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basspresso
New
Username: basspresso

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2011
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 2:17 pm:   Edit Post

I have replaced the batteries in my 07 MK 5-string 3 times, still distorting.
Any advice before it goes to the shop?
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7252
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 2:20 pm:   Edit Post

Do you have side LEDs on the bass? Make sure you are replacing the battery in the main battery compartment (behind the controls).
basspresso
New
Username: basspresso

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2011
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 4:35 pm:   Edit Post

Dear Mica,
I am going to build a statue of you at my place.
That was it, 1 more 9v in the control cavity.
My 1st Alembic (obviously), back in the game!
I can't wait to play her tonight at my 1st rehearsal with the Jazz Police (original material 19-piece big band).
Thanks a ton! A metric ton!
elwoodblue
Senior Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 1206
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 4:52 pm:   Edit Post

Coool,
and welcome basspresso...love to see some pics of your MK when you get a chance,

cheers,
Elwood
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1637
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 10:57 pm:   Edit Post

A word here: Unlike previous axes I had with EMG's which slowly 'faded to black' as the 9v's died, both my Alembics distort like the cheesiest el-cheapo distortion pedal you ever heard when it's new battery time.

I think this is actually some not-spoken-about-in-public trick that Ron built into these things, so WHEN you hear this, IT'S BATTERY TIME. And as Mica said, check the LED battery too.

J o e y
elwoodblue
Senior Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 1210
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post

The first thing I always notice is that I'm hitting notes harder to get the same output.

...then as Joey says , a sound akin to a (newer) fuzzface in a blender
for about 20 seconds before it fades away.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 1530
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 - 3:11 am:   Edit Post

The SIMS leds I had fitted a couple of years ago run off the same battery as the pre amps, when they dim which is much before the distortion then I change the battery out... a built in power meter!!!
mario_farufyno
Senior Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 616
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011 - 5:10 am:   Edit Post

If you are new to Alembic, remember that it can deliver some real hot signal to Amp if trim pots are set to full gain, James... But I would consider checking PUs conections first, anyway.

(Message edited by mario farufyno on March 24, 2011)

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