Author Topic: Alembic Activators (Read 335 times)

crazykiwi · « **on:** April 19, 2006, 12:46:18 PM »

Hi there,

Not only do I have a graphite necked Alembic Series 1 but I also run Alembic Activators in a pair of matching Pedulla MVP5 and Pentabuzz basses. These are my workhorse basses when I'm not sure of the reputation of a gig venue and don't want to risk taking my Series 1 out

Anyways, I'm about to fit a set of Activators to the MVP but the MVP has 4 controls + series/parallel switch. The Alembic harness only has three controls (2x vol and 1x filter). If I fit the Alembic harness as it is, I'll have a spare control hole and a spare switch hole.

So what I'd like to know is:

Is there any way I can expand the Alembic harness to make use of the extra control holes? For example, can I add an extra q filter so there is one per pickup? Or is there anything else I can do to increase functionality?

cheers
Steve

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/crazykiwibass/Basses/Picture001.jpg

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2006, 01:17:54 PM »

You can add another filter. The bad news there is that the volume harness would need to be replaced as well, since it's only expecting one preamp.

You could add a Q switch to your existing filter for the switch hole. But that leaves a control hole.

Or, you could swap out the filter for bass and treble controls, but that leaves the switch hole empty.

Otherwise, to fill the holes (and maybe drill a coupole more) involves using something like Signature electronics or Anniversary electronics, with or without Q switches.

If you have one extra hole, I've heard of a funny thing called a producer's knob (or switch) that isn't hooked up to anything. When someone tells you they need more of something, turn the knob so they can see it, and then play again. Maybe they will hear something different.

Sorry I coudn't help more.

crazykiwi · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2006, 01:43:17 PM »

Mica I'm sure in the UK talking about the producers knob would produce a chorus of laughter in the studio and some bemused smiles.

Talk about two countries divided by a common language eh?

I know it as the D.F.A. knob, D.F.A. being an acronym of the answer to the question 'What does it do'.

But anyway, back to the question at hand. Is having a separate filter + q switch per pickup impossible? Is that what the signature electronics harness is? Drilling more holes is not a problem so long as the current holes are filled with something useful.

Could I just buy an extra preamp+filter per bass and have one running off each pickup to separate outputs? Would I be able to sum the outputs at some point like I have with cable I use with the Series 1?

Whatever the solution, I would like to put it on both basses so that they do match up and sound the same. (That was the original objective behind securing the MVP)

Is there any chance you might be able to email me the price of the solutions that are feasible?

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2006, 03:09:04 PM »

Another possibility, I would think, is a mute switch like the one I have on my Electrum.

Bill, tgo

crazykiwi · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2006, 02:49:16 AM »

good idea if it can be wired with a capacitor or something so that it doesn't go pop when used.

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2006, 07:43:52 AM »

I think I need a DFA knob for when my guitarist says the bass is too loud (as if!!!)

Graeme

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2006, 08:39:41 AM »

Steve:

I don't know how the mute switch is wired, but it doesn't pop when used. BTW, is that a cat wearing a helmet made of a hollowed out lime on your profile page? Real twisted, I love it!

Bill, tgo

crazykiwi · « **Reply #7 on:** April 21, 2006, 09:02:56 AM »

Hi Bill, thanks. Does the mute switch use a wired in capacitor to reduce the pop?

I believe the fruit in question might be a pomelo (not my work BTW). If you find that amusing, then you might find this site amusing also:

www.stuffonmycat.com
(I'm not affiliated with the site in anyway)