Author Topic: Essence vs Signature electronics (Read 632 times)

hb3 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2009, 02:13:00 PM »

I've been using the Anniversary Electronics and while they can be made to sound very trebly, I don't find any shortage of low end at all.

terryc · « **Reply #16 on:** June 25, 2009, 03:22:18 PM »

here's a question to coincide with willie's question.
Do you all think that the Signature package(which I only know as my MK has them) tries to incorporate as much of the Series electronics but without the complexity and cost.
It must be nice to have S2 electronics with Vari Q and individual vols etc but the Signature with it's pan pot(for me) is easy to use and still get an almost infinite array of tones.

keith_h · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2009, 03:31:36 PM »

I think all of the electronics go for that Alembic sound. There is a definite difference between the Series and non-Series electronics to my ears. This is just my opinion but I think the single coil pickups of the Series instruments have a lot to do with this. As far as the pan versus separate volume controls I think that is down to a personal choice and that one is not better than another.

Keith

jazzyvee · « **Reply #18 on:** June 25, 2009, 11:04:27 PM »

Willie, I think the signature setup is great, very flexible and very fast to use once you get to grips with the controls. The master volume and pan pot makes good sense and is just right for me and is more intuitive for my needs. I certainly think for live work if you need to make fast tonal changes it would be far easier than using a series bass.

Jazzyvee

jacko · « **Reply #19 on:** June 26, 2009, 01:47:37 AM »

Having been able to do a direct comparison between my Signature and george's series, I think the difference can best be shown using a photographic analogy. Think of a really nice well taken photo, perfect colours, perfect composition etc, the kind of picture you'd hang on your wall. That's the signature. Add a polarising filter and while it's the same picture, everything is just that bit richer. That to me is the difference between sig and series.
I'd also agree with jazzy that, for live playing, the signature (for me) is that much easier to work with although George would probably disagree having played his series for many years. I guess it's whatever you're used to.

Graeme

georgie_boy · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2009, 03:01:47 AM »

That about sums it up perfectly Graeme!

willie · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2009, 11:26:05 AM »

Well thanks for all the insight everbody. I haven't heard back from Mica yet so still no decision. There has been some comparison between Signature and Series but how about the difference between Essence + Q switch and Signature sound. Thats the most likely change, if anything changes at all.
Willie

David Houck · « **Reply #22 on:** June 27, 2009, 07:07:52 PM »

The Signature opens up more possibilities. For instance having the bridge filter open with Q switch on, and neck filter closed with Q switch off, is something you can't get from Essence electronics. That's a setting I use on my Series bass a lot. The opposite is also possible, closing down the filter on the bridge and opening up the neck filter; again something you can't get on the Essence.

An alternative is to get an SF-2. This can add a lot to your tone, though not as immediate as having the controls on your bass.

willie · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2009, 02:21:54 AM »

Thanks Dave
I have an SF-2 in the effects loop of my FI-X.
But what you said about Essence VS. Signature is what I like about the Signature. Having different Q setting and switches for each pick up would give this bass more flexibilty for tone shaping. But I must admit, this bass sounds great as it is. Unfortuately I have not heaed back from Mica about this to be able to consider the change.
Is there a better way to get an estimate from her than just sending her an e-mail?

David Houck · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2009, 10:03:57 AM »

You might try giving her a call, between maybe 10:00 and 4:00 pacific time.

If it sounds great the way it is, and you've got an SF-2 in the rack, then you may want to just sit and think some more about what you want to accomplish. Between the pan, filter, and Q switch you can do a lot. Another consideration might be a three position Q switch to add a little more flexibility; maybe a 9-6-0.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2009, 11:40:08 AM »

Dave I like that setup with my Signature too. Bridge open fully and Q-on and neck closed and Q-off. I then have the pan fully clockwise to neck pickup and then cracked just a tad anti-clockwise to get some edge to the tone off the bridge pickup. Gives me just what I want. Lots of bottom end but with a crispness to the tone.
Jazzyvee

keith_h · « **Reply #26 on:** June 28, 2009, 06:49:20 PM »

And just to show how different we all are. With my Brown Bass I like the neck filter turned back about 2/3 and the Q-switch on. I leave the bridge filter wide open and the Q-switch off. For soloing I open both filters and turn on both Q-switches.

For my Orion with Essence electronics I generally leave the Q-switch off, filter almost full open and the pan slightly turned toward the bridge pickup.

Keith