Noise Filter Advice needed

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 5:46 pm

This is really driving me crazy.

I can't seem to get the problem solved. I'd really appreciate some direction. I've been trying a few different things, but nothing seems to work.

I use a wireless transmitter at church and play directly through the PA. I've even used a direct box which is hard wired to the PA. Even tried a few different transmitters...

When I use either of my Alembic basses, they are dead quiet, no 60 cycle hum. When I switch to either my '93 4003, my 4001FL or my brand new 2005 4003MB, the noise is tremendous. So bad, I just can't play them. It's not as bad with my CS.

I had some ground problems on the 93 which a forum member solved. All my Rics are QUIET through my two amps that I use at home, BUT when I bring either of my amps to the church, the noise is back!

I've replaced cords, checked the grounds, turned off all of the lights in the church, nothing seems to solve it.

NOISE FILTERS: Are they any good? Do they work? Any suggestions on which ones work? Someone at the church suggested a PREAMP. I know nothing about them, never used anything else other than my bass and my amp. I've been eyeballing a few Alembic FX-1 preamps on the bay, but I don't want to spend $500.00 on something that MAY not work.

I'm dying to us my Rics but until I get the problem solved, they sit at home.

ANY DIRECTION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Thanks in advance!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:56 pm

there are several possible solutions ...

1 - a noise gate ... this is the cheapest solution ... you can get a cheap one for around $100 +/- ... you lose some of the subtle qualties of your bass with a noise gate ...

2 - a 4004 bass ... oh heck ... just get one of these anyway ... the 4004 is cool ... and they are quiet ...

3 - put a reverse wound (neck) pickup in the mute cavity ... a reversable mod for under $100 ... wire it in with the neck pickup and when all of the volumes are up all the way then it will be silent ...

4 - put hb1 pickups in the 4003 ... this will cost over $200 ... you should put 500k ohm volume pots in too for the humbuckers ... this may make the bass too dark ...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 7:54 pm

The cause of the hum is probably a bunch of incandescent lights on a dimmer switch ... get a 4004ci they have a great sound for church and for bars ...

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:28 am

Hey Jeff,

THANKS for the help & advice! It's really appreciated!

I think I'll try the Noise Gate first, although I love the 4004 comment!

Funny you mentioned it, I've been playing with the idea, but not too sure about it. I don't know what the difference is between a CII & an L.

In any event, I have to sell off some of my basses that aren't getting any use before I look for something new. I've "heard" rumors of something in the works and I want to have the funds freed up JUST IN CASE!

You know, when I first read your comments about the 4001's, I wasn't sure I agreed. After getting one, which is now for sale, I agree! The 4003 has a MUCH louder sound, and the neck is much more stable. I still love the 4001 look & feel, but for now, I'm upgrading to the newer models.

If my 4001FL doesn't sell, I think I'll take your advice and try the HB1's. I didn't want to mod the FL, but if it comes down to just sitting or making the mods and being a player, the choice is clear. I'd rather go with a high gain and a toaster, but all that will give me is another bass I can't use.

Thanks for the help, I'll let you know which way I go!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:23 am

for the church gig I would say my first choice would be a 4004ci ... second choice 4004cii and third choice 4004L ... because the ci has a warmer sound and the L has a colder sound ... the ci is also a good blues bass ... the L is good for classic and modern rock ... all of the 4004 basses have a sleek modern look and the hb1 pickups perform well and the do no buzz or hum ... also bar gigging is harder on instruments than church gigging ... so a bass with oil finish and gold hardware will hold up better in the church gig ... but in a bar a good thick varnish finish and chrome hardware are nice ... that is my opinion ... yours may vary

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 4:14 pm

Jeff:

I appreciate the help, I really do. I had no idea what the difference between the basses were. That is a HUGE help.

So the 4004CI is the way to go then! I really love the way my '93 4003 sounds, but the warmer sound is what I'm looking for. POTR has two 4004 Cii basses. I did manage to find one 4004Ci but its steep for the condition. So many basses, so little money....Gotta sell some of the ones I'm no longer using...

Thanks again for all the help. I'll let you know how I make out!

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 5:48 pm

the 4004ci has walnut body wings that are oil finished ... it has a warm growlly tone ... the 4004CII is nice as well plus they improved the neck on the new model ... and the Laredo is a nice bass as well ... the nice thing about the ci is it can easily be refinished with a little sanding and a new coat of oil ... remember walnut sounds warmer and mellower and maple is colder and brighter ...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 10:16 am

there is another forum member who has a set of the bartolini replacement pickups for Rickenbacker for sale ... he says they sound good ... you may not like the sound ... but they are humbuckers and it is a reversable mod ...

wolfgang · Post by **wolfgang** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 11:19 am

I thought the Alembic basses have inbuilt active electronics? So they have low impedance on the guitar cable. And no hum and noise.