@agedhorse was probably referring to the contact cleaner , I would think.
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Alembic F-1X needs repair....
- Thread starter CosmicRay
- Start date
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,970
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- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Correct, I see amps damaged by “miracle cure-all spray” often enough that it needs to be mentioned.
Some good advice there, thank you. Perhaps I will refrain from using any cleaning product.
And I do appreciate all the helpful comments on how to get this thing working again.
I will try the suggested remedies and let you know!
-Ray
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
I can see how this would be a concern. It's always important to use the right product. I have used a conservative amount of DeOxit D5 on the switches of my Alembic gear safely to great effect.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,970
- 5
- 220,703
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
You would be the exception to the rule, I see what the average person does...
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,970
- 5
- 220,703
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- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
We need some stories!
Thursday evening will be the ultimate test. I've been doing the jack exercise thing, although it seems like how the hell can this work....and a jumper in the effects section. Didn't go for the new tube....waiting to see if it's necessary
Played it through a small ELF 10" cab at home, so really couldn't crank it. Next rehearsal I'll see if it's any better.
But bringing a back-up pre, just in case.
Until then, please stand-by....
Played it through a small ELF 10" cab at home, so really couldn't crank it. Next rehearsal I'll see if it's any better.
But bringing a back-up pre, just in case.
Until then, please stand-by....
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edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
The effects loop return jack has a normally closed switch in it (closed when there is no plug in it) that can get dirty or corrode and not make good contact. A jumper from effects send to effects return will bypass the switch in the jack and is a good way to determine if that is the problem.
So, here's the update. Not good. Now besides the loss of volume, it's also making crackling noises.
Not sure if I'm going to pursue a fix for this unit.
I used an AMT -A bass pre-amp.
It's supposed to emulate an Alembic.
I thought it sounded pretty good....
Not sure if I'm going to pursue a fix for this unit.
I used an AMT -A bass pre-amp.
It's supposed to emulate an Alembic.
I thought it sounded pretty good....
It's a desirable preamp and worth fixing. Somebody will want it. IMHO either sell it cheap for repair or have it fixed and sell it for a fair price.
AFAIK, you have not tried a fresh tube--it could definitely be a tube problem or even simply the tube needs to be reseated.
AFAIK your AMT pedal also use a 12AX7. Not a bad idea to have a spare tube.
I'll consider taking another look at it. It's just that, it's really not my main rig. It was, many years ago.
Now it's in a rehearsal space that I use once a week.
I didn't change the tube - yet.
And thank you for pointing out that there are tubes that do not fit into the tube shield. So, I'll need to research what does fit.
We shall see...
Now it's in a rehearsal space that I use once a week.
I didn't change the tube - yet.
And thank you for pointing out that there are tubes that do not fit into the tube shield. So, I'll need to research what does fit.
We shall see...
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,970
- 5
- 220,703
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
This may be a good time for a QUALIFIED service tech properly diagnosed the actual problem rather than applying random ineffective “fixes”.
Let me third that recommendation: exercise the jacks, including both inputs and the effect send and return, even if you don’t use them. Just insert and remove a 1/4” cable plug j to each jack 20 times or so. That often helps cure problems with the F1-X, doesnt cost anything, and won’t hurt anything. If that doesn’t help, and changing the tune doesn’t either, it’s tech time.
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FWIW, I gig the A Bass pedal pre; and while it is a nice unit, its not even close to the F1X.
The issues you have described sound pretty much what I have experienced with preamp tubes, which have become dysfunctional. Changing the preamp tube is not expensive and not difficult. I would certainly recommend trying that refit before seeking more extensive tech work.
If replacing the tube did not fix the issue outright, I would recommend sending the preamp to the Mothership in Santa Rosa, if possible. Call first. They have outstanding customer support.
The issues you have described sound pretty much what I have experienced with preamp tubes, which have become dysfunctional. Changing the preamp tube is not expensive and not difficult. I would certainly recommend trying that refit before seeking more extensive tech work.
If replacing the tube did not fix the issue outright, I would recommend sending the preamp to the Mothership in Santa Rosa, if possible. Call first. They have outstanding customer support.
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A number of years ago when I was having some bizarre problems with my Alembic SF-2 I had no problem finding a qualified service technician:
I called up Alembic, got an RA number, and sent it back to the mothership so that the techs who built it could diagnose the issue. Easy Peezy.
