Dumb question about S2 controls Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Dumb question about S2 controls « Previous Next »

Author Message
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 546
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 6:18 pm:   Edit Post

I just received my new bass and it's beautiful!!!
But I'm still struggling getting my sound under control. For those who have continuously variable Qs: Which direction increases the boost? Clockwise or counterclockwise?
Duh, Bill...
rklisme
Member
Username: rklisme

Post Number: 79
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 6:30 pm:   Edit Post

Bill

Congratulations and you know the drill, pics please! I don't know anything about the S2 but I am sure you are in bass heaven right now. Have fun!

Rory
bsee
Advanced Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 204
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 6:51 pm:   Edit Post

Clockwise, I would guess. The old way to tell is to look for the wah-wah effect. Turn the CVQs full clockwise, play a note and then spin the filter knob back and forth quickly. If you're getting a wah-wah effect, then your CVQs are providing a boost.
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 547
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 8:02 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks guys. Like I said, "Duh". I'll use the wah wah method to confirm the operation. It's been 6 months since I sold my Spoiler to finance this affair, plus it's a bit daunting to contend with two filter and Q arrangements simultaneously (not to mention the confusion the SF-2 injects - I've basically shut that out of the equation for the moment).

Unfortunately, my wife left for the weekend thru Tues and took the digital camera with her!

Suffice it to say that I think (and everyone who's seen the new bass) that it's the most incredibly beautiful instrument ever seen (apologies to everyone else here). I'm ecstatic with the way it came out and can't wait to show it to you all.

Bill
bsee
Advanced Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 205
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 8:27 pm:   Edit Post

Remember that what you're actually doing is generating two separate tones and blending them together if you desire it. Set the pickup selector to either individual pickup and you only have three knobs to worry about.

I haven't played a series or signature bass myself, but I suspect that combined pickup tones with meaty bass coming from the neck pickup and tight mid-to-high tones from the bridge would sound great. I would dial these in individually, then mix them and repeat.

At least you should have plenty of time to get acquainted with the instrument in your wife's absence!
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 548
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post

Tomorrow I start with a disciplined look at the controls. Today, I've just been playing with the action (predictably introduction to the WI humidity caused the fingerboard to swell) and just amazing myself with the tonal variety, the fantastic feel and play and the great looks of this bass.

Thanks for your advice.

Bill
kmh364
Advanced Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 322
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 4:50 am:   Edit Post

Congrats, Bill. Take tons o' pix and post them here for all the drooling masses to enjoy, LOL!
kmh364
Advanced Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 326
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 6:01 am:   Edit Post

Bill: sounds like you need a CVQ lession from Series Master BKBASS (Barry Kravitz..."Barry's Dark Custom"). Shoot him an email. He should be able to help you out with all your series electronics questions.
dadabass2001
Advanced Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 206
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 10:16 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations, Bill.
Don't forget to eat, wash, and breathe during your Alembic "get acquainted" honeymoon. Maybe your wife knew it was coming and wanted to let you spend the time to get over the initial monomania such an instrument always generates. :-)

Have Fun!
Mike
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 549
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 10:21 am:   Edit Post

Great suggestion. I'm going to do just that.

So far, I've identified and somewhat characterized the functions and (now) all the controls. But I still have lots of questions for the next week (month? year?) or so.

Thanks
Bill
kmh364
Advanced Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 331
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 6:11 am:   Edit Post

Ask away, oh seeker of knowledge. There's always someone here that knows the answer to just about everything.
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 551
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 7:47 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks guys. I've already changed my right hand technique to accomodate the much greater sensitivity and nuance of playing this thing! The electronics are only one way to control tone on an Alembic.

I'll post some pictures when my wife returns with the camera.

Bill
kevin_k
Member
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 79
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 7:41 am:   Edit Post

Bill,

Glad to hear you got your bass. Hope it brings you a lifetime of enjoyment. I too had a similar experience with adjusting my right hand technique. So much sound/power right at your finger tips.

As far as the controls, I think I have a lot of experimenting left to do. I sometime just turn the knobs randomly to see what I get, but most of the time I do small adjustments from no specific starting point.

I don't have the superfilter, so I don't have that extra layer of tone control, but I imagine it is worth every penny.

I thought it was a pretty smart idea for you to add the on/off switch for the LEDs. I think if I have my bass refinished down the line, I will add that switch.

Later,

Kevin

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration