Probably the pots are NOT crazy Glued, just the reviewer doesn't know how to take them away (first the cap, then the screw...) However... the damage to the headstock (besides a WELL AWFUL job) is somewhat un-repairable. And.. What's with the control cavity pickguard? On my Epic it is flush with the body! Why is it protruding here?
Gee... I do own an Epic. I've found it VERY comfortable, not that heavy (and hey, mine is a fiver!) when compared to other basses I own (and I own lightweight too!), and not very big-sized (hey brainiac, try an old Precision or Jazz bass!). I wouldn't, even in my worst nightmare, get close to my Epic with any kind of sharp tool, let alone hacking into a small piece like that. What's with the nut? I guess (or at least I want to) the owner (not to be called a caretaker in any way) lost it, because, hey... it was not on the way for the mods! Oh, I see... Mr. brilliant luthier thought it would save him a lot of weight off the headstock (which he hacked off in a VERY bad way anyway). But... An el-cheapo plastic nut with a GUITAR PICK SHIM? Come on...
Now my question... Wasn't it easier -and more reasonable- to sell it, INTACT, for a nice price, to someone who would appreciate it for what it is, and then buy a run-of-the-mill bass to hack and THEN put active electronics to it, say, EMGs or something like that?. No, I guess selfishness abounds, and there are guys out there who think It's my money and I can do whatever I %%$#%$ please with it. Nice way to end with an otherwise wonderful piece of work, which you ended parting with, anyway.
And I guess the previous owner wasn't interested in Steinbergers or the like, either.