Using a DS-5 to power a non series bass?

[jazzyvee]

In the past I've seen a few external power supplies on-line that will allow you to supply 9v power to your bass via a stereo cable. A mono jack is then used to to carry the signal to your amp. Emg have something http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/378/265/101
 
Amongst my quiet time today I wondered how easy would it be to add an appropriate jack socket to a DS-5 and send 9v or 18v to your bass or guitar via a stereo cable and get the output in mono out of the mono output jack on the DS-5.
I know the battery drain of the non series instruments is not great but like the series basses you would be getting full power all the time to the bass.  
 
Would Alembic offer that as a custom option when buying a DS-5? Even better if you could keep your batteries in the bass and like the series basses use it as backup.
 
Jazzyvee

[jazzyvee]

Well that question fell on deaf ears. :-)

So, moving on I am planning to get pickup selector and mono/stereo switch fitted at last for signature to anniversary conversion of my basses once Jaydee Custom Guitars have the time to do it.
My question is, whilst this is being done, how easy would it be to have the series 5 pin sockets added to these two basses so that i have the option to power them from my DS-5? or batteries?
Is it an issue with space in the cavity and/or would the the higher voltage of the DS-5 fry the current electronics. Is there a circuit diagram and an idea of what bits would be needed.

[lbpesq]

Running a 9v bass on 18v?  I'd wait for a strong confirmation from the Mothership before I would even attempt it.  Sounds like trouble to my non-tech ears.

Bill, tgo

[jazzyvee]

What brought it to my attention again is this posting on facebook which according to the poster, was done post original build.

I have asked if it was done at alembic or elsewhere so i will find that out too. But that is probably not a cost effective option from my side of the pond.

[JimmyJ]

Hey Jazzyvee,

One of the weird traveling rigs I built has three +/-15VDC power modules in it.  One to power the Series bass, one for the headphone amp driving my IEMs, and the 3rd I use to power a Korg 9v tuner pedal.  To do that I used a DC-DC power converter chip which essentially steps down an input voltage range of (can't remember exactly) 18-36VDC (??) to a 9V output.  My +/- supplies had a 30V swing so it works! 

So I would think you could tap off either 18V side of DS-5 power, or even the full 36V, and with the correct chip you could step that power down to 9V to run your non-series basses using a 5-pin cable.

I also suggest you wait for input from Ron @ HQ as there are a couple unknowns.  Like heat from the chip and whether or not that 9V supply would be "smooth" enough to use with audio circuitry.  You also need to know the current requirements at 9v.

You're starting to get into the personal modification world now - which I fully support!  But be aware that these types of mods can affect the resale value of the instrument because they're for your own personal setup and may not apply to others.

But hey, it's Alembic so anything you can think of can be done!

Jimmy J

[mica]

I know there's a pretty big capacitor dad puts in when he does this. I think it's best done on a case by case basis, so I'd need to see what you havin in your bass, then help figure out what the best path is.

[jon_jackson]

When I had my DragonWing with Anniversary electronics built, I asked if it could be powered by either a DS-5 or batteries. They were able to wire the electronics so it has both a 5-pin connector and a 1/4" jack. I have no idea how they did it, but I can run the bass (and LEDs) by either the DS-5 or batteries. As a bonus (and Jazzyvee, you will appreciate this since you have the 5 string Almost Twin bass), Mica was able to fit both connectors on the edge of the lower bout so the face of the DW has only the knobs and switches, no inputs.

[jazzyvee]

Thanks for chipping in Jon, it's good to get a first hand perspective. I know Alembic can do this and that is the best place to get it done. However my location would mean a lot of charges on top of the conversion so i am hoping there is some kind of kit with instructions that could be made available.
As for the side mount, i actually prefer the front mounted sockets for ease of plugging in and unplugging when on a stand or strap.The 5 pin socket on mine is really tight to get the plug out of compared to a front mount. I thought it would loosen up over time but nope.

[mica]

Like I mentioned, we need to see the current electronics in your bass to help with getting the modification done. By "see" I mean photographs, we don't need to see it in person. My intention is to get you the instructions needed for you to do it yourself or with a tech.

[lbpesq]

And, once again, Alembic comes through.  You rule, Mica!

Bill, tgo

[jazzyvee]

Thanks i will take some pics when i get the basses out for a practice session. 👍🏾🎶

[Spoilers!]

For what it's worth, my pending custom build is going to have Anniversary electronics with a five-pin jack added.  The five-pin will be the only way to power the LEDs (thus cutting out the weight of four batteries plus the wood to surround a battery compartment).  I'll be able to run the Anniversary electronics from the five-pin or a battery.  Output with battery power will be the usual 1/4" jack.

Ken

[jazzyvee]

Nice custom build. Are you planning a factory to customer thread?

[StephenR]

That is a great configuration Ken. Versatile and pretty much the same as a Series bass with LEDs, if you can avoid extraneous batteries it is always a good thing. The 1/4" jack is a nice convenience if you don't have the DS-5 with you.

Good to see that jazzy will get hooked up with what he needs to finish his conversions.

[Spoilers!]

Nice custom build. Are you planning a factory to customer thread?

I've asked Mica for one.  Last we spoke, the build order hadn't gone to the factory yet.

Ken