whale
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Post by whale on Apr 16, 2008 1:54:03 GMT -5
I have a bass with 4 pots and 3 microswitches (not counting the pickup selector). I also have a set of active pickups (PJ style).
With all of the creative minds out there I was wondering what suggestions I might get for a configuration that would use all of the pots and switches. (I don't want to have empty holes or useless swtiches).
Any ideas?
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Post by newey on Apr 16, 2008 5:46:20 GMT -5
Welcome, Whale!
Lots of possibilities there. How is your bass currently wired and what do those switches do now? Do you like/dislike anything in particular about the current arrangement?
It's a lot easier to give suggestions if we know where you're starting from and where you want to go.
And more info on the type of switches is also needed. Are they single or double pole?
At first blush, with two pickups, you could use the 4 pots for individual V and T controls for each pickup- I assume that's probably how it's wired already. Also, your pickup selector presumably gives you each pickup individually and also both together?
The three mini-switches (again, depending on what type they are) might then be used for 1) out-of-phase 2) some sort of capacitor tone-bleed option and 3) on/standby
Or, one of the 3 switches could be replaced by an LED to let you know the battery for the active electronics is functional.
Please post some photos so we can see what you've got here.
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Post by ChrisK on Apr 16, 2008 14:54:37 GMT -5
Hi, welcome a'board. You have my condolences. Are these installed in the bass, or do you just have them? Active pickups can significantly reduce the number of switching options available (that whole common battery supply thing). Have you read the "Schematics" section on this site? Do you have anything in mind? Those are my suggestions. Most folk a'board will just chuckle until we get an idea of which city the ballpark is in.
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whale
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Post by whale on Apr 16, 2008 18:52:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick replies....
First off, the 4 pots are set up as 2 volumes and 2 tones - which I think I prefer to keep, as is.
One of the microswitches is a preamp - or what appears to be one. I say that because it is originally circa 1980 and preamps were kind of "kluges" back then. This one, in particular, looks like it came from an old Heathkit experiment rather than from a multinational company. But then, that was how all electronics were made in the late 70's. The preamp is, by the way, a double throw switch (three detents). I am assuming it is double pole.
The other two microswtiches are simple single throw, double poles.
The pickups are an older set of active EMGs (hard-wired into the pickup - not the later connector type). I also have the original Dimarzio pickups - which are also active, but I suspect they may work as inactive, too. Both sets are the PJ style.
One note... the older preamp does not power the pickups. That is, the Dimarzio pickups do not have a separate power source to them (as do the EMGs). Although the electronics came to me in bits and pieces, the original preamp appears to have connected one (white) wire to another switch (I cannot tell which one) and the final three (red, green, and black) wires definitely go to the output jack.
As I say, it is an old and very strange setup.
The other two microswtiches are probably bass and treble boosts.
I wouldn't mind going back to the factory configuration for reasons of originality, but I am open to suggestions for reasons of modern playability.
The bass was purchased off of Ebay. I can't seem to add photos or images on here, but I can include a link to the closed auction.
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250229344413&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015
People often rip into these basses for being weighty. After playing a '78 Rickenbacker 4001 for several years, this bass actually feels much lighter. Overall, it's a great instrument. A bit neck heavy, but the tones are utterly amazing. And the neck, despite being made of aluminum, is a dream. It is buttery smooth, fast as lightning, and never moves even in the worst humidity.
If anyone can help me get her back together, I would be VERY grateful.
Oh, and thank you ahead of time for all of your assistance and kindness. it doesn't go unnoticed.
Dale
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Post by newey on Apr 16, 2008 21:16:09 GMT -5
Cetacean- Image PostingWhat, exactly, is apart? If you don't know whether the original preamp works or not, at the very least I would advise testing it before you decide to reinstall the original SDs w/ it. If you can't test it, that would mitigate in favor of installing the EMG's or perhaps just using the SDs passively. What was kludgy in the '80s might well be inoperable in 2008- particularly since it apparently has already been messed with by persons unknown. But, basically, Chris is right. You need a plan.
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whale
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Post by whale on Apr 17, 2008 0:55:20 GMT -5
You're right. I do need a plan. But I was looking for suggestions and options before I decided on a course of action.
The only true thoughts or desires that I have are to fill the current number of "holes" with usable pots and switches.
The issues come down to this...
If the old preamp is good, I only need to wire it all up and use the two other microswtiches as boosts with the Dimarzios.
If the preamp is bad then I need to go with the EMGs.
Can anyone tell me the possiblilities with EMGs and three extra swtiches (besides the 2V, 2T, and P/U selector)?
I am very open to suggestions.
Dale
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Post by ChrisK on Apr 17, 2008 20:03:28 GMT -5
Nice bass.
I have a Kramer XB9, a walnut one with the forked aluminium (it's a British metal) neck.
It has DiMarzio P Bass pickups (passive) with active electronics. I took it apart about four years ago and that was the last time that I looked at it.
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whale
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Post by whale on Apr 18, 2008 1:38:16 GMT -5
Hi Chris,
Is there any way that you could send a photo of your wiring/cavity and (if possible) a basic schematic?
I'd love to get my bass back together, but with Kramer kaput it's nearly impossible to find information.
Dale
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Post by sumgai on Apr 18, 2008 16:28:39 GMT -5
Hi Chris, Is there any way that you could send a photo of your wiring/cavity and (if possible) a basic schematic? I'd love to get my bass back together, but with Kramer kaput it's nearly impossible to find information. Dale In before Chris! ;D Dale, the standard answer (and the even more standard joke around here) is "it's in another city right now". Don't worry, Chris will explain. ;D ;D BTW, welcome to the NutzHouse! sumgai
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