About an Alembic F2B PreAmp...

[caseycayce]

I'm new to the forum and trust that if I'm in the wrong place, someone'll let me know. I looked for a thread about other Alembic gear, but only saw Basses and Guitars... so here I am.
 
As a David Gilmour follower, I'm anxiously awaiting arrival of a vintage Alembic F2B PreAmp, said to be the heart of Gilmour's sound. I bought it through eBay from a seller in Australia. What seems to be typical of many F2Bs I've seen for sale, it's missing a control knob, one of those black ones with the red cap. Don't know why it is so many of these are missing knobs, but they are. There are a lot of resources for various knobs out there, but I'm hoping to find that someone has already found a source for a close replacement. I'd like to have a full set in hand before the preamp arrives.
 
Anyone?
 
Many thanks.
 
Cayce

[lbpesq]

Hi, Cayce.  Welcome to the club.  You are going to love your F-2B.  I use one in my (for guitar) stereo rack system with a Mesa 50/50 power amp and an Alembic SF-2.  Your first place to look for a replacement knob should be Alembic.  Email Mica.  Sometimes it takes a little while to get a response as it is a small family-run company and can get quite busy at times.  Even better, give them a call.  They are wonderful people and will either have the knob, or know where to send you.
 
Bill, the guitar one

[daghdha]

Congrats on the F2B!  I have one as well (though I use it solely for Bass guitar).  In my opinion, it is the sweetest sounding preamp made.  
Regarding the red cap knobs, you may be stuck.  My understanding is that they are no longer produced.
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/151243.html?1362156874

[mica]

The designer knobs on the early F-2B preamps were actually discontinued from the manufacturer before we started using them. The red caps do tend to leap off, and there are many capless wonders out there. Sometimes, the plastic of the knobs just cracks.  
 
Anyway, our supply of spares was exhausted long ago, sorry I can't help in that arena. The pots are 1/4 shaft and will accept any number of standard knobs.  
 
Also, there is almost no difference between the vintage F-2B preamps and the current ones - they are even made on the same exact circuit board. Do check the 4 large filter caps - the foam will deteriorate and stop insulating them from vibrating off their leads. If yours has turned to dust you will want to replace the foam before it does damage.