Pick-Up Design Help

BHurn · #1 12-01-2008, 12:51 AM

Hey guys.
Alright, so here is my plan. John Entwistle's tone has always been a front runner in my book of how to sound great and sound Right. As a result of this, I want to build as close to the real thing as possible. I am doing a Warmoth built explorer body with the same headstock as the image on this page.
http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/equipm...ear-74-85.html
I need help, though, developing this set-up. It looks like a j-pup sandwiched between to hums. What it says of the electronics is:
Two master volume controls with a selector switch to choose from the presets, active lowpass-filter controls.
Five-pin (Cannon) and standard jack connectors. Standard Alembic electronics.
I noted the fact that it was Alembic electronics and sent them an e-mail.
If they don't reply however, what is the Alembic "standard"?

Thanks for reading all of this.

artistanbul · #2 12-01-2008, 03:10 AM

probably series II preamp
it sports low pass filter and variable Q control if I'm not mistaken.

Jaydin Nathan · #3 12-01-2008, 03:27 AM

Just as a note, while Entiwistle's pickups may have an impact on his tone, most of his 'sound' comes from 'tri-amping' his sound (sending his lows, mids, and highs to different rigs).

His tone is often called the magic tone and is one of the most sort-after in the business. Sorry if you already knew that, just pointing out that the pickups aren't gonna get you most of the way there.

4Mal · #4 12-01-2008, 09:33 AM

Not an Alemic bass guy here but I'll take a stab anyway... That thing in the middle might be a dummy coil. Given the switching on that bass that could be in place to hum cancel when in single coil mode.

Hi thee over to the Alembic forum - those guys will know for sure.

SGD Lutherie · #5 12-01-2008, 12:40 PM

Yes, the middle coil is a dummy. The other two are single coils. They are low impedance pickups.

You can buy Alembic Series II electronics, but it will cost you more than a new bass! Last I saw they were going for about $3,000!

Rick Auricchio · #6 12-01-2008, 12:57 PM

After you get the pickups done, then you'll have to build Entwistle's amp setup.

And if you're using his recorded tone as a reference, you'll need to process the tone similar to the way the studio did.