| Author | Message | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2013 |
Hi. I'm enjoying my newly acquired custom Essence with Europa electronics, but find the 8 db q-switch a bit too much of a good thing. So I found an original 3-way switch on eBay. Is it hard to swap out? Can I easily do it myself? Thanks | |||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3949 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have converted my signature bass from 2 to 3 position Q switches and it's a great mod to do. I will see if I can find the information about how to fit the switch. FYI I did find that the off position was brighter than it was previously but I actually like the change. I've got some more in the post from mica so I should have some instructions that I can pass to you if no one else advises you before. Jazzyvee | |||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1356 Registered: 1-2005 |
I can't help with the fixing part, but I agree with Jazzyvee - it's definitely the way to go! | |||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 289 Registered: 11-2011 |
That's a good question. I feel the same way about the 2 way switch on my Distillate, a softer Q would be more useful. So if you have a 2 way already installed would a 3 way just be wire for wire? Pete | |||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 3104 Registered: 6-2002 |
Kaspar, my thoughts exactly when I first got my Spoiler. It now has a 0/3/6 dB 3-way - 3 dB is a nice bit of that good thing, 6 dB is an extra shot of the same good thing - and definitely short of the harshness of 8 dB. Sorry I can't help you with specifics about the change in the electronics, since I sent the parts to the Mothership to be worked over (they changed the pickup switch to a pan pot too). (Message edited by adriaan on April 12, 2014) | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2013 |
So, I just received the three-way q-switch in the mail. I don't dare to try changing it out without a little guidance. Mica? Help! Thanks | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8164 Registered: 6-2000 |
What switch do you have? I need the number on the side starting with a 7. | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2013 |
Hi Mica Thanks for looking in on it. The number is 7211 Cheers Kaspar | |||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 295 Registered: 11-2011 |
Hi Mica, I have a Q switch with the same part # 7211 that if possible would love to install to my 85 Distillate. As of right now I never use the Q for what I do, but with a 3 way I can see incorporating it! Thank you so much for making time for all of us in making this feel like a Home for our Musical Journeys. Peace, Pete | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2013 |
Hi Mica, Did you see my last post? Do you have any news? Thank you. Kaspar | |||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3984 Registered: 6-2002 |
If I want a quick response from Alembic about anything to do with their stuff I always phone. Someone will always pick up the phone. Jazzyvee | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8167 Registered: 6-2000 |
I have been mostly out of the office since the 11th. I should be in the office regularly now. Here's what you need to hook up:  You should be able to tell where you have to remove a yellow box capacitor from the filter board to attach the switch assembly. | |||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 297 Registered: 11-2011 |
Mica, Would this same 3way switch replace a original 2way on a 85 Distillate? ~Pete | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8168 Registered: 6-2000 |
No, this is only for Activator based electronics (Essence, Signature, anything with the AE-1 filter board). I'm not sure I have a handy mod for that application. | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2013 |
Thank you so much! | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2013 |
Oh wait, it doesn't look like that! I have the Europa electronics (AE-2?). Is it simply a matter of switching the wires out from the old q-switch in the brown box labeled 3023?
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| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2013 |
Ok, seems like it was a useless file, I uploaded i my previous post. Hope this is better  | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8170 Registered: 6-2000 |
OK, a 7211 is the correct part number. I've confirmed we've never documented a 3-position Q switch on a Distillate or Europa, but after talking to dad he said he's happy to do it. Will not be able to book time for it for 3-4 weeks though - his plate is pretty full and even nudging in something small wouldn't be fair to those who have been waiting patiently for his current projects. I will keep you posted and you're welcome to tickle this thread in a month if you haven't heard back from me. | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8171 Registered: 6-2000 |
BTW, that is a super custom Essence with an Ash body. Cool! | |||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2197 Registered: 11-2004 |
So could this be done on my MK Signature bass?? Looking at it I guess it could, I reckon I could source the parts from Maplin in the UK or some other reputable components supplier. 2 capacitors, 2 resistors and a switch.. looks pretty doable. Is the polarity on the capacitors important(+ at board end, - at switch or vice versa)? | |||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3989 Registered: 6-2002 |
Terry my advice about upgrading your signature is... go for it. Even with the filter off it seems to have added a little crispness to the sound of the bass without losing he ability to warm up the sound as previously. I have some now for my Black Europa with signature electronics however I think I may initially change the bridge pickup switch as on that bass at the moment I rarely use Q on the neck pickup. Jazzyvee | |||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2201 Registered: 11-2004 |
Mica..which is the spec for the 3 way switch DPDT On-Off On OR DPDT On-On-On Already have got the caps and resistors. | |||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1999 Registered: 2-2005 |
Terry, According to the C&K spec sheet the 7211 is DP On-On-On. Keith | |||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4001 Registered: 6-2002 |
Iv'e just changed both my 2 way to 3 way switches. I have two gigs this weekend so a great time to try them out. Probably won't need them during any of the gigs but soundcheck is a good time to have a listen at stage volume. Jazzyvee | |||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2202 Registered: 11-2004 |
Thanks Keith for that | |||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2203 Registered: 11-2004 |
what type of capacitors are they(polyester, electrolytic, etc) I have some but would like to know the exact spec? They look like electrolytic | |||
| rapsak_v
Junior Username: rapsak_v Post Number: 24 Registered: 8-2013 |
Hi Mica Has your dad had time to look at it? Thanks Kaspar | |||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 359 Registered: 11-2011 |
Hi Mica, I'm giving a bump to this thread its been a while. I still have an interest in perhaps swapping out my 2 way Q to a 3 way Q switch for my 85 Distillate. You indicated that the existing Mod is not available for the Distillate only for Basses with the AE-1 filter board. Please excuse my lack of understanding but: 1- Is there a Mod that can create a 3 way Q for Distillates? 2- As a curiosity if not what are the differences between the boards? I was under the impression aside from the Series Line the Pre Amp sections of all the Filter based Basses were the same. Again thank you for your patience with my insatiable curiosity.  Peace, Pete | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8249 Registered: 6-2000 |
There's really three "families" of electronics: 1. Series I/II 2. Distllate (includes Spoiler, Elan, Europa) 3. Activator (includes Signature, Essence) So there's 3-position for the Series I and the Activator family, but not yet for the Distillate family. I'll have to check with dad to see what his schedule is like. | |||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 655 Registered: 8-2002 |
I would definitely be interested in an upgrade kit for my Essence with Europa electronics. Slawie |
Essence cavity