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jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 10:22 am:   Edit Post

Trying to get a value for insurance purposes. S/N78-1177 LSB Schedua laminate Mahogany Body Maple and Purple Heart Neck, Ebony fingerboard Zebrawood veneers CLear finish Schaller tuners MOther of Pearl Inlays PF-6 Electronics. Would like to update electronics
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 423
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post

Hm, sounds a lot like mine!

See http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/4748.html?1210707724 for pics.

I have mine insured for the current new price of a Series I.
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 7:11 am:   Edit Post

Thanks much for the response. It looks exactly like yours. So insure in $13k range?
Do you have any idea how I can use both pickups without using the special cord and power supply? I've tried a stereo cord but that is not working.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7815
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 9:04 am:   Edit Post

What kind of stereo cable are you using? TRS plug into two mono plugs, or TRS plug into one mono plug, or TRS into TRS?
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 4:08 pm:   Edit Post

TRS to TRS
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3647
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 4:49 pm:   Edit Post

Jack:

First of all, welcome to the club! What are you plugging the cable into (on the opposite end as your bass)?

Bill, the guitar one
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 4
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 6:20 am:   Edit Post

Bill,
Thanks, I'm glad to be a part of this group as I've had my Alembic since 1983 and over the years tried many different cords and configurations, but pretty much gave up on getiing them both to work without the DS5. I typically run into a Demeter Preamp mainly for stage but also recording.
Both pickups work fine through the DS5 into the same configuration but only on pickup functions without the DS5. DO I need a different cable?
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3649
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 6:36 am:   Edit Post

Jack:

Is your Demeter a stereo preamp with a stereo tip, ring, sleeve, jack? If not, I believe that may be your problem. The DS5 converts your stereo into a mono signal. When using batteries, if you are plugging a stereo plug into a mono jack, the preamp is only seeing one side of the stereo signal. You need to either rewire the guitar for mono, or split the stereo signal into two mono plugs and plug into two channels or inputs on the preamp (if it has two channels or inputs).

Bill, tgo
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7824
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 6:39 am:   Edit Post

Jack; I don't know much about Demeter preamps, but the current two models do not appear to have a stereo 1/4" input, and do not appear to be stereo amps. So I would think that a TRS to TRS cable would not work.

You may want to build, or have built, a TRS to mono cable as described here.

Oh, and as Bill said, welcome to the board!
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 5
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 8:56 am:   Edit Post

Bill/Dave,
You are correct, it is not a stereo preamp. Thanks for the clarification. I'm guessing this cord is not a stock item. Any idea where I could get one made?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7827
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 9:57 am:   Edit Post

There are a number of people that make good quality custom cables at reasonable prices. One that I use is Bayou Cables.
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 6:19 pm:   Edit Post

I hate to be a pain, but I took a stereo splitter plug and ran (2) 1/4" to 2 different sources. It is still only activating one pickup. I'm not sure a Stereo to Mono cord will do the trick. Am I still missing the point?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7838
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 7:03 pm:   Edit Post

Do you have a set of headphones with a 1/4" stereo plug? If so, try the headphones and see if you can hear both pickups.

Also, if the jack hasn't been used much, it may need to be exercised. Plug and unplug a 1/4" jack about 30 times in succession. You may also want to try this method of jack cleaning.
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 7
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 7:24 am:   Edit Post

I ordered a cable fom Bayou Cables in early April (the specs you provided). I had to pay up front and so far have recieved nothing. He told me he was just doing it part time. Now I can't even get a response from my emails. Thought you should know.
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2501
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 7:51 am:   Edit Post

That's very unusual for Bayou Cables Jack. I've ordered many cables from him and it never took more than a week or so to get them. I have one like you've ordered, TRS to mono.
You might try calling him, (225) 291-3757, I ordered my via telephone.

OO
tdukes
Intermediate Member
Username: tdukes

Post Number: 127
Registered: 4-2008
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 10:41 am:   Edit Post

I have also ordered one cable on April 17. I have received one email saying my order was active a few weeks ago. No cable yet.

Todd.
chalkie
New
Username: chalkie

Post Number: 6
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 9:12 am:   Edit Post

PMFBI, but don't the Series I electronics deliberately only run the neck pickup when running from battery? Maybe this is duff info...
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2243
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 9:23 am:   Edit Post

Chalkie - the "neck pickup only" situation is when you plug a mono cord into the stereo jack on a Series instrument, when it doesn't have a stereo/mono switch. In that case, you need a proper stereo jack and cable to get signals from both pickups. It has nothing to do with running on batteries.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8195
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 6:21 pm:   Edit Post

Olie; the last time I ordered from Butch it took quite a while. I thought maybe he was just temporarily backed up; but perhaps he's getting more orders than he can turn around.
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 2506
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 6:34 pm:   Edit Post

That's very possible Dave. Still can't hurt to give him a call. Butch is real cool guy, everytime I've spoken to him he was very friendl.

OO
PS. Are you back to 100% Dave?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8196
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 7:05 pm:   Edit Post

Yes, all better; thanks!
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 8:22 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for the phone number and other information. Butch contacted me and assured me it will be here soon. He is working full time in addition to making cables. Patience is a virtue.
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 7:34 am:   Edit Post

I've waited awhile to post this. The cord Butch sent me was not even close to the specs you supplied. I returned it to him in June and I'm still waiting for a refund. Oh well. Now I'm back to square one. I need a cord that will allow me to have access to both pickups. Any other suggestions?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8525
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 8:32 am:   Edit Post

Well, I've looked around the web, and the only thing that I can find is Redco Audio. I don't know anything about them; but it does look like they do custom cables. Another alternative would be an amp tech at a local music store. Or perhaps run an ad in the musicians section of your local Craigslist; a lot of players make their own cables, so perhaps someone local could help you out.

If I had any soldering skills, I would give it a try; but alas, I don't.
lmiwa
Advanced Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 239
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 11:13 am:   Edit Post

Would people find something like this useful?



It would plug into the stereo jack on your bass and allow you to plug your standard mono instrument cable into the jack. The two mixing resistors would be housed inside the plug.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8526
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 1:10 pm:   Edit Post

That should do it Loch.
jerbass
New
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 10
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 1:53 pm:   Edit Post

I would. Do you have one for sale or know where I can purchase one? Butch did refund my money. Thanks to all for the help.
jerbass
Junior
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 11
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 - 10:42 am:   Edit Post

I tried Redco and they cannot make the cable. I sure would like to gig with this bass but it's too much hassle carrying the box, etc. If i send the bass back can you upgrade the electronics?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8582
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post

Jack; I have an email out looking for an adapter. You could indeed have Alembic convert the quarter inch jack from stereo to mono; but I personally think an adapter would be a better solution.

By the way, using the quarter inch jack instead of the power supply runs through batteries very quickly. Most of us prefer using the power supply rather than buying and changing batteries all the time.
lmiwa
Advanced Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 244
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 - 12:38 pm:   Edit Post

Jack,

Let me rewire the one in the picture so it has the necessary mixing resistors. Email your address to me and I'll send it off to you as soon as I get it modified. Try it out and let me know how it works. I don't have a stereo jack on my Series bass, so I can't actually try it.

If it works out, I can make more for anyone else that is interested for $20 (s/h incl).

Thanks,
Loch
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8584
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 - 1:02 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Loch!!
lmiwa
Advanced Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 258
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Friday, September 11, 2009 - 9:40 am:   Edit Post

Cable modified, sent, tested, and working!

Another option is to replace the end of any standard cable with a stereo plug and mixing resistors. Very simple change.
jerbass
Junior
Username: jerbass

Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 - 9:15 am:   Edit Post

Loch, thanks so much for your help in solving this issue. You too, Dave. Works just fine. I guess I need to bring some extra batteries to the gig but this is much more convenient.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8746
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 - 10:27 am:   Edit Post

Great!! Glad it's working for you! And thanks again Loch!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6558
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 6:12 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Jack,

I have the file for your bass pulled and can confirm all the details in your original post. I would insure for replacement value, and make certain your insurance provider is actually providing replacement value insurance. Sometimes an insurance company will use the price list on the website, but if you need a statement from me regarding the value, please email me your current mailing address and I will send you a document.

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