Author Topic: Pointer knob instead of a switch (Read 202 times)

jorge_s · « **on:** April 06, 2006, 08:56:02 AM »

I don't know if this even exists. Does anybody know if it is possible to have a 3-position pointer knob instead of the 3 position switch on a Series 1. I only ask because I have broken a couple of switches on a Distillate and I like the way the pointer knob looks.

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2006, 09:17:15 AM »

Series 1 instruments have a pointer knob as standard equipment, though it is actually 4 position: neck pu - both pu's - bridge pu - mute.

Bill, tgo

jorge_s · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:24:20 PM »

Thanks, I know the pickup selector is a pointer. Specifically, I wonder if the q switches could be done as pointers.

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2006, 03:56:09 PM »

If they can find a suitable 3 position rotary selector with a 1/8 shaft - the pointer knob only comes in that size - then quite probably they will do it for you.

When I had my 0/8 dB Q switch replaced with a 0/3/6 dB one, I asked about a multi-position Q switch with 1 dB increments, and was told it could be done - it had to wait in line for Ron to design it, and well, he is pretty busy to say the least.

The cost estimate they gave me for it was surprisingly low! One day ...

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2006, 05:48:49 PM »

A 1 db incremental rotary sounds awfully close to the rotary continuously variable Q that differentiates a Series 1 from a Series 2.

Bill, tgo

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2006, 11:15:05 PM »

Yes - but for reasons I don't understand, apparently it is much easier to implement a number of fixed increments.

The other problem is that by the time you care enough to want 1 dB increments, and (most likely) hardly ever wander above something like 3 or 4, then you're also going to wish you had the in-between positions.

Still, as a cost-effective alternative, it's an attractive idea, especially if you haven't already made the jump to Series 1. By the time you get there, the only reason I can think of not to spring a few hundred extra for Series 2, is because you are really into quick tone changes, and aren't very good at spinning knobs in a fairly repeatable way.
-Bob

adriaan · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:57:16 AM »

With just a single filter on my Spoiler, I know I absolutely disliked any filter setting with the Q switch at 8dB. I'm not sure I could live with the standard Essence package, which has the boost engaged and no way of switching it off.

With the 3dB and 6dB settings, I find 3dB adds a nice bit of sparkle, and 6dB is already a bit much - though I can imagine it might be useful for cutting through the mix.

If the filter is not wide open, I tend to keep the Q in the off position. I'm keeping the filter wide open most of the time - the sound seems to get a dull rather quickly. The filter slope is 12dB/octave, right? The cut-off frequency can be set high enough for normal use, but I wonder if a more gentle slope would be more to my liking.

jorge_s · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2006, 05:58:22 AM »

The guitar I am having made is a Series I. I am with you Bob, it is strictly so I can have quick and repeatable tone changes. With my Series II I am constantly searching for my tone. Sometimes I find myself thinking more about the controls rather than playing. I also like the idea of 1 db increments. It is a good alternative in between Series I and II. Maybe this could be called the Series III electronics.

adriaan · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2006, 06:54:55 AM »

My idea for a name was DVQ, as in Discreetly Variable Q.

jorge_s · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2006, 07:34:20 AM »

very cool!

adriaan · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:07:15 AM »

Let's see if it ever makes it to the options list! May the best name win ...

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:41:58 PM »

My first Alembic was an Elan-plus (Europa electonics).

And I love the Europa electronics. I think they are equaled by the Signature electronics and surpassed only by the Series.

When I commissioned my custom, I most certainly used my experience with my Elan as a frame of reference. I wanted more versatility than the stark 2 options of 0 Q or 8 db of Q;

I considered several options; the next closest option that I passed on was to have a 4 position Q switch (using the standard 4-position switches they've used for years... actually decades, I think.)

Bottom line: my custom has separate filters with variable Q controls and bass and treble dials and a quick-change boost-cut mid-range control for each pickup...

And each pickup has 2 toggles that allow me to choose between 0/4/8/12 dbs of Q.

This is close to perfect. Basically, I have 4 Q settings: no Q, a little Q, a moderate Q, a strong Q...

Most of the time, I use either the 4 or 8 db setting; I occaisionally use the 0 Q option; I rarely use the maximum. I actually like the incremental-ality of it... I like it as much as the CVQ.

I view my system as close to perfect. But if I got another custom, I WOULD use the current 4 position knob to choose between 3/6/9/12 dbs... I think -based on my experience- that this would be (at least for me) perfect, and that a CVQ would offer little more. I think this would be all one would need. A 1 db Q boost would be almost absurd; only the sharpest ears could distinguish it from no Q, just as 2 dbs of Q would be indistinguishable from 3. Going in increments of 3 would be the most I would ever need. The fact is that my current system now is extremely versatile and perfect for me. The 0/3/6/9/12 system would just me a very slight refinement.

My 2 toggles let me actually turn off my filter altogether. But, aside from this, the standard 4-position switch could easily give one the 4 options that I have (0/4/8/12 dbs)... and believe me, these options cover all the bases (no pun intended) and offer tremendous versatility -and consistency.