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johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 1:12 am:   Edit Post

Hi people I need som help here.

I've got a 1991 Alembice Essence 4, which I guess have MXY pickups.

Now I have a problem with my pickup nearest to the bridge. It is simply completely silent.

In the lower corner of the pickup where the screw are, it is slightly damaged (it is a crack in the plastic), but that only seems to be around the screw and not on the pickup itself.

Anyhow - what could be wrong? Is it at all possible to fix, or do I have to buy new ones (which are damn expensive!)
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3091
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 9:50 am:   Edit Post

Hi Johan, welcome to the Club!

Couple of things you can try to work out the reason why the bridge pu has gone quiet. I'd start by opening the back plate, and find the place where the 2 pu leads are connected to the pre-amp - they should be really close together.

Check the FAQ page on the modular connectors first, then ...

Gently disconnect the 2 leads, and put them back on but switching the positions. Plug your bass into your amp, and checkout the sound as you turn the pan pot. It is now operating the other way around, but what can you hear?

If you can hear both pus again, then there was probably some corrosion on the connector or the terminal pins. If you can hear only the bridge pu, then there is a problem with the pre-amp or the terminal, not with the bridge pu itself. If you can hear only the neck pu, then there might be a problem with the bridge pu.
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3092
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 10:05 am:   Edit Post

From the index page for Information Related to All Instruments, you can also find some info on Pickup failure.
johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Friday, February 21, 2014 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post

Thanks adriaan,

I have already tested switching the connectors - it is still silent.

I will also so the other measurements, but it seems I pretty much need to consider buying a new pickup.


And BTW I sent a support question to Alembic 1 weeek ago but did not get any reply yet. Are they usually fast or slow in response?
mario_farufyno
Senior Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 1040
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, February 21, 2014 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post

To be sincere, I do think you're not the first to be afflicted by delays in query responses. They are attentive, but not always manage the readiness of a larger company. Give them sometime, you'll not be disapointed.
johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 3
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 12:21 am:   Edit Post

I just measured with an ohm meter now. The pickup that is alive was about 10 ohms (or kohms - I don't remember), while the broken one was infinity.

So I guess my pickup is dead and I have to buy some new ones. Is there a place where I can buy a single MXY4 pickup?
count
Intermediate Member
Username: count

Post Number: 149
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 4:00 am:   Edit Post

mica@alembic.com

You could try going the long way around with the shop at bekkestua, but I've found they're slower than what should be legal.. Best to go directly to the source!
Or you could have a look at ebay. They pop up there from time to time.!
lembic76450
Advanced Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 361
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 8:21 am:   Edit Post

Johan, sometimes Mica has seconds available that can be quite a savings. For myself, I very rarely use the bridge pickup on my Essence, mine seems to sound very thin compared to the neck pickup. Good luck,, they are great sounding basses...
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8157
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2014 - 9:55 am:   Edit Post

I don't usually have MXY4 as cosmetic seconds. You only need to replace the one pickup. Send me an email with your shipping address and I'll get you the details you need including the postage.

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