Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: idoker on December 31, 2025, 07:34:24 PM
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Hi everyone. I'm rather new to Alembic basses, as I've only owned one for about 6-months now.
I'm still getting used to the filter electronics, which are quite different from the conventional 3-band preamps I've used in the past. I've added a q-switch to the standard Vol-Pan-Filter electronics that came with the bass. I would like to add a Low / High boost switch also, for more flexibility and additional bass tone.
Can these switches (and instructions/schematics) be ordered from Alembic, or do I have to send my bass? If it can be ordered, could I receive a link? I've looked, but wasn't able to locate it. Suggestions on where the switch could be placed (due to the smaller control cavity) would be welcomed.
Also, if you have any suggestions on adding more bass tone to my current configuration, I would appreciate it.
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Hello Kevin,
Welcome to the camp.
My electrical skills are a notch above Amish. Others here can offer more guidance.
As you’ve recognized, small tweaks to controls can offer big tonal changes. Fretting and plucking hand positions and intensity also adds more tonal variations then found on non-Alembic basses.
Alembics have significant high tonal abilities. First thing to try for ‘more bass’, switch to flatwound strings, if you haven’t tried it already. They can help tame the high end zing.
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idoker,
Welcome and congratulations on your bass, sounds like you are enjoying it. In addition to what Pauldo suggested, you might want to try addressing the issue at the amp, cutting highs and mids a touch and boosting the bass a touch. Start with cutting first and see how that goes. If you are looking to boost lows intermittently then a bass boost pedal may be the answer.
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Kevin, there's a handful of threads here about learning about getting the most from filter electronics. As you've discovered, it's a whole new world. Somewhere in the FAQ section we arrived at the conclusion that "Tone" is technique, mediated by equipment. It took a while to get my head to receive that willingly, but that's essentially it. Strike a string, and from there is some kind of process until it reaches your ears. What goes on between your ears with that information is different for all of us.
More to your immediate issue; the Essence is a mighty small electronics cavity space, as mentioned. I don't know if it's even possible to add or to fit the bass and treble boost/flat/cut switches usually seen on Europa electronics to that package. (that'd be a call for Mica)
Another option is adding a bass and treble boost/cut rotary control to your current setup. This is called "East-Meets-West" controls, and I find it quite useful especially on my Custom fretless. You still may face a challenge of fitting it into what space is available.
My main bass is outfitted with exactly what you have there, a Volume/Pan/Filter and Q-switch. If you spend some time with these you'll probably find what you're looking for is there all along. The extra eq'ing is nice, but not a total game changer. I only added it because it was a once-in-a-lifetime Custom bass.
Welcome to the Club.
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Thank you, everyone, for the welcome. And, I appreciate all of the advice offered.
I'm an experienced bassist; however, very new to Alembics and filter preamp systems. After playing my Essence for the last 6-months or so, I've found the preamp to be very "organic". I do agree that tone is primarily in your fingers (positioning, attack, muting, etc), and I have been able to achieve much of my desired tones utilizing the 3-way Q switch, pickup blend, and the filter knob. What I believe I could benefit from most, would be an additional bass-boost frequency switch (I don't believe I need a treble-boost).
Alembics have significant high tonal abilities. First thing to try for ‘more bass’, switch to flatwound strings, if you haven’t tried it already. They can help tame the high end zing.
I totally agree, Paul...extremely versatile preamp. While I've used flats before, I do tend to use slap/pop techniques on occasion. Even though Chromes and Dunlops tend to be rather on the bright side of flats, I don't believe they could bring out that Mark King or Stanley Clarke type of tone that rounds can provide. However, I've never used them on an Essence, so I would be willing to try it.
you might want to try addressing the issue at the amp, cutting highs and mids a touch and boosting the bass a touch. Start with cutting first and see how that goes. If you are looking to boost lows intermittently then a bass boost pedal may be the answer.
I primarily go direct into my DAW. But yes, perhaps a preamp pedal could provide a necessary boost to the low end. Still, if possible, I'd like to be able to achieve that boost with my onboard pre, without the need for additional equipment.
Kevin, there's a handful of threads here about learning about getting the most from filter electronics.
More to your immediate issue; the Essence is a mighty small electronics cavity space, as mentioned. I don't know if it's even possible to add or to fit the bass and treble boost/flat/cut switches usually seen on Europa electronics to that package. (that'd be a call for Mica)
Another option is adding a bass and treble boost/cut rotary control to your current setup. This is called "East-Meets-West" controls, and I find it quite useful especially on my Custom fretless. You still may face a challenge of fitting it into what space is available.
My main bass is outfitted with exactly what you have there, a Volume/Pan/Filter and Q-switch. If you spend some time with these you'll probably find what you're looking for is there all along. The extra eq'ing is nice, but not a total game changer. I only added it because it was a once-in-a-lifetime Custom bass.
Welcome to the Club.
Thanks for the info, Edward. And you're correct... a lot of resources available here on this forum. And really, the Essence sounds wonderful. It's just after some time now, I feel like a slight upgrade to the electronics would put me right were I wish.
I'll contact Mica, as you suggested. Agreed that there is limited control cavity space (noticed while installing the q-switch). So, just seeking advice on possibly adding a "Low Boost" switch. I am unfamiliar with the rotary switch. But, I definitely would like to explore both of those options.
Again, I appreciate all of the input from everyone!
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It might be helpful to take some good quality, clear, pictures of the control cavity and post them here in this thread.
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It might be helpful to take some good quality, clear, pictures of the control cavity and post them here in this thread.
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Looking at the space available in the cavity, and depending on the size of the bass-boost switch, I most likely will only be able to place it between the jack and the filter knob (as indicated by the red dot).
The other position between the q-switch and Vol control would be preferred, but doesn't seem as feasible.