Sounds like it needs some help! We're all Alembic nuts in here so we'd love to see a pic and hear more about the instrument if possible.
The square gold component you describe could be the original flat pack op-amp (many pins soldered to the board). I think there were 3 of these back in the day, on the underside of the board? These can run hot when operating correctly and if two are hot and one isn't then the cold one might be dead. (I'm just making this up so wait until somebody who actually knows can confirm my theory.)
Your best bet of course would be to get the instrument to the factory for a once-over. Beyond that, they can supply you with parts, including a new preamp board and adaptors, and help you work on it. Either approach will take time, patients, and some dough... but we cheer your efforts to revive the old axe!
Tell us more!
Jimmy J
