1980 short scale series 1

[jazzyvee]

It arrived yesterday and sounds like an angel. One of the filter pots is causing squealing when fully open but mica, jimmy and others suggested the exercise routine 100 times plus on all the pots and switches so I will do that. If that fails to silence it then I'll more than likely need to order some new pots. I have my first ever straight ahead jazz gig tomorrow night and I've decided to play safe and go 4 string on this one so I've shortlisted this bass to take. I won't need the filter fully open for this one either so it should be ok.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how light it is compared to my SC Deluxe and that's probably due to it being maple topped and not cocobolo and also the wings are hollow.  
 
(Message edited by jazzyvee on October 22, 2015)

[edwardofhuncote]

Love that maple/mahogany combination Jazzy... understated beauty. Congratulations & Compliments!

[jazzyvee]

I took these two sisters for a night out yesterday evening and believe me we all had a great time.  ;-)
Even though the older one on the right has spent a time in Australia she hasn't lost her sexy american accent.

 
(Message edited by jazzyvee on October 30, 2015)

[jazzyvee]

Here is a quick sound sample of the bass. I pinched the phrase that FC Bass used to demo his Series I and Elan bass as its simple structure shows the clarity, tone and sustain of the bass. https://youtu.be/ZyeAnaXTsTY

[bigredbass]

WHY doesn't Alembic offer those blue cases any more?  It seems like such a nod to history !  And the rotary selector on the 'bottom' horn is in the same vibe.
 
Joey

[jazzyvee]

The blue case looks like it's seen more hard times than the bass so it's done it's job and the blue is nice touch. Maybe if someone asked for one it could be arranged on a new build. As for the switch whilst it does add that retro vibe, for practical reasons I'd actually prefer the switch in the modern position near the rest of the controls because for some playing techniques it does get in the way and if like me you are a tweaker it's easier to do things when everything is close to hand like changing pickup and tone/volume. It's surprising how long it can take to do that with the switch all the way down there when you have only a few beats in which to get things done. :-)
 
(Message edited by jazzyvee on November 10, 2015)

[jazzyvee]

Looks like she has been accepted into the family.  

 

[charles_holmes]

Most Excellent kind sir!!!!! Question though, you are using all three preamps at the same time? How & what do you connect the superfilter to? Are you using the FX for the neck pickup to control the superfilter? Now you make me sorry that I got rid of mine.

[jazzyvee]

The rig is wired for stereo with one F1-x for each pickup and a channel of the SF-2 in the send return of each F1-x. I then use the full range out to each side of the QSX power amp.
 
However for 99% of the time I use the rig in mono so I take the combine output from the DS-5 into one side of the rig to one or more cabs.
 
As for the SF-2 it doesn't get much use at all and if so it's used very subtly.

[jazzyvee]

The refurb kit arrived from Alembic, thanks Mica. I've put the new knobs on and the matt finish works well with the maple finish. I've got a new set of saddles and bridge rehab kit so will get that all done when the bass is next due for re-stringing.

[carsbybigd]

NICE !

[jazzyvee]

A couple of days ago I fitted a couple of Schaller strap locks to this bass. My woodworking skills are not good enough to remove the dunlop strap fittings on the bass so I decide to leave them as they are not protruding.  This bass is a bit lighter than my SC Deluxe so I was hoping the balance point would be better using the standard fitting points. However, it is actually worse with more severe nose dive than I expected.  :-(
 
The position of the dunlop strap fitting at the bottom of the bass, as you may see on close inspection of the photo's, seems to be a much better balance position for me anyway as the bass stays more or less in position and does not lean forward at the top as much and relies less on my holding it in place with my forearm whilst playing.  
 
 
So it seems the previous owner who installed the dunlop has found the right point for balancing the bass  for playing. On my strap I now use the schaller at the base of the neck  and a choice at the other end of either dunlop or schaller, but I'm actually using the dunlop one.
 
Hope that makes some sense.

[pierreyves]

if some moderator could change simple things in this topics (pictures text...) to stop lateral scroll ? Thanks

[jazzyvee]

The tuners on this 1980 bass are quite worn, is there a particular like for like schaller tuner i should be looking for to replace them.

[edwardofhuncote]

Jazzy, a couple years ago, Schaller was looking about re-vamping the M-4 bass machines. I can't for the life of me remember if the screw hole was centered or offset. I think centered, like the earlier models. Are just the plated knobs worn, or the gearing within? You may be able to source newer buttons for your originals if a new set of exact replacement machines can't be had. Worst case scenario, you'll have four vacant screw holes, or simply run the mounting screws back in the unused holes. You could have the holes professionally filled and touched up too. (those extra holes would drive me bananas, so I'd hafta' do something with 'em!)

That little maple short-scale is my favorite of your basses!

*dang-it! centered mounting hole. https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/292/m4-90-light?number=10540501.22.70