Author Topic: Adding a Q switch to an Essence (Read 908 times)

mica · « **Reply #15 on:** May 16, 2012, 02:03:49 PM »

Yes, Signature electronics have Activator filter modules.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2012, 08:35:19 AM »

Well that explains a couple of things about my Persuader, the Q is always on! And able to get the famous WaaWaa. This Mod sounds intriguing because most of the time it?s off on my Distillate. Such is life a newbie Alembic owner. Now, drilling into this Beautiful Instrument? Any advise out there if I chose to go this route?

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #17 on:** May 21, 2012, 06:36:46 AM »

Great Mica, time to gather some dimes!

ojo · « **Reply #18 on:** May 21, 2012, 06:55:44 AM »

This is exactly what I'm looking for. I have an alembicized jazz bass with a fixed Q, and I wanted the flexibility to turn it on and off. Thanks Mica!

Joe

briant · « **Reply #19 on:** May 21, 2012, 12:06:02 PM »

I can see myself opening the control cavity of my none-more-black Essence when I get home from work to see if there is room to stuff a 3-way switch into it. It's already a Swiss Army Knife of tone. Adding a 3-way would do nothing but good things.

Bradley Young · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:17:05 PM »

Brian: none-more-black, you're killing me. lol.

I saw your 80's hair metal cover band flyer downtown, the things you do for art, man.

kimmo · « **Reply #21 on:** June 20, 2012, 05:35:32 AM »

I am having a hard time deciding which to get. How much use is there in the 6db setting?

David Houck · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2012, 12:51:19 PM »

I would guess how much use you would get out of it would be dependent on how you play, the context in which you play, and how your rig is set up.

On my S2, I quite often make small adjustments to the CVQ and Filter on the neck pickup. The way my rig is setup and the context in which I'm playing make these small changes very noticeable and valuable to me. So I would tend to recommend a 3-way switch over a 2-way switch since it expands your pallet of sonic choices. But that's just me; for others the 2-way switch does what they need.

kimmo · « **Reply #23 on:** June 21, 2012, 03:39:56 AM »

Good point - there is hardly any reason to not go for the 3-way.

jon_jackson · « **Reply #24 on:** June 21, 2012, 05:08:13 AM »

I have a three way on one of mine, but rarely use the 9db setting. Generally just the 6db.

adriaan · « **Reply #25 on:** June 21, 2012, 11:45:11 AM »

I use the 3 dB setting a lot, and move to 6 dB when the strings start losing their brightness.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2012, 06:55:48 PM »

Curious if anybody has done this yet and how it worked out for them. The only thing holding me back is the thought of a drill bit entering my Bass. AAHhhhhh

keith_h · « **Reply #27 on:** July 16, 2012, 05:03:18 AM »

I added a two position Q switch to my 5 string Orion shortly after I bought it. In addition to drilling the hole I had to counter sink the back side to reduce the thickness of the top veneer. I then touched up the shielding paint.

Keith

flpete1uw · « **Reply #28 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:12:06 PM »

Thanks Keith,
I trust all went as planned and you were happy with the results. I'm a half a step from buying and installing one as well. (As soon as I get over the whole drill bit thing.) Where did you get the shielding paint? Or should I ask is there a recommended type?

Peace
Pete

keith_h · « **Reply #29 on:** July 16, 2012, 03:52:33 PM »

Pete,
Yes I am satisfied wit the results. I think the Q-switch makes a big difference over the always on without it.

I got my shielding paint from a hardware engineering friend where I was working at the time. I used a nickel based paint. I know StewMac carries some but it is kind of expensive. You might be best trying a local electronics repair place to see if they will sell you a small amount. Depending upon your location you might not even need to touch it up. For me I live in a radio alley so need as much help as I can get to shield a particular station.

Keith