Essence "Tone" Setting

[deny rowand (denyrow)]

I just bought a 1995 essence and I am having difficulty setting the tone control. In an attempt to get a deep sound, all I get is a very muddy bottom in full bass setting. A swing to the treble side and I get nothing but a high end slapping sound with no bottom. In the center I get a q-filter type playing in a tin can sound. Is this typical? Can the on-board electronics be adjusted? Can the q-filter be shut off?
It is really a magnificent bass with a flamed walnut top, all I need to do is figure out the sound. (Four strings, Three knobs, how hard can it be.) Any hints would be most welcome. I play thru a GK 800RB and a two-10 one -15 cabinet setup. So I don't think it's the amp.
Thanks

[Kent Fossgreen (xlrogue6)]

You can go either of 2 ways--add a Q switch to your Essence (see recent posts on this topic for details) or adjust your amp settings.  If you're using a cabinet with a tweeter, try turning off the tweeter, lowering your treble control/high frequency EQ settings, particularly in the 2-5K region.  (Bear in mind that the filter rolls off everything above 6K or so on it's own, so EQ adjustments above that range will have no effect.)  Back when I played instruments other than Alembics I thought tweeters were absolutely essential in bass cabs--now I can't stand 'em.  The top end of my Alembics through 10's, 12's, 15's etc. sounds much more natural and less ice-picky than other instruments through cabs with tweeters.  YMMV.

[Frank Orlando (frank_orlando)]

Hey Deny, You say you have a Q filter. The sounds you are describing are not typical of the Essence. I have a 2001 Essence and I don't have the situation you describe. My sound is superb. I play through an SVT 3Pro and a SVT 410 and 15 bottom. I keep my guitar volume on full. I leave my pickup selector knob in the middle so both p/u's are equally weighted and simply roll the Q control knob from a very deep acoustic bass sound to a punchy rock bass sound all the way to a very bright slap sound but with sufficient bottom. In the middle I get a sound that accents the mids...not like a tin can but a very usable sound. I can get brighter or bassy by rolling the pick up selector knob to the bridge for a super sharp sound or the neck for a very bassy sound but NEVER muddy. I use GHS Boomers. I too keep the SVT 410 horn off. If I set the bass as described and hit a note and then roll the Q control from max to min I get a sound sweep like stepping down on a wha peddle. Do you? I assume you have a fresh battery? Is your on board preamp control pot set to at least 50%? I have mine set to about 75%. Also check your pickup height. Mine are about 7/32 from the bottom of the strings. I don't know what else to try. Does your amp sound real good with other basses? Frank

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

I own several Essences with the standard electronics (including a fretless) and I don't have that problem either.  I usually set my volume all the way up, Pan slightly tilted towards the bridge pickup and the tone slightly rolled back.  On the fretless, I get a killer Jaco-like sound.  I play through and EDEN DC210-XLT METRO amp with a 410XLT cab.  I usually set my controls at 12 o'clock with then Enhance off completely.  I also own Essences with the upgraded Rogue electronics (3 position BASS, TREBLE and 2 position 'Q').  I don't think that  adding a 'Q' switch will necessarily solve the problem you described.  Maybe there's a problem with the electronics themselves. I'd contact Mica and possibly send them in for inspection. They are very easily removed in a few minutes.

[deny rowand (denyrow)]

Thanks for all the input. I'll try checking things like the battery. (I assumed it was good from the previous owner.) I used it again last Saturday night and it sounded better. I use my current bass rig with a Fender Jazz Fretless (completely different sound) but it sounds fine to me. I seemed to get a better sound by playing around with the amp and the bass, but overall the sound seemed a bit distorted ( bad battery perhaps?) I'll post back later.
Deny
 

[mica]

You've got some of the best advice here. Getting a distorted sound on an Alembic is usually an indicator that it's time to change the battery. Also, remember that anytime you've got the bass plugged in it's draining the battery, so unplug when you're not using it. If you've gone 6 months on a battery, it's a good idea to change it before you are greeted with distortion during a performance.
 
Please let us know when you change the battery if you notice an improvement.

[deny rowand (denyrow)]

All is well. I replaced the (almost dead) battery with a new ultra-life battery and wow what a differance. The bass punchs when it's supposed to and mellows out very nicely. Thanks for all your help. If you'r ever in Miami.....
Deny