| Author | Message | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3927 Registered: 6-2002 |
Having had a series I and Ii for a while, i think i prefer the series II setup, not that there is anything I don't like about the SI, I just like the fine tuning options and master volume. So my thinking is, send my Series I bass back to mica to have have the existing electronics converted to series II. According to the quote generator, for a new build series I with an upgrade to series II electronics it would be $800 so I would imagine a post build conversion would be more but who knows. plus shipping back and forth. Anyone done that? I have to chat with mica this week so will bring it up with her also. Jazzyvee | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 926 Registered: 9-2008 |
I think I saw in a thread a while back that it's $2,500 just for the Series II electronics...which of course could be more as Alembic has had price increases ~Taylor | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1747 Registered: 5-2002 |
Most of the electronics (and pickups, of course) are the same. So, it shouldn't be too crazy expensive. | ||
| enzo
Advanced Member Username: enzo Post Number: 400 Registered: 4-2009 |
If memory serves me well, Jazzyvee is on the right track with $800. It was more to convert a Signature to Series as it's completely different package. | ||
| darkstar01
Senior Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 530 Registered: 6-2005 |
When I was at the factory, I mentioned having this done to a bass (that i don't have any more) that was routed for series electronics, but didn't have them. I said I had seen 2,500 thrown out there, she said that was way off base. Didn't ask how much, though. | ||
| darkstar01
Senior Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 531 Registered: 6-2005 |
and i just realized that doesn't answer your question at all. sorry jazzy! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4373 Registered: 6-2002 |
The thought has been going through my head again any today ideas?. I may just give Mica a call later but fear the price may be out of my ball park. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1647 Registered: 5-2006 |
Though there's no Series I here yet, I'm also very interested in this also. I think the master volume control will be the most work, guessing the CVQ's are a direct replacement for the switches. And you would have to have the nerves of drilling in your precious... :-) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1971 Registered: 5-2002 |
The master volume is a simple 10k dual pot. Well, simple in theory, but getting one where both pots track together and smoothly is not a simple task. I keep thinking about putting a master volume in my Starfire, but the expense of getting the right pot has stopped me. It will happen. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1655 Registered: 5-2006 |
Would this be right for a CVQ? Ebay link | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8490 Registered: 6-2000 |
I would have no way of knowing, as the value is not provided. Maybe he will tell you if you ask? You can buy that actual pots from me, but the conversion isn't quite as simple as this seller would have you believe, it's not just changing the switches for pots, and the operation is rather delicate, only for quite experienced solderers. I am working on a fully documented CVQ conversion package, but it's not ready for prime time yet. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1656 Registered: 5-2006 |
I'll rather wait for that, thanx! :-) Will that also include a master volume conversion? I think I will get a Series I in two weeks (not sure which one, I have some options) So no rush, I think I can live with those electronics for a while...   | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4074 Registered: 5-2009 |
Furthermore that seller on eBay is the " Boogieman " , who in my opinion is NOT very nice . | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4075 Registered: 5-2009 |
Congratulations is in order Flip ! Stock Series I is swell as well ! | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1657 Registered: 5-2006 |
Ah, missed that.. The order will definitely go to the mothership :-) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1981 Registered: 5-2002 |
I will reiterate what Mica says. It's not just switching out pots for switches. It's more involved and the soldering is indeed not for a beginner. The Series electronics in my Starfire were delivered to me as an incomplete bag of parts and I decided to make them S II. It was a bit of a chore to get everything working right and also to have everything line up right to fit neatly in the body. I've been soldering for decades and putting preamps in instruments since the 70s and it was one of the more delicate operations I've done, although definitely the most rewarding. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4463 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'll wait for the conversion package and hope I can afford it . :-) | ||
| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 461 Registered: 4-2009 |
Even some informations about Signature to Series would be great, just saying  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4467 Registered: 6-2002 |
There could be a problem with that one Enzo since usually the body is not deep enough on signature basses to hold the series I or II electronics. Some signatures have been specified at build time as being series bass ready. In those cases you can do the upgrade. For the others it's highly unlikely for that upgrade to be done without some extensive/expensive bodywork. The next best option there would be to upgrade the electronics to anniversary or at least do a mod to get individual out for each pickup then get an SF-2. | ||
| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 463 Registered: 4-2009 |
That's good to know! So I imagine there is the same issue with other models, like Distillate, Elan and Europa, that you know? | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2192 Registered: 2-2005 |
The only non-Series bass that I am aware of that does not require the Series prep package when it is built is the Brown Bass. These have the thicker body like the Series instruments. However even with these I would verify before attempting an upgrade as Alembic might change this at anytime. Keith | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4469 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well spotted Keith, and might I add it would be worth finding out whether the body on the Brown bass is solid or has a cavity which would make the process easier I expect. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2193 Registered: 2-2005 |
Looking at both of mine without opening the Series 1 I can say there would be some routing required on the BB. On both basses the control cavity covers are the same size and location. This half is semi-hollow from everything I can see but there is a crossmember at the top side of the cavity. A cursory look inside the BB cavity tells me I would need to move the LED switch to add the XLR connector. For the side where the preamp would reside the cover for my BB LED battery compartment is smaller. I cannot tell if this side is semi-hollow as it is surrounded by wood. Without measuring I would say the LED battery compartment would need to be lengthened a 1/2 inch to inch to fit a preamp. Then, if desired, you would need to route a preamp battery compartment in the tail of the neck. I'm not sure how to handle the hum canceler as the standard pickup locations don't allow a front mounted one. Since it doesn't have to be in between the pickups I'm sure a place can be found for it. None of this is something I would consider doing myself but I don't think it would be that complicated for Alembic to do in their shop. Keith |
