Mike's Custom Signature 5-string

[5stringho]

Hello, Mica!! Hope you had a great weekend!
 
  First of all, idea; Do you, or have you, ever used stacked pots? I don't recall seeing any in the archives, but if that's an option, a stacked Bass/Treble set would be fine, and we could keep the Master Volume with a minimum of hassle. Just a thought. I would really like to keep all the controls if we can.
  If that idea is not possible, choice #2. From my research and some very helpful input from other Alembic owners, most notably Mark Shepherd, here is what may be an option to work in all the controls in an a attractive and functional manner:
   Mark's 8 string has the same number of knobs, and more switches, so I think this will work! I really like the design you came up with, and this keeps the basic configuration while working in the additional Master Volume control and toggle.
   Looking at your layout, 1) begin by spreading the knobs on the upper and lower row as far out and close to the cavity edge as possible.
2)Add the Master volume where the Neck volume currently lives.
3) Move the neck volume where the 4-way is now, leaving the Bridge volume as is, just closer to the bridge as earlier stated (you'll see...)That keeps the volume controls all in line and order.
4) Move to 4-way to where the Q's are on the bottom row.
5) Next, adjust the output up just a hair, to make it symmetrical with the rest of the middle row, while placing it as close as possible to the cavity edge towards the bridge end.
6) since the toggles are more space efficient, this should work-Place the Stereo/mono switch logically next to the output.
7)Bridge Q toggle next, bridge filter knob follows.
Neck filter knob, with neck q toggle to the left. Move the 2 filter nobs minutely closer together if necessary, but of course as far apart as possible.
9) LED toggle last in line, closest to the cavity edge towards the neck.
10) Bottom row- Bass control, 4-way p/u selector switch, treble control, all spread out symmetrically to mirror the top row.
  Mica, you are the expert and know how much can be done, the final call is up to you as to whether this will work or not, but it appears to me to be logical, attractive and functional. What do you think?? Workable?
  If not, do you have any other idea's on how we could work this up? I would rather exhaust all options and explore all scenarios before we start deleting things. I hope I'm not being too much of a pain, as it is not my intention. I would just like to have my ultimate Bass! But, I'd also like my own Island in the Caribbean =)
  One more minor detail- with the single set of Bass/Treble controls on Anniversary Electronics I believe in Stereo mode they will only work on 1 pickup? If that is the case, which pickup would not have the control? I can deal with that, as I'll probably only run mono for now live, probably using stereo mostly while recording. Just wanna know.
   Welllll, just check this all over an let me know whatcha think. I definately don't wanna rout out anything else. I kinda want my bass!!!!!!  
 
  Have a great day, and have fun!! TTY, Mike=]

[cozmik_cowboy]

Hartmut's doubleneck has concentric knobs, Mike, but I seem to recall (and the search function is going WAY too slow on my computer today, so I don't have a link for this) Mica writing that Ron said he wouldn't do that again.
 
Peter

[5stringho]

Or (I know, Oh, Gosh, here he goes again)
 
1) Top row as stated above.
2) Bottom row as stated above
Middle row:
3) Output as stated above
4) Bridge and neck filters basically same as above, in the center of the spread.
5) Place bridge Q under bridge Volume, sorta between the top and middle row, stereo/mono under Q toggle, between middle and bottom row.
6) place Neck Q toggle in same position to the neck side between the upper and middle row.
7) place LED toggle under Q toggle, between middle and bottom row.
 
Maybe this is more logical? I drew out a diagram of both, but I can't post it, too big. Gotta figure out how to resize if I can.
 
Lemme know whatcha think, Have fun, Mike=]

[mica]

Can you email me your diagrams? Then I can make sure I'm really following your descriptions when I try and rearrange things.  
 
Concentric controls are not an option at this time.  
 
Normally, the bass and treble controls would be for one pickup only in either stereo or mono. It is possible to out the stereo/mono switch before the bass and treble controls, so they are always on the tip of the output. This will have it affect the bass (neck) pickup in stereo, but both in mono. It's a little custom wiring harness, but completely possible to do.

[mica]

Got your emails today with the diagrams. Here's how I've adapted your ideas to work with what's under the knobs:

 

 A-D should be on a straight line, but this is just for a quick look. Depending on your preference, we could assign the controls not explicitly labeled something like: A neck filter B bridge filter C bass D treble 1 neck Q 2 bridge Q 3 LEDs 4 stereo/mono  Also note that the stereo/mono switch is usually installed as a half-height paddle, so it's harder to hit on accident.   Another option is to use the layout in my first post on this thread, change the stereo/mono switch to the LEDs switch, and leave the stereo/mono switch inside the bass. You can always take the backplate off to change the mode when you record since you've indicated you probably won't use it much otherwise. Anything you can omit will gain comfort space between the controls. You could also use a volume pedal instead of a master volume, but of course, you need to commute back to it for the overall changes.   Just some thoughts. Let me know if you like either of the new ideas, or if this sparks something else entirely.

[flaxattack]

my 2 cents
i would be concerned about the selector switch so far away
since i got one on scarlet i use it more than i thought during tunes.
i dont really think the treble control is necessary as alembics are brighter to begin with and the q filters and switches give me more than i need and once i set the treble at the amp there is more than enough manueverability
maybe put the switches in the middle and move the knobs to the bottom
this is just my opinion....

[5stringho]

Hey, Flax!
 
I really appreciate your views and input. In consideration of the B/T controls, I have found, on my Excel and other Basses, I find myself using the Treble Control mainly to CUT the high freq's. Especially when I'm going for an old-school blues vibe, dub tone, or, on the occaisions my bandmates MAKE me play some gawd-awful (gulp) quasi-country crap some drunk invariably asks for (choke, gag). I've also thought a lot about the 4-way placement. Maybe it'll change once I have this bass, but I normally don't find myself changing pick-up's during songs. If I need a different tone, I generally change RH position to closer or further from the bridge. But I DO change tones and P/U's a lot before songs. I think (maybe hope, anyway) having the 3 volumes together will be better for me and my style (whatever THAT is!). I'll learn to deal with the 4-way. But the thought DID cross my mind, especially since you pointed it out.
Anyhoo, thanxxxx again for the insight, and if I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll buy YOUSE a Beah!!
     Have fun, Mike, tho =]

[5stringho]

Hello, Mica!!
 
Just wanted to let you know I'm still contemplating the layouts. I'm pretty sure I know which way I want to go, but I want to be 100%. I also want to include my Son in the process,as he will, ultimately, wind up with this beauty in the future. I'll let you know today or Monday at the latest, so the Elves can get to Drillin' and Fillin, and I can start usin' my anti-hyperventilation Paper bag!!!
 
Have a great day, TTY soon, Mike =]

[5stringho]

Hello, Mica!
 
  Hope ya had a great weekend. just wanted to let you know, my little pea brain has finally made a decision on this layout thingie. Back and forth, up and down, looked at it from every angle, and here it is!
   After much consternation, I have decided to DELETE the MASTER VOLUME and go with the original layout you came up with (post 5114 on my FTC). Like I told you before, I REALLLLLY like that setup. After talking with several owners on and off the FTC, I've decided the Master volume just wasn't all that important, the B/T controls are, as is the Stereo switch. And, as much as I like the layout you came up with including all the stuff, I think, over time, it may have just been too much. On the basses I have with the 2 volume controls, I really don't find myself missing the master volume. The guys I talked to that only had the filters and Qs said they didn't miss the B/T controls, but the ones that HAD them loved 'em. This will also leave a little breathing room. 'Nuff said!
   One more little detail- The LED switch. I would like to have it placed between the Neck Volume and Bass control, as far forward as possible before getting into the Battery cavity (toward the neck). UNLESS, of course, you have a better idea!
  I know everything will be symetrically perfect when drilled, But I'd appreciate one more final mock-up before we actually drill, if it isn't too much trouble.
   After that, as soon as scheduling allows, please have Uncle Bob Drill'em, and Dad fillem!
I'm starting to get excited again  
 
           Thanxxx again, sorry to be such a pain! Have fun, Mike....
 
P.S.-Thankxxx everybody, esp. Mark, Jim, Flax, Toby, & Peter....
 
(Message edited by 5stringho on February 16, 2008)

[mica]

This is just quick for positional reference, but based on your emails and posts:

 
Confirm with me and I'll work on bringing the controls in nice straight rows.

[5stringho]

Hellooo, Mica!
 
Thanks for taking the time to put together a final mock-up for me. I appreciate it, and it looks GREAT! This is the one. Everything is accessible, well placed, and logical. I knew you would come up with a winner.  
Did ya get my strings???
Thanks again, Have a great day, Mike =]

[flaxattack]

no master volume?
wow i think that is a huge mistake
i have one on scarlet and none on wolf
getting the right balance on levels and then being able to turn it up with one knob is huge
the other way- sheeet do i add more bridge or neck oh no= wrong let me do this- where was that setting?

[5stringho]

Hey, Flax, we'll see how this works out. For the last month or so I've been intentionally rehearsing and gigging with dual volume-control basses, just to see if I would really miss a master. I find that the vast majority of the time I play with One volume maxed, and the other in the  sweet spot, just below max. Most of the time, it's Neck max, bridge down. For fadeouts and stuff, I just roll the side of my hand over both volumes. Works pretty good. I also adjust right-hand technique to dynamically raise or lower stage volume. A master volume would have been nice, but, I've found for me, not a necessity. I really liked the layout Mica designed sans Master, and thought the others, though also attractive, were too cramped for space. With the controls we have on this Bass I should be able to get just about anything I want out if it (I hope!) and there's still gonna be a lot of where was that setting? =O
Thanxxx again for your input, good luck in the JobQuest, also.
Have fun, Mike, tho =]

[hydrargyrum]

I suppose if you really missed the master volume, you could always add a volume pedal to your signal chain (although that is one more thing to drag around).  Just a thought.

[5stringho]

Hello Mica!
 
Just a quick note- I'll be sending you a set of DR High-Beams (.45-105)out this weekend. It's what I generally use on the animals. Might as well put 'em on from the start. Just put the Alembic Strings ( if ya have a similar gauge set) in the case when it's shipped. I'm sure I can put them on something!
 
Thanxxx again, Mike =]