David, if you find it helpful, a few corrections for your listing.
If you look in the holes in the pickups that are missing the screws, you should see adjustment screws underneath. There is a discussion of how the pickup adjustment system works
here.
Alembic electronics do not have parametric EQs. Your Essence has, in addition to the Volume control and Pan control, a Low Pass Filter. An explanation of Essence electronics is
here.
That you find the Koa top more attractive and gives better tone than the normal maple tops is a subjective opinion and not necessarily a factual statement. Personally, I think my Maple top Essence sounds pretty good.
While less expensive than an Essence, an Epic is not a cheap bass. The quality of construction is every bit as good as an Essence. The set neck is not a cheap alternative to a neck through; rather, it is an alternative tonal concept, as the set neck gives a different frequency response, emphasizing the mid range.
