Bass/Treble to filter conversion

[g-dude]

So it seems like there's a pretty big gap in used prices between the Epics and the neck through basses with filters.

How much does it tend to run to swap in a filter or two?  I'm just wondering if the cost is such that a conversion makes economic sense compared to paying more for a bass that came with filters direct from the factory - acknowledging that there is also a value attached to having a neck through bass versus a set neck by many.

[edwardofhuncote]

Adding a filter module (and Q-switch) to a bass with Epic/Orion/Excel electronics is possible by means of an adapter Y-cable. The issue with this is most often one of space in the control cavity. Or a lack of it. It's been done a few times.

Search for threads with the phrase "East-Meets-West" and you'll find quite a bit about it.


*I guess if your goal was to abandon the bass and treble rotary functions altogether, and add in a Filter and Q in their place, that simplifies the space issue...


(I kinda' like the 'all of the above' option East-Meets-West offers... so I had my Custom fretless built this way.)

[g-dude]

Adding a filter module (and Q-switch) to a bass with Epic/Orion/Excel electronics is possible by means of an adapter Y-cable. The issue with this is most often one of space in the control cavity. Or a lack of it. It's been done a few times.

Search for threads with the phrase "East-Meets-West" and you'll find quite a bit about it.


*I guess if your goal was to abandon the bass and treble rotary functions altogether, and add in a Filter and Q in their place, that simplifies the space issue...


(I kinda' like the 'all of the above' option East-Meets-West offers... so I had my Custom fretless built this way.)

I was thinking along the lines of abandoning the bass and treble and going to either a filter and Q or two filters.

Don’t know why, but I never really use the bass and treble controls on any of my other active basses.

[edwardofhuncote]

The beauty of Alembic electronics is the modular nature. An upgrade to Signature electronics (Volume/Pan + 2 Filters and 2 Q-switches) would be a nice upgrade. It would also require a good amount of space.

Probably a question for the Head Elf there on feasibility. I'd just contact her directly and talk it out. You can get a lot of mileage from just one Filter and Q-switch... I  could honestly  play every gig from now on with just those options. YMMV of course. It may be something to consider.

[g-dude]

The beauty of Alembic electronics is the modular nature. An upgrade to Signature electronics (Volume/Pan + 2 Filters and 2 Q-switches) would be a nice upgrade. It would also require a good amount of space.

Probably a question for the Head Elf there on feasibility. I'd just contact her directly and talk it out. You can get a lot of mileage from just one Filter and Q-switch... I  could honestly  play every gig from now on with just those options. YMMV of course. It may be something to consider.

On my Essence 5, I have one filter and no Q switch as it is.


Maybe some day I’ll add a Q-switch to it, although I’m not sure it needs it.

[edwardofhuncote]

Well, in the absence of a switch, the Q is attenuated on all the time. Adding a switch would allow you to toggle it. Adding a 3-position Q-switch offers another choice of how much boost you'd like...


I misunderstood your initial query. It seemed like you had a bass with bass and treble rotary functions, and wanted to swap them out for a filter.

[g-dude]

Well, in the absence of a switch, the Q is attenuated on all the time. Adding a switch would allow you to toggle it. Adding a 3-position Q-switch offers another choice of how much boost you'd like...


I misunderstood your initial query. It seemed like you had a bass with bass and treble rotary functions, and wanted to swap them out for a filter.

Oh, I have an Essence 5, but it seems that when it comes to four string Alembics, Epics seem to be both fairly available and a bit less expensive...only thing is that I really like the filter control, which they tend to lack.

[djmay]

You could do it externally with a SF-2 Superfilter.

[g-dude]

You could do it externally with a SF-2 Superfilter.

This is an excellent point.  Biggest difficulty is finding one for a price that isn't stupidly high.

It's funny - supposedly the prices for used gear have come down, but that certainly doesn't apply to everything.

[djmay]

You could also buy a PedalPCB Pro-Filter kit and build it yourself. I did that as a back-up for my SF-2. It sounds similar.

[g-dude]

You could also buy a PedalPCB Pro-Filter kit and build it yourself. I did that as a back-up for my SF-2. It sounds similar.

That's also a good idea, although I'd need to acquire certain skills like soldering - which is on the "to do" list.