| Author | Message | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1964 Registered: 9-2003 |
Looking For Pros/Cons and/or opinions and recommendations: I am seriously considering sending my new Series I back to the mothership for an upgrade to Series II electronics (and to have a finish crack repaired). Ignoring the real possibility of further shipping damage and/or total loss, is it worth my time and money to do the upgrade? The upgrade is under a grand so it's well within my reach (especially on a $12k instrument). I love the relative simplicity of the individual vols w/p.u. selector and two filters with 3-pos. "Q"'s. Would I be shooting myself in the foot by adding the Master vol. scheme along with CVQ's? BTW, I already have an F-2B and an SF-2 (not easy to operate, LOL!). Bottom line: Do I really "need" the upgrade? I am not dissatisfied with my Series one (sonically) in any way. As there's not a lot of shy members on the site (LOL!), experienced opinions would be most helpful and appreciated. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 513 Registered: 2-2005 |
Sounds like GAS Kevin. LOL Keith | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1965 Registered: 9-2003 |
Not really. Mica dangled the SII upgrade carrot in front of me this past winter when I spoke to her on another matter. I bought the Series I new for less than wholesale from a Wickersham personal friend this past winter, so it is as it was (i.e., not custom spec'd by me). That is to say, it's a standard point SI 34" scale 4-string with only a 5A quilt top and back lam as options. I wasn't in the market for anything at the time, but when I came across it, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a new (otherwise unaffordable) Series bass. For what I got it for, and considering it's doubtful I'd be able to afford a new custom spec'd (by me) Series I or II, I can afford to "customize" it. I'm just wondering if it's worth spending another grand to make it a hybrid Series II (alright, a Series I with SII Electronics, LOL!). To further demonstrate my Alembic obsession, I had THG make me extra custom knobs just in case I went the SII route, LOL! They weren't cheap, but they are nice! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1966 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sorry, repeat post. (Message edited by kmh364 on July 19, 2006) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 579 Registered: 2-2006 |
Kevin. I've never played a Series I but I've always been a firm believer in the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" philosophy. So if your happy with your S-1 I don't know that I'd make the change. BUT I will say that my recent acquisition of a S-2 has virtually ceased all playing of any other instruments I have. In other words. IT KICKS BUTT! Whew! It's like why would not drive your Lamborghini just because you have a Ford in the garage. So on I guess I haven't really helped you much, but good luck on either decision. O | ||
| ctjim
Member Username: ctjim Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2005 |
Kevin - another consideration. What effect will the S-2 upgrade have on the bass's weight? A big criteria for me. My recommendation would be to 1st invest in a nice flight case. This would take the shipping worry out of the equation. FWIW. Good luck. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 788 Registered: 10-2003 |
I have a Series 1-1/2, with a master volume but retaining the 3-position Q-switches. The Series II CVQ will give you more granularity of control, which I don't think you'd miss unless you're recording. The master volume is waaaay worth it though, in my opinion. Probably if the whole schmeer was less than a grand to upgrade to, then it would still be tempting! So, sorry Kevin, but I'm no help whatsoever! John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1967 Registered: 9-2003 |
I am getting a flight case no matter what...the stock Alembic case was damaged as well and didn't do a good job of protecting the bass. I wouldn't have ordered it new myself without a flight case, but I didn't order this from Alembic. As far as added weight, it's just a harness swap-out, along with the added CVQ and MV pots, so it should be negligible on a 11#-12# Bass. | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 325 Registered: 4-2003 |
Kevin, I have the Anniversary package and while I like the individual volume pots, there have been times when I would have liked a master volume in addition to the package. Sounds like you've given this some thought based on your time with the bass. If you need someone to push you over the edge, then pull the trigger and do it. I feel the need to wash my hands; howdy friends, my name's Pontius.  Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4110 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would love to have a master volume just for the purpose of doing fade ins and fade outs. What you give up in going to CVQs is the ability to just reach down and flip a switch in the middle of a song. Of course, I don't have CVQs so I really don't know what I'm talking about. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1483 Registered: 7-2004 |
Kevin: FWIW Rory, who used to hang out in these parts, had both Series I and Series II basses. He told me he far preferred the Series I set up. Bill, tgo | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1968 Registered: 9-2003 |
I like the Series I set-up myself, even over my EMW set-up. I'm just wondering if I'm "missing" something without the Series II upgrade. As I've said, I have a Superfilter, which can be infuriating sometimes when looking for a specific or certain "tone". That's why I'm asking...if I thought unequivocally that going SII would be a definite improvement, then I'd go for it in a heartbeat. I'm just trying to prevent the possibility of investing more money in the bass, with negative results. By negative I mean "less usable" (i.e., harder to use) with no real tone "improvement". Dave's point about the switches are apropos: a switch is less hard to use than a pot, but it's less flexible as well. Where's James (malthumb) when you need him? LOL! I think he has an SI with SII guts. Come to think of it, wheres Paul TBO (palembic)? I think our most prolific forum poster from BeNeLux also has a SI with SII elecs. C'mon guys, step up to the mic and be heard! LOL! | ||
| jorge_s
Member Username: jorge_s Post Number: 89 Registered: 8-2002 |
I have a SII but I am having my next instrument built with SI electronics. Although the CVQ are amazing, I just have too much trouble duplicating a tone after I find it (it is just too effective). I figure by flicking a switch instead of fine-tunning a knob, it narrows the search. I do however love the look of SII electronics with all those knobs. I am having a master volume put on though. For me this is a must. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1969 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yeah, I like the look of S-II elecs as well. That's why I had the extra knobs made...if I don't get the upgrade, at least I have plenty of "spares", LOL! Having said that, while the single pointer and two vols/two filters looks decidedly lo-tech (compared to S-II's plethora of knobs), they work great! I'm just afraid that, while S-II looks the biz, it may prove to be an irresversible mistake if I don't like the added complexity. As such, that's why I'm asking those here that have taken the plunge what they think. Keep 'em comin', guys! LOL! | ||
| keurosix
Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 53 Registered: 10-2005 |
Kevin, I previously owned a Series 1 four string and a special Series 2 doubleneck with Series 1 1/2 electronics. The main difference was a master volume on the doubleneck. I often disliked fading out with 2 vol pots, only to pull them back up again. I got used to using the pickup selector, but that was a 2-click move to standby. The best solution was the cheapest: a stereo volume pedal, and I did not worry about the master vol again - my foot did all the work. I think the Series 1 switches are really quick and foolproof for repeat sounds. An adjustable CVQ takes more time to get it to the same spot "more-or-less". Series 2 will have more finite possibilities, but is it worth the price tag? You already have the SF2 which can give you the sonic flexibility, so S2 might just be overkill. Personally, I would spend the grand on LED's on the neck if you're already getting an overspray. See if Mica can quote that for comparison. (Now I have an Europa 6 string, and an Epic 5 string fretless which both have a master vol.) Kris | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1970 Registered: 9-2003 |
No, unfortunately the finish crack is a hairline one @ the FB/nut/neck junction...caused by rough handling during shipping. They're just gonna wick in crazy glue to try and fill it. While I'd love LED's, I'm afraid it would be cost prohibitive to do so at this time, considering the newness and relative lack of play time. The actual cost of the upgrade is $800 all inclusive (S&H to and fro Alembic is not included, however) including my current harness as a trade. I've already bought the extra THG knobs. All good points, though. Keep 'em comin'! | ||
| kilowatt
Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 64 Registered: 12-2004 |
Kevin, My new bass has series II electronics and I love them. Being that you don't live far from me, you are more than welcome to stop by and try them out in person. It's a 5 string, and if I remember correctly, you play a 4 string. It should give you a better idea of the difference between the two. Drop me a line and let me know if you want to stop by. Regards, Pete | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 134 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kevin- IMHO: You will not be "missing" anything by staying Series I. I've got both. The Dark and the Light is a Series I.5 (master volume and LEDs) and the Unicorn is, I guess, a Series I body with Series II electronics (only 5 laminates). The CVQs are, for me, the ultimate in control. BUT, when I have the next one made, it will be a twin to The Dark and the Light. I find that the fine tuning available between the filters, the 3-position switches, an F1-X for each pickup and simply altering my playing attack is more than enough. I do like the master volume. I find that I balance the individual volumes and then never touch them again. I'd also consider the environments that you play. I can't see that a 1 or 2 dB boost in the Q value can be "heard" in a typical live gig. A +6 can. Now, recording would be a totally different animal. I can see where flat is not enough and +6 is too much. So, to come back around.....you're not "missing" anything with a Series I. Would you be "gaining" something with Series II guts? YES. Is it worth it? Depends on what you're looking for. For me, it's not. When I had the headstock repaired on The Dark and the Light, I had the chance to upgrade - I chose not to. Good Luck!! All Alembic decisions seem to be matters of fractions don't they.....never simple. C-Ya...........wayne | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1975 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks for the help, guys. I may have to take you up on that offer, Pete. It's always a pleasure to hear from (C-Ya) Wayne! FWIW, I guess I'm more in love with the idea of having an SII-equipped bass than anything else. Those extra knobs are de rigeur for Phil or Jack wannabees like me! LOL! I am not a pro player and I can't afford a custom new SII. I can afford to customize my current SI, but I won't if it'll ruin the functionality for me. The SI is definitely awesome as-is, despite the relative lack of flash a la my Orion or some of the recent COM's. Decisions, decisions, LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| bob
Senior Member Username: bob Post Number: 686 Registered: 11-2002 |
Kevin, I think you summed it up best - "more in love with the idea", and worried about the functionality for you personally. Use a little Blu-Tack (I'm sure you know what this is, from your audiophile perspective) and stick a couple of your extra knobs on there. It'll look cool; who knows, maybe you'll even feel better about the appearance, and if you do, maybe you'll even play better! (though it would be a major setback to try to turn one and have it fall off...). I'm halfway serious (no LOL here). Look, we've had people who have put in a dummy hum canceller just for the looks, with no intention of ever making it real. That's fine, it all depends on what you want. Personally, I've never had a Series instrument, though I do have one CVQ on my bass, and two on my SuperFilter - and I would simply not be happy with a switch. But I'm not playing live, or recording, or trying to quickly switch between reproductions of specific songs/tones. I'm just looking for my own sound (which is mostly just one), so the fine tuning is much more important than repeatability and quick changes. Again, to each his/her own. The volume options are a different matter, and I can't quite keep the options straight in my head. I happen to be a single-volume-and-pan-man myself, and we exhausted that discussion elsewhere(s). But in the absence of a pan, you would likely enjoy having the master volume, and I'm pretty sure that wouldn't break anything for you. Don't mess things up just because you've got some money burning a hole in your pocket, and are perhaps swayed a bit by thinking top of the line is best. It may still not be right for you. You can likely add the MV for a lot less than a couple of CVQs, and even though it may not look quite as complicated, my guess is you'll be more comfortable with it. Just a thought, nothing else. Good luck. -Bob | ||
| georgie_boy
Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 67 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hi Kevin Just my $0.02 worth. I've got a Series 1, and was playing in Stirling (Scotland) on Sunday night. Once I'd set her up to use both pick-ups, the idea of increasind/decreasing the volume became apparent and I thought-yeah this is where a MV would be great. Well, as we all know, you tend to think fast when in a situation so what did I do-simple, I just altered the volume on the amp!. No upgrade no extras, and so quick and simple to do. Job done! I prefer the switches, as I think the CVQ's would be so difficult to rproduce the same tone quickly in a given situation, and let's be honest, once on stage, you don't have the time to fiddle about so IMHO the Series 1 is just about perfect. G | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 727 Registered: 10-2002 |
George. When are you going to send me your gig list. I'd love to hear your series in action and I'm pretty sure I could get mike along too. Sorry for the brief hijack kevin;-) Graeme | ||
| georgie_boy
Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 68 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hi Graeme If you saw this band then you would end up in Intensive care with advanced "laughing fit Syndrome" I'm rehearsing with our guitarist and another guitarist from Bridge of Allan at the moment, in the hope that we can put a set together by December so we'll see. Asfor a gig list----I get a call on the Thursday night to tell me if/when/where we are playing that week-end. Now that's real dedication for you We may be going to Spain to play for a fortnight, as the guitarist's father now lives over there and does a one man show for the ex-pats. so he has invited us over and will set up the gigs. You are welcome to come over here and try the Series anytime (as long as I've got decent strings on her -a rare occasion!, as new strings tend to be way over the top for this band due to the treble and clarity. But remember, this band is crap compared to Big Tuna so I don't want to get embarrased. G Sorry Kevin for the hijack, but as i said earlier, the series 1 does it all IMHO | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1976 Registered: 9-2003 |
No problem, mates. Yes, I would definitely like the Master Vol., but am unsure about the CVQ's. While I do like the look of the extra knobs, and it would be nice to have the top-of-line kit, I'm only really interested in improving the thing, not stroking my ego. I'm just on the fence as to whether the SII elecs. are atually an uprgrade for me. I'm not playing live currently, but I can certainly see where CVQ's could be a hindrance in a live situation (MV not withstanding). Maybe I can get the MV and leave the switches, but make 'em rotary so I can use my fancy pointer knobs? Wouldn't it be great if you could chose between preset Q values and CVQ? Ka-ching! $$$$$$ LOL! | ||
| fc_spoiler
Intermediate Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 146 Registered: 5-2006 |
That would be Series III??! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1977 Registered: 9-2003 |
Series III? Oh, yes, as in 3X the price, LOL! You got to pay, if you wanna play! | ||
| fc_spoiler
Intermediate Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 147 Registered: 5-2006 |
I think your last idea is the best, stay safe and have a whole bunch of knobs! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1979 Registered: 9-2003 |
LOL! Thanks for all the help guys...it's a tough decision. Even the way it is, it's cool as all H*ll. Just the thought of that big std. point body w/the crown headstock causes "Feels So Good" ("30 Secs. Over Winterland" version") to play over and over in my head, LOL! Even though I can't remotely play like either Cassady or Lesh, the Series indulges my wanna-be fantasies (more like delusions really, LOL!) quite nicely. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 515 Registered: 2-2005 |
Kevin, You already have a bass with a fair number of knobs with your EMW. Do you find yourself doing more set it and forget it type of stuff? If yes the CVQ might work out for you. On the other hand if you play with the tone controls and filter alot, do you ever have problems refinding the tone of previous settings? Again if this doesn't cause you problems the CVQ might be ok. If you do have problems refinding tones, does it bother you and do you consider it important? If yes to either of these then maybe you should not get the CVQ's. Regardless I think the master volume is the way to go as I don't like the volume drop going from 2 pickups to 1. The master would let me get around this without having to adjust my amp or buying a volume pedal. Keith | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1981 Registered: 9-2003 |
IMHO, Dificulty in obtaining consistent repeatability of settings is generally an Alembic weakspot...excepting maybe the Europa quick-change tone control switches. It's just a matter of to what degree, I suppose. Right now, I find the Series easier to use than the EMW. The bass/treble/pan/MV is a little more difficult to tweek IMHO than just a vol & filter per p/u. The lack of a MV is the only real weak point. | ||
| dfung60
Intermediate Member Username: dfung60 Post Number: 189 Registered: 5-2002 |
There's many thousands of dollars between the retail price of a Series I and Series II, but most of that is in woodwork, LEDs, etc. The electronics differences that you would pick up in a retrofit are pretty minor if you are electronically inclined at all. The Q-switches select between three resistor values to pick the EQ curves. On the CVQ, the switch and resistors are simply replaced by a pot that sweeps through those preset resistor values. The retrofit would require the right pot value (sorry, I was near a Series I but not a Series II, can look it up if you like later) and two solder connections each. You would probably want to order CVQ pots from Alembic, as there's not enough space were the switch is to take a full sized pot. You may have to enlarge the hole in the faceplate too. Master volume is relatively easy too. You need to find the output wires from the pickup volume knobs before they run off to the output jacks then splice in a dual ganged volume pot to act as the master volume. On a Series bass, the two pickup outputs are kept completely independent through the output jacks, so you use a dual pot for master volume instead of a regular one. Again, you can get the part from Alembic. The output jack area is VERY complex on a Series bass, and you can make a tech turn completely white faced when you pull the back plate off. But if you do this by thinking about intercepting the individual outputs before you get to that part of the wiring harness, all is easy. You'll need the dual volume pot, a knob, and you'll have to drill a hole in the faceplate. You could get even trickier and put the pickup volumes on a stack pot then put the master in the hole you just vacated too. Even if you bought the parts from Alembic, I doubt that there would be more than $50 here. It's all labor, but there's not even much of that if you look carefully at how this works. I think the master volume is a worthwhile mod for any Series bass, if you are willing to have another knob. CVQ really is a personal taste thing. David Fung | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 135 Registered: 5-2002 |
I lurk for months, and now here I am posting twice to the same thread....Gasp! Argh! I wouldn't say that SII is "top-of-the-line" over SI. One's not better than the other...just different. Kevin- from your comments and trying to read between the lines (always hazardous!) I would recommend that you first discuss with Mica the MV addition. This might even be something that could be done locally with parts from Santa Rosa. I don't think the MV requires any changes to the harness or board. Then, if you find that you're still jonesin' for the CVQ, take the dive and send it home for the total upgrade. Also, seriously consider taking Pete up on his offer. I played a SII thinking that's what I wanted and decided that it was too much control for me - hence The Dark and the Light, my first Series bass, did not have CVQs. (The Unicorn was built as a bit of a show piece, so it had to be SII.) More words......fewer answers. :-) C-ya.........wayne | ||
| tom_z
Senior Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 429 Registered: 7-2004 |
Seems like it would have been brought up here at some time (in fact, I vaguely recall the topic), but is it possible for Alembic to create CVQ pots with detents at the three SI resistor values? It would make it easier to quickly select a repeatable setting, and still allow for maximum flexibility. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 516 Registered: 2-2005 |
Kevin, Sounds to me like the Series I meets your needs other than the lacking master volume. I agree that getting repeatable setting is easier with the vol/filter/Q switch setup over the EMW. The Essence electronics are easier yet. On my BB I find I change settings reasonably often. With my EMW fretless I very rarely adjust anything more than the filter/Q switch and pan control. I've more or less found the basic tone I want and only need to tweak it here or there. I think this has more with how I use the basses than what controls they have. I am still planning a Series instrument and am itending to go with Series I electronics with master volume. This mostly has to do with my itent to perform and needing fairly quick and repeatable settings. Keith | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 504 Registered: 6-2002 |
As a non Series bass player, I've gained a lot of info about series I & II from reading this thread. Although I have only ever had a quick blast on an SII bass the amount of tone flexibility is awesome and I too wonder how practical it would be to get repeatable sounds in a live situation. I've managed to get pretty fast in getting consistent repeatable sounds from my Signature and Europa basses but that has taken time. I would imagine would take a while to become proficient with the tone controls on the series basses. If you had a SF-2 as well, you are in trouble. :-) In reality, If a series I or II bass came along in the right shape and price range I'd go for whichever came first. For a brand new one I'd think hard considering the points made earlier and also the price differential. I will continue to read. Jazzyvee | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4116 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tom; I believe it is the case that Alembic doesn't actually make the pots, I believe they order pots that meet their high quality standards and provide the necessary function. Thus, I think it is probably the case that they would not be able to "make" CVQs with detents at specific points corresponding to various resistence values. But I'm just guessing. | ||
| foth
Intermediate Member Username: foth Post Number: 110 Registered: 12-2004 |
Kevin, I have a Series I that has had the upgrade and a Series II that's being built. I play the SI like George, setting the tone with the 2 vols and 2 tones, and adjusting the overall volume from the amp. I have always wanted a master volume, but there's not enough room on the small body with the older large knobs. I ordered my SII to get a master volume and the tones that you get with cvq's that are between off and first position on the SI q's. The silent upgrade is worth it if you are sending in your bass for other things. My SI was at Alembic for a long time for the upgrade because I hit the r&d period for the 4 string pickups. So remember to figure the "time away from home" into your decision. Paul | ||
| dfung60
Intermediate Member Username: dfung60 Post Number: 190 Registered: 5-2002 |
There's an excellent solution to the Q-switch vs. CVQ "problem" (oh, if only all my problems were like this) which is a good exercise for the reader. The Q-switch is selecting between 3 different fixed resistor values. The CVQ knob is an infinitely variable pot, wired into the same circuit. So the solution is pretty straightforward. Instead of putting fixed resistors on the Q-switch, you can replace some or all of them with trimpots that vary over the CVQ pot range. Now, you'll have 3 presets, each of which can be tuned to the frequencies you like. Out of the factory, you'd preset the pots to the current resistor values. I guess you could even allow access through the back plate for the adventurous. For me, I find that I rather like the "least peaky" and "most peaky" settings on a Series I (my favorite tone there would be neck EQ on least peaky and bridge EQ on most peaky with the neck pickup full on and bridge pickup blended in to taste). So an even better setup for me would be to keep the two preset resistors and add a single trimpot on the third position, which could be tweaked as I wish. The trimpot could be a regular pot that's externally exposed as well, but that knobs function would be very hard to explain to most people, especially since it doesn't do anything in many setups! This still doesn't solve the problem of repeatability on the EQ knob itself. Of course, this could be solved as well with a slightly more complicated switch and some more trimpots. I guess that remembering EQ setups whether in analog or digitally would be an excellent item for the Series III wish list! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1985 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sounds like I need to discuss this further with Mica. She originally offered just to trade harnessess and drill out the bass and install the added components. As a bonus, they'll attend to the finish crack that my guitar guy hasn't had time for. FWIW, Even though I'm competent with a soldering iron, and I'm a degreed Electrical Engineer, I'd rather not personally modify the thing in any way. I'd prefer paying the extra money and having Alembic do the proper install in order to preserve value, reliability and warrantee. Yes, the repeatability issue is troubling to me, but we are talking Alembic here, so repeatability of settings is a relative word, LOL! This here ain't no Fender, Son! LOL! | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 979 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mica gave me a price quote for adding a rotary Q switch with 1 dB intervals to my Spoiler, and it could not have been more than the cost for the parts and a couple of hours benchtime - presumably to figure out the resistor values. Having fixed steps would take care of the repeatability issues with a CVQ. Then again, some seem to think you cannot really hear a 1 dB increase on the Q - some think even 2 dB is too small a difference. Just that the waiting list was long, and I had been delaying stuff myself already ... so I went with a standard 3 position Q switch. +3 dB adds a nice ring. +6 dB is noticeably different from +3 dB. +8 dB was too much for my taste, and the reason I had the switch modified. I like David's idea of adjustable presets - sounds like a very practical solution, without losing the fiddling options. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Advanced Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 209 Registered: 5-2006 |
What about shipment costs from Holland? Maybe in the future I want to send my basses in for a refinish and maybe some upgrades. Cheers! F.C. | ||
| lothartu
Intermediate Member Username: lothartu Post Number: 163 Registered: 8-2003 |
I dig David's ideas too. I'm thinking my "dream" electronics set up would be a something like a Series I package where each 3 position Q-switch has positions 1 and 2 wired to internal trim pots and position 3 wired to a external pot. You get 3 selectable CVQ pots per pickup, it's just that 2 of the pots are internally adjustable "presets" and the 3rd is an external knob. Call it something like "Series III" or "Series II.5" electronics and toss in a master volume pot if it floats your boat. Damn, now all I've got to do is find a bag of money and put in an order. -Jim | ||
| fc_spoiler
Advanced Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 219 Registered: 5-2006 |
Maybe Mesa's TriAxis style is a good idea...Alembic in the 21st century! 250 presets on the series 2000 -LOL- | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 202 Registered: 11-2005 |
ummmmm... where's the beer? | ||
| terryc
Member Username: terryc Post Number: 71 Registered: 11-2004 |
Guess I will upset a few people here.... How many knobs/switches do you really need?? Is the audience going to notice how many Db you dial up especially after a few beers and they are all dancing on the floor. You have a killer tone but if you go through the house PA then you are at the mercy of the sound engineer?? Even recording engineers will not recognise your ultimate tone set up because he is too busy getting hassle from the singer/guitarist/drummer. et al. Jaco had a Jazz bass with a single passive tone control and he changed the world! I own a Mark King Standard, vol, pan, two tone filters with single Q switches..more than enough tone as far as I am concerned. terry c | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1069 Registered: 6-2002 |
Terry - why play bass? Nobody hears it, nobody seems to care. Not sure too many people besides bass players care much about Jaco. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 774 Registered: 2-2006 |
While I agree about being at the mercy of the sound guy when running direct through the PA, I still control what hear through my rig on stage. And I assume you've never seen Jaco live. He used plenty of tone adjustment and effects on his rig. The bass might have been plain but his rig wasn't. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 845 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'll second that Olie. Just watch him on Joni Mitchell's Shadows and Light DVD. He's back to his amp setup all the time. Also, during his solo, he's using a variety of effects including what must be quite an early looping device - I don't think it's as simple as a WEM copycat. Graeme | ||
| terryc
Member Username: terryc Post Number: 72 Registered: 11-2004 |
Seen Jaco and I agree that many people will have heard of him except bass players..same as not many people would have heard of Valentino Rossi unless they like MotoGP. The point is that is is great to have so many tone shaping options and since the technology is here because chips are so well made and pack so much in them it can be done but sometimes less is more. I mean if Almebic made one ultimate tone control that did it all we would all have one | ||
| terryc
Member Username: terryc Post Number: 73 Registered: 11-2004 |
Seen Jaco and I agree that many people will have heard of him except bass players..same as not many people would not have heard of Valentino Rossi unless they like MotoGP. The point is that is is great to have so many tone shaping options and since the technology is here because chips are so well made and pack so much in them it can be done but sometimes less is more. I mean if Alembic made one ultimate tone control that did it all we would all have one | ||
| lg71
Intermediate Member Username: lg71 Post Number: 117 Registered: 3-2006 |
Adriaan said: "Terry - why play bass? Nobody hears it, nobody seems to care. Not sure too many people besides bass players care much about Jaco." I don't know if your serious or were joking, it doesn't matter, but; I say, well, if you play funk stuff and other musicians leave enough space in the mix, the bass becomes Number 1. Nobody can argue to the fact that 98% of the time, you'll hear more bass on a Funk track as oppose to Rock track, IF you are not a bass player. Now, I am not ditching Rock, although Rock doesn't/never did anything for me, but if I was in a Rock band, I'd choose the Guitar, period! When we talk Funk or Jazz Funk, it's an other story all together, if you can't hear the bass, you can't hear anything then. Saying that, I know that there are many people who just can't play Funk, and when I talk about Funk, I am not talking about the smell, I am talking about the Groove, this thing that you have it or not. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1073 Registered: 6-2002 |
Nobody hears the funk I play, but that's just because I'm not in a band right now. Other than that, Terry seemed to be trying to pull some people's legs a little, so I thought I'd return the favour. | ||
| lg71
Intermediate Member Username: lg71 Post Number: 120 Registered: 3-2006 |
Well, I would like to hear some of it please, if you don't mind. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1075 Registered: 6-2002 |
To honour that request I would first have to invest in some sort of recording equipment (gasp!). As much as I would want to humour you (uh uhm) that would be a rather frivolous expenditure at this time. My playing is just for keeping myself amused, then - so be it. | ||
| lg71
Intermediate Member Username: lg71 Post Number: 123 Registered: 3-2006 |
I am not sure how bad your financial situation is, but there is a nice little box that I can highly recommend for doing all that... it's the M-Audio Firewire Solo, that's all you would need, this box is self contained. I am not sure what you meant by humorous, but I wasn't trying to be funny at all, I am and was serious; may people play bass but very few can groove, so you mention that nobody hears the funk you play... but I wanted to hear it. I am not in a band personally, most people here in London play either rock or techno stuff. Sometimes I check link from people on Myspace... they tagged their music Funk, when i check out... there nothing Funk about it! So, these days, I am trying to find musicians with who I can share my passion. You know, you say that your playing is to keep yourself amused, but with the right guidance and a tiny investment, YES I say tiny, because for someone who can afford an Alembic, the rest is peanuts to get started. I used to work in London for a big music shop call Turnkey, and I have helped many people to get started with they music setup, I used to visit them, advice and the hooks things up and so on... most of them keep going strong with their kit and some of them are pressing vinyls. So, when I read someone feels lonely musically, I like to help, hear what they do, establish their needs. you know... | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1076 Registered: 6-2002 |
lg71, I hear you loud and clear. Thanks for the kind thoughts. Just not enough time in the day if your commute is as bad a smine, and you have a family to come home to. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 782 Registered: 2-2006 |
I too am a big fan of "Funk". The problem is most cats think if it's slapped it's funk or if its funk it has to be slapped. This is just not true. I wouldn't call Flea a "funk" bassist although he does have a funk influence to his style And on the flip side Carol Kaye and Marvin Isley(earlier Marvin) played plenty of funk with out slapping. I love to slap and pop and two hand stuff , BUT it isn't a must to play funk. How does this pertain to this thread?,HMM hmmm.. Lack of tone control creates a "funky" tone. (last line is TIC) | ||
| lg71
Intermediate Member Username: lg71 Post Number: 125 Registered: 3-2006 |
Adriaan, if you ever consider going for it and need advice, as long as I am alive and kicking, I'll help. Olieoliver, great to read what you said, I agree, slap is NO funk, slap is slap, period. Some guys slap very well, yet, they don't have the groove! I am NOT "crazy" about slap, although it depends who plays, it can sound nice (Louis Johnson). I prefer finger style, with occasional slap/pops, I don't have names to give really, I just listen to various tracks on the radio, and sometimes I spot some nice groovy bass lines... There many bass player out there, they don't have big name, yet, they can groove/funk big time. I like the old James Jamerson for example, it's not too Funky but I like it. So, for me, Funk is the groove, the syncopation, the vibe, the style, the missing notes, the crazy chromatic moves... Long live the Funk! | ||
| bkbass
Intermediate Member Username: bkbass Post Number: 117 Registered: 11-2003 |
Leave it along Bro, the switches are what Stan uses,they are quicker for on the fly stuff. The CVQ adds a bit more air around the notes as previously discussed with you. It also adds/subtracts the attack. Most likely you will end up placing the CVQ's at about where the switch presets now exist. It's good to be at the top of the mountain but the view is just as good from here. |
