Author Topic: CVQ retro fitted to signature electronics (Read 268 times)

terryc · « **on:** January 30, 2012, 03:01:58 AM »

Could the above be doable??
Out of curiosity I looked at the innards of my MK and observed that the Q switch is connected to the amp module with what looks like a resistor(but no colour code) SO I assume it must be a capacitor.
So I ask;-
Could a CVQ be retro fitted?
Could I do it myself?
Or is it a whole new electronics package to which I will leave well alone!

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2012, 07:14:18 PM »

I'm a bit curious about this from a purely technical view point. If the CVQ knob is a potentiometer, you should be able to measure the change in resistance with an ohm meter throughout the sweep of the knob. If so, you could find several settings that you found to be pleasing, and measure the associated resistance at that position. You could then substitute a multi-position switch with resistors equivalent to the values you liked on each of the positions. If I am correct in my assumptions, it would be a relatively straight forward substitution. Of course, I'm sure that the folks at Alembic have already done the associated math, and would be able to offer an excellent array of voicings.

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2012, 12:01:10 AM »

As I remember, they will only do CVQ with Series electronics. I don't think it is quite as simple as replacing a couple of resistors with a potentiometer. Kevin's suggestion of a multi-position selector is one I discussed when I had my Spoiler electronics worked on a couple of years ago, and it was deemed possible - a rotary switch with 1 dB increments - but it would have to wait for benchtime with Ron, and since I didn't have the patience I asked for a 3 position switch. Mine has 0,3,6 dB options which are distinct, but with subtlety (which is good since I really did not like the original 0/8 dB options).

terryc · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2012, 12:45:00 AM »

hydragyrum..yep that was my assumption with my basic electronics knowledge. I am assuming that when the switch is activated, the component attached gives the 6dB boost, adding a pot would give an incremental increase but I await Mica to cut in with the correct answer(which I am sure she will)

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2012, 02:16:18 PM »

We've done it on a Spoiler one time. It's the only thing my father has specifically requested that I never sell again.

pace · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2012, 04:31:16 AM »

Mica, There were some pictures on a Japanese site from a recent visit to Santa Rosa where a balK had a custom electronics package in the works. One thing I noticed in the pic was a control for filter gain.... I couldn't make sense of some of the other controls.... Was this another 'half a super filter' instrument?

??

Bradley Young · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2012, 11:41:59 AM »

Wait, Mica, I thought that double-stack knobs was also a no-no?

Bradley

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2012, 12:00:11 PM »

Well I didn't get the answer I was hoping for

jazzyvee · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2012, 02:21:06 PM »

Just because Alembic won't do it for you doesn't mean it can' be done but would you want to take it elsewhere and take the risk? I did...... I felt that the Europa was screaming out for a signature electronics at least and also I wanted to get a feel for how a series bass might sound without splashing out a fortune on a new one.

So........ In my Bocate Europa I have replaced the standard Alembic guts and it now has a LP filter with CVQ ( 80hz to around 6k) and a high pass filter with gain for each pickup then a master volume and pan pot. It sounds great. Each filter comes as a stacked knob as does the volume and pan. It is still very Alembic like in tone though It doesn't sound like it did before the change. That's not a criticism either way.

The High pass filters are hardly ever used to be honest unless I have a heavy bass tone and want to add some attack to the notes, but any more than a bit of gain on the high pass is too much and finger noise becomes much more of an issue. But I guess it's just another different sounding bass I have now. Thankfully I didn't have to drill any holes in my Europa just opened the holes that had the switches in a bit and all was well. I've also kept the Europa electronics in case I decide to go back to standard.

The reality was is that it didn't quash my desire for a series II, and I will at least have a chance to try them out side by side....... soon.

Jazzyvee

(Message edited by jazzyvee on February 01, 2012)

terryc · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2012, 05:42:52 AM »

It was just a query really, I assumed it could be an easy mod, I really don't want to drill more holes in my bass(extra one already there for SIMS LED's)
Cheers jazzyvee

pace · « **Reply #10 on:** March 02, 2012, 12:30:52 PM »

http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/web-ikebe/bc_ALEMBIC-FT2010/7.html

The pic above pierre's bass is the one I was thinking of...

FC Bass · « **Reply #11 on:** March 02, 2012, 06:43:17 PM »

I think that's a mock up for Bob's custom Rogue? (with a half superfilter in it, see the Rogue showcase section)

Edit: http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/16123.html

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** March 05, 2012, 01:37:26 AM »

Thanks for all the comments & suggestions but as said before it was a query,in reality I don't need anything as elaborate as Bob's custom Rogue and I do get some nice tones from the Signature electronics, if you want to listen to it then go to either my Soundcloud clip in the Misc section(Funk Influences) or to the SoundCloud Alembic contributers site.