM »

Hi Mica. I just wanted to let you know that, as promised, I put the original filter in the package with the return label and put it in my backpack and kept my eyes open for a UPS place, as promised. I saw one (right next to our closest supermarket) and droped it off today... in the UPS store. So it should presumably make it's way to you fairly quickly.

I'd be curious to hear what was up with it, if/when you get the time. The problem was clearly the filter, since replacing it eliminated the problem completely. Yay!

Hey there, Mike. Yes, it's a gunsafe, big enough to house my Alembics and other most valuable/irreplaceable instruments.

Fireproof? I wouldn't want to find out. I tend to think a fire that leveled the house would likely subject the instruments to heat that would total them; I don't know; I don't know if it's technically rated fireproof or not... but as I said, I wouldn't ever want to find out.

Hey, what's up with your bass? Haven't seen any updates recently... have they started the new build yet?

I'll just repeat that you'll be VERY happy if you get a pair of bass & treble knobs added to your specs... it's awesome, and just really let's you quickly and easily tweak the sound however you like!