| Author | Message | ||
| mgirouard3
New Username: mgirouard3 Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2004 |
I have two battery compartments on the back of my bass. One compartment holds one 9 volt and the other holds four. Which one powers the led's? Also where can I find more info on this Q switch I have been hearing about? Thanks. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1990 Registered: 6-2000 |
The 4-pack is the LED supply, it's entirely separate from the 1 9V that powers the bass. Essence basses don't usually have Q switches, they have the Q preset to 8dB boost, which is like a Q switch that is on all the time. The Q works with the filter. When you're playing, up is flat filter response, down adds an 8dB boost to the cutoff frequency you've tuned on the filter control (the highest included fequency). This affects the attack of the note primarily. If you hold a note and flick the switch, it won't sound much different. If you play a short passage with the switch in either position, you'll hear a more percussive attack when the Q switch is on (down). You can also have fun by sustaining a note with the Q siwtch on and rotating the filter back and forth for an interesting wah-wah effect. The higher the Q, the more dramatic the effect. If you want to add a Q switch to your Essence, please call us at 707 523 2611 to place your order. You will have to drill a mounting hole in the bass and desolder and solder one component. Complete instructions are included. | ||
| mgirouard3
New Username: mgirouard3 Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2004 |
Thanks Mica, I placed my order today. Max | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 159 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hello, does anyone has any experience with HotDotz-LEDs (http://www.hotdotz.com) ? I want to attach them to my EPIC fretless 4. Any input welcome. Werner | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1724 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hey ...cool idea freund Werner. That's what I'll do one day too. Is it expensive??? Can you get them easily in Germany?? PTBO | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 160 Registered: 3-2003 |
Well, I'm looking for the red LEDs with the additional brightness switch. The unit is only $60 but I have no idea what the shipping/customs etc. will be. I wrote them an email asking for these infos but no response yet. I don't know if there's a distributor in Germany or Belgium but I didn't search yet. What makes the unit so attractive for me is that it can be easily applied by yourself without any permanent modification to the instrument. | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 66 Registered: 5-2002 |
I actually have a Hotdotz red LED array attached to my Mark King Signature and they work great! I've ordered the type without the brightness control, because the brightness switch wasn't available on the red LEDs when I purchased them. Hotdotz are a great product! It is very easy to attach the array to the side of your fingerboard, without any modification. The only thing you'll have to take into account is that there will be a small(it exactly fits two AAA batteries) battery pack on the back of your headstock and a customized lead wire from the pack to the LED array is noticable (not conspicuous). The LED array is custom made for your particular bass, so it fits perfectly. It is very easy to attach, as long as you follow the mounting instructions carefully, and thoroughly clean the side of the fingerboard, prior to attaching the array. Make sure there is no dust between the adhesive side of the array and the side of your fingerboard, as the dust might light up as tiny bright sparkles when the array is turned on. Once attached, the array stay firmly at its place, even when you usually have a firm grip around the neck. It just doesn't move. You will hardly notice the array is attached to the neck of your bass. It is extremely thin and transparant. The neck's feel doesn't change. The LEDs are bright and there you have the advantage of having personal position illumination on your bass, at a relatively low price. The warranty works great as well. My LED array had one LED that was slightly less bright than the other LEDs. When I mentioned this, the manufacturer instantly offered me to attach a completely new LED array on the battery pack, no charge. When necessary, the LED array removes easily from your bass, leaving only little residue behind. The residue can be removed with Goo Gone (recommended by Alembic) or Acetone. The array cannot be used again after removing it. There is no other distibutor. As far as I know, it is a one man enterprise. Shipping to Europe is $13. For that money the array is very duly packed and will arrive in perfect order. When you're looking for an illumination aid for you precious Alembic, at a very reasonable price, I highly recommend this product. Duncan | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 161 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks for your info, Duncan. That's exactly what I was looking for. Werner | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 162 Registered: 3-2003 |
I ordered one today. I will post my experience here. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1741 Registered: 9-2002 |
Great Werner, I had an experience this weekend in an Irish pub were I could have used such device. Please let us share your experience! Paul the bad one | ||
| harald_rost
Member Username: harald_rost Post Number: 74 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Duncan, how long do the battery last? Harald | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 67 Registered: 5-2002 |
Harald, I haven't got the LEDs that long, so I have not really found that out yet. However, during the 15+ hours I've used them so far they haven't lost their brightness. The standard red Hotdotz (or when switched to "High" position when you have the brighness control) are brighter than the Alembic standard LEDs. The manufacturer claims that brightness becomes noticably less after appoximately 30 hours of use. After that the brightness is still comparable with the Alembic standard side LEDs. According to the manufacturer, battery replacement is recommended after 50(!) hours of use. So I guess the LEDs do not drain the batteries very fast. After the batteries have become dead, they can be very easily replaced by two new AAA batteries. Duncan | ||
| smokin_dave
Intermediate Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 200 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hi Duncan, The only question I have for you is how does lemon oil affect the array?I would hate to purchase this product and have the application of lemon oil to my fret board ruin the array. Thanks | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 69 Registered: 5-2002 |
David, According to Roz of Hotdotz, lemon oil does not affect the array, as long as you don't soak the adhesive strip with excessive amounts of oil. Duncan | ||
| smokin_dave
Advanced Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 202 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks Duncan, That would be a tough call since I use quite a bit of lemon oil on my fret board when the time comes to do such.I may give it a go any way and just be careful when slathering on the oil. | ||
| pookeymp
Intermediate Member Username: pookeymp Post Number: 190 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hmmmmm...a nice inexpensive way to add LED's...I see another possible purchase coming on. Mikey/ | ||
| wideload
Member Username: wideload Post Number: 63 Registered: 6-2003 |
I added Hotdotz to my bass last night, and they are wonderful! Not as elegant as the Alembic solution, and if I were ordering a bass, I would let the wizards put them in. However, for broke musicians looking to get lights for an existing bass, they are great! No change in balance due to the battery pack, connecting wire visible only at close range, the array is close to invisible when off, and very nice when on. I wish I had known about these sooner! I also couldn't belive how fast I was hooked on them- I turned the lights off for a slow song (at church) and felt lost! A definite stocking stuffer for the bassist (or guitarist) on your list. Larry | ||
| son_of_magni
Intermediate Member Username: son_of_magni Post Number: 131 Registered: 1-2004 |
I have a couple questions... Do they cover up your existing dots, in other words if your batteries go dead will you still be able to play (talking unlined frettless here)? If you were building a bass, would you consider using this instead of inlaying dots on the side of the neck? | ||
| wideload
Member Username: wideload Post Number: 64 Registered: 6-2003 |
The array is clear, so you can see existing dots through it when off (albeit a little less clearly). Batteries are AAA and last a long time. There is no number of batteries that would enable ME to play an unlined fretless...your ability may vary! If I were building a bass ( I assume as opposed to having one built for me), I would still inlay dots as a reference. If the array is damaged in some way, or you just decide you want to change colors, you always have that inlay for positioning the new lights. When you order, you can specify your scale length, and I'm sure you can have them locate the lights AT the fret line location rather than between. BTW, pop for the HI/LOW switch, so you can switch from subtle to garish at a whim! Larry | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 164 Registered: 3-2003 |
I installed the HotDotz array on my Epic today and are completely satisfied. I ordered the red ones with brightness switch which I highly recommend to order as well. In the LO position the brightness is almost the same as one my MK Std which has factory installed side LEDs. The HI position is very bright and may be almost used as a stage effect. Following the instructions it was easy to install within half an hour. Optically it fits smoothly into the neck design. I highly recommend HotDotz if you want to upgrade your bass for a much better fret orientation on stage. And last but not least the customer service is very good. | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 70 Registered: 5-2002 |
Not very sharp pictures, but here's a side view of the Hotdotz LED array on my Signature bass. It's a new array with the High/Low switch option. Just to get an idea. I'll try to post better photos. On the photo the LEDs seem to be white in the centre. In real life the LEDs are bright red, without the white centre.   Duncan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1761 Registered: 9-2002 |
Werner, how much did you pay to get them in Germany?? Paul the bad one | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 380 Registered: 7-2003 |
Wow, that looks very impressive, especially for such a small investment! I take it the top picture is with the brighter setting on, and the one underneath it is with the normal brightness set? | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yes, on the top picture the LEDs are switched to "high" and on the one underneath they are switched to "low". This is a photo of the battery pack on the back of the headstock.  Duncan | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 165 Registered: 3-2003 |
Paul (TBO), I paid $59.95 for the red LEDs including the brightness switch + $15 shipping to Germany. That's $74.95 in total. Customs and import tax was already included. The exchange rate is roughly 1.3 which results in a little less than 58 Euros. Before shipping Roz asked me some questions about the headstock size and send me a picture how the battery pack will be mounted (attached)  I will post better photos when I can borrow the digital camera from my bandmate. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1763 Registered: 9-2002 |
Way cool. Last question: I guess it was a creditcard job (Visa/Eurocard/Amex)????? Than I'll have a problem because I don't have any. I'll have to ask someone to do it for me. Hmmmm ...another Belgian, Dutch or German interested???? Paul the bad one | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 166 Registered: 3-2003 |
Yes, I paid by MC. But he accepts PayPal as well. I guess if you write him a nice email you may also convince hime to accept an international money order. In case anything fails you might also send some banknotes in an envelope, but that's a high risk gambling option. | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 340 Registered: 5-2002 |
is everyone still happy with their Hotdotz ?. I'm going to order some red one's for my Epic getting old sucks, the eye's are the second thing that goes David T (TLO) | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 284 Registered: 1-2003 |
What's the first thing that goes, with getting old then, if the eyes are second? | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 341 Registered: 5-2002 |
they make a pill for #1 and LEDs for the second thing | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 285 Registered: 1-2003 |
I'll reserve judgement on #1 until I'm older then. In fact, I'll reserve judgement on #2 as well on the same grounds! Another beer please... | ||
| hollis
Senior Member Username: hollis Post Number: 526 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'm not so sure about the order in which these things begin going south. I know I didn't need glasses until I was in my mid 40's............ | ||
| muller1007
Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 73 Registered: 5-2002 |
David, I am still extremely happy with the Hotdotz LEDs, even without the discomfort of age affecting my eyesight (or anything else for that matter LOL). Duncan | ||
| wideload
Member Username: wideload Post Number: 69 Registered: 6-2003 |
David- Trust me. Even if you haven't entered the geezer era as I have (according to my kids), after you get the dotz, you will feel unfulfilled playing an unlighted neck. It is seductive! Larry | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 178 Registered: 3-2004 |
I picked up a set for my first Excel. They work well. Im not too old but I love being able to see exactly where I am on the neck when light is gone and sweat is im me eyes! But take your time putting them on. It could get tricky. Danno | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1784 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Danno, tel us about that "tricky" part???? PTBO | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 179 Registered: 3-2004 |
If you don't keep the array straight and press as you go and slowly pull back the tape, you will get less than perfect adhesion to the neck. These imperfections will show up when the unit is lit. Also you need to line up the dots exactly or you will be off as you go down the neck. Danno | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1789 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks brother, I'll keep that in mind. PTBO | ||
| lembic76450
Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 69 Registered: 5-2002 |
I just thought I'd jump on the wagon here with an early Christmas present for my Spoiler, I ordered a set of Dotz last night. | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 348 Registered: 5-2002 |
I ordered my Dotz a week ago for my Epic and they were shipped today, I can't wait. It's my christmas persent to myself | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 349 Registered: 5-2002 |
well My HotDotz came in and they are on. what a great idea for less than $100 | ||
| lembic76450
Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 73 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mine also arrived today, possibly tonight, if they are as nice as I think, I'll order up for the Series I. David, did you get hi/low/off | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 350 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kenn, yes I got the hi/lo/ off switch, the only thing I can about the install is!!!!!!!!! do a test fit and then do another test fit, my lites got off just alittle down by the body no big deal for me but once you peel off the pink tape and it sticks it's all over with but the keep on going, so follow the instructions and take your time!!!!!!!!!! David T | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 93 Registered: 6-2002 |
Interesting info everybody, I didn't know about these before. They'll truly be a future option on my non-Alembic instruments... H. | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 94 Registered: 6-2002 |
One question: The Hotdotz look as if visible not only from the top (POV player) but also from the front (POV audience), due to the slightly raised nature of the leds - as compared to factory installed side-leds, which are not raised and thus less visible from the front view of the audience. Here is the question: Will the hotdotz even be sufficiently visible for the player if installed on the opposite side of the fretboard, i.e. on the highest string side instead of the lowest string side? I would assume you'd have to slightly tilt the bass towards you, but somehow that's what happens when I play automatically. The reason for asking is, that I found when playing in higher registers (e.g. soloing) especially on a fretless bass side-led-markers are sometimes so "far away" from the higher strings that they don't always give a good impression on the correct position. I assume, that is also one reason why e.g. Mark King had Status install these awkwardly displaced front fretmakers on his signature King bass, which are not centered but closer to the higher string position. Would the hotdotz be easy to read if on the opposite side of the neck? Would they even interfere with playability (they are raised after all, are they?) I wonder what it would look like to have them on both sides of the neck... | ||
| wideload
Member Username: wideload Post Number: 72 Registered: 6-2003 |
I tried turning my bass over to check your idea. I only saw a faint glow, only when turning the bass out some at the bottom. I installed my kit flush with the bottom of the fretboard on the traditional side (as opposed to flush with the top) to make sure it didn't interfere with my rudimentary playing. Although the picture on the website suggests a raised array, it really is quite low and unobtrusive. SO... I don't think you would find a bottom array satisfactory. You might want t consider Sims for a front-facing array as Mr. King has. Larry | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 580 Registered: 3-2004 |
Sounds like you should order a bass with front LEDs! | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 95 Registered: 6-2002 |
I do have basses with front LEDs and since the LEDs are centered they're still not the same as if they'd be located closer to the rim. Yet, I don't like the looks of the displaced front LEDs à la King Bass, so this is not an option. In any case it was just fooling with an idea. I am sure I can still live with the regular side LEDs solution. Thanks for your test, Larry! While this would be for a fretless anyways I have already checked with SIMs for the option of illuminated fret lines, but it would be expensive! Also, I would prefer to keep the neck unlined. As I said, it was just fooling around with different ideas. No problem if they turn out to be bad ideas  ... | ||
| wideload
Member Username: wideload Post Number: 73 Registered: 6-2003 |
Perhaps a miner's helmet...that's probably one of the bad ideas, huh?! Larry | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 96 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yeah, probably , along with products such as Fretlaser: http://www.fretlord.com/Fretlaser.htm Odd... |
