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twocan
Junior
Username: twocan

Post Number: 27
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2014 - 7:02 am:   Edit Post

So I've taken the plunge on getting a Q-Switch for my Essence, and I found a reputable guitar repairman to install it. My question is about the location - I've seen them placed all over Essences. Mine has the standard triangular knob configuration as shown below. To those who have played/own(ed) a model with a switch - where was it placed and did you like the location? Thanks.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8205
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 4:29 pm:   Edit Post

Q switch
lyla53
Junior
Username: lyla53

Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 7:09 pm:   Edit Post

Options numbered top to bottom 1,2 and 3. Options 2 and 3 are in close proximity to the output jack. On my Alembic I have a stereo/mono switch right where option 3 is noted. If I use a 90 degree jack and loop the short cord through the strap to my wireless transmitter or straight through strap to amp the switch often gets actuated up by the jack. If my switch was located in spot 2 it would work better for my set up. However as Mica points out a 90 degree cord hanging down in spot 2 would be a problem. If you use a straight jack cord then no problem with either spot 2 or 3. As for spot 1 = again on my bass's it looks like the factory switches are at least
1 1/4" (center knob to center switch) OR further apart. Switch placement there may either be to close to the knobs or to close to the rounding edge of the instrument - There is not much room for error if poking holes up there. I happen to like 90 degree plugs so in my case spot 2 would be best. Hope this helps.
twocan
Junior
Username: twocan

Post Number: 28
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 7:23 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks everyone! I like spot one if it can be pulled off.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11425
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 7:32 pm:   Edit Post

Options 1 and 2.

mario_farufyno
Senior Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 1054
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 1:40 pm:   Edit Post

3 PUs Alembic?
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8207
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 5:15 pm:   Edit Post

BTW, we have a stubby mono/stereo switch available now that will help you out with that Triple Omega.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2031
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 6:23 pm:   Edit Post

I have a stubby on my Series 1 and like it much better than the standard length on my BB. The short paddle keeps the switch out of the way of the chord.

Keith
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1738
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

Oh, just get out your router & stick it on the upper bass bout, like a Les Paul selector.......:-)

Really, though - I'd go with option 2, use a right-angle - and always hook the cord through the strap! (That way you don't have to send it back to Mica when the singer or guitarist steps on it).

Peter
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3529
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 8:51 am:   Edit Post

I second Peter's ;___ "option 2, use a right-angle - and always hook the cord through the strap!"

Dave ___ Your Essence modifications look superb ! WOW ___ What a compact tone monster . I am really temped to getting that done on my Essence.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2032
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 9:15 am:   Edit Post

I have Essence electronics on my Orion 5-string. I added the Q-switch as seen in option 2 between the 1/4" connector and filter pot. It seemed to me to have the easiest fit when I did the installation. I did have to remove some body wood on the back to be able to get the bushing threads above the top so I could fasten it.

I always run my chords through the strap and the switch is out of the way whether I use a right angled or straight plug.

Keith
lyla53
Junior
Username: lyla53

Post Number: 20
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 8:00 am:   Edit Post

What does a "stubby mono/stereo switch" look like? Anyone have a pix? And can I install it myself?
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4153
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 9:14 am:   Edit Post

The stubby switch lever is approx 50% shorter than the regular switch.
You can install it yourself. Mine is a standby switch and broke after it got caught on the right angled jack and I picked one up from Mica when I visited the factory a couple of years back.
here is how it looks on my bass.

The stubby is the one under the Jack socket
lyla53
Junior
Username: lyla53

Post Number: 21
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 8:16 am:   Edit Post

Yup - the stubby will do it! Thank You.
twocan
Junior
Username: twocan

Post Number: 31
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2014 - 7:35 am:   Edit Post

Here's where I ended up installing it. Very happy with the location and functionality of the switch!

mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8342
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2014 - 4:40 pm:   Edit Post

Looks great! How do you like being able to hear the flat setting of the filter?
twocan
Junior
Username: twocan

Post Number: 32
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2014 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Mica! I love the flat setting, especially when practicing alone or in more traditional applications.

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