Anyone had a series I to II upgrade done post build?

[edwin]

I will reiterate what Mica says. It's not just switching out pots for switches. It's more involved and the soldering is indeed not for a beginner. The Series electronics in my Starfire were delivered to me as an incomplete bag of parts and I decided to make them S II. It was a bit of a chore to get everything working right and also to have everything line up right to fit neatly in the body. I've been soldering for decades and putting preamps in instruments since the 70s and it was one of the more delicate operations I've done, although definitely the most rewarding.

[jazzyvee]

I'll wait for the conversion package and hope I can afford it . :-)

[Enzo]

Even some informations about Signature to Series would be great, just saying

[jazzyvee]

There could be a problem with that one Enzo since usually the body is not deep enough on signature basses to hold the series I or II  electronics. Some signatures have been specified at build time as being series bass ready. In those cases you can do the upgrade. For the others it's highly unlikely for that upgrade to be done without some extensive/expensive bodywork. The next best option there would be to upgrade the electronics to anniversary or at least do a mod to get individual out for each pickup then get an SF-2.

[Enzo]

That's good to know! So I imagine there is the same issue with other models, like Distillate, Elan and Europa, that you know?

[keith_h]

The only non-Series bass that I am aware of that does not require the Series prep package when it is built is the Brown Bass. These have the thicker body like the Series instruments. However even with these I would verify before attempting an upgrade as Alembic might change this at anytime.
 
Keith

[jazzyvee]

Well spotted Keith, and might I add it would be worth finding out whether the body on the Brown bass is solid or has a cavity which would make the process easier I expect.

[keith_h]

Looking at both of mine without opening the Series 1 I can say there would be some routing required on the BB. On both basses the control cavity covers are the same size and location. This half is semi-hollow from everything I can see but there is a crossmember at the top side of the cavity. A cursory look inside the BB cavity tells me I would need to move the LED switch to add the XLR connector. For the side where the preamp would reside the cover for my BB LED battery compartment is smaller. I cannot tell if this side is semi-hollow as it is surrounded by wood. Without measuring I would say the LED battery compartment would need to be lengthened a 1/2 inch to inch to fit a preamp. Then, if desired, you would need to route a preamp battery compartment in the tail of the neck. I'm not sure how to handle the hum canceler as the standard pickup locations don't allow a front mounted one. Since it doesn't have to be in between the pickups I'm sure a place can be found for it.  
 
None of this is something I would consider doing myself but I don't think it would be that complicated for Alembic to do in their shop.  
 
Keith

[jazzyvee]

I would have no way of knowing, as the value is not provided. Maybe he will tell you if you ask?
 
You can buy that actual pots from me, but the conversion isn't quite as simple as this seller would have you believe, it's not just changing the switches for pots, and the operation is rather delicate, only for quite experienced solderers. 
 
I am working on a fully documented CVQ conversion package, but it's not ready for prime time yet.

How close to prime time is this at the moment Mica?

[FC Bass]

Also eagerly waiting here :-)
I got a quote for the master volume, but will wait until the complete "kit" is done.
Also willing to document the conversion and evaluate the diy skill level needed. :-)

Jazzy: You'll get a reply later tonight or tomorrow, difficult question... :-)

[mica]

This is on dad's schedule for September.

[jazzyvee]

Ok cool Mica. it maybe wishful thinking on my part but my hope is that when/if I get over for the meet next year I will be in the USA for a couple of weeks holiday and maybe I could drop one of my alembics to the shop and ask you guys to do the mod for me assuming I can afford the upgrade. It will most likely be my series I shorty since that needs the electronics looked at and the upgrade might well be all thats needed to fix it an hence not need the existing series I gubbings tweaked although new pickups might be a good idea if Mica's team find they have gone microphonic. I better start saving my pennies.

[jazzyvee]

This thread has gone quiet for a few years and I'm still toying with this option. Has the conversion kit mentioned earlier hit Ron's desk yet?

[Deltaphoenix]

I am interested to find out if this kit is going to be available too.