Shopping for Sig delux bass but not sure I understand electronics

[dshade43]

I've seen a couple of Mark King Signature basses where the electronics are different.  I'm wondering how they stack up.
 
One has signature electronics:  Vol, pan, Q switch x2, Filter freq x2.  This looks like a similar configuration to a Series one.  Help me understand, that's a master volume control, the pan feature is a continuous blend control between the two pickups.  So, are the other two knobs Q filter controls like my Series I and the Q switch control for 0, +3, +6 on each filter frequency control?  I believe this is a 2000+ year model.  
 
On the other Mark king, it's got Vol, Pan, Filter and Q switch x4.  So that's actually only one Q filter knob and then 4 Q switches?  Not sure I understand how the 4 Q switches function.  Are they 3 position switches?  This bass is a late ninety's model.  
 
How do the AXY pickups measure up to the SC-1 pickups on my series I?
 
Final question.  If I have LED fret side markers, do these run off the 4, 9 volt batteries and how long will they last? 4-5 hours?  or much more?
 
Any assistance is appreciated.

[keith_h]

Here is a link to the description of the Signature electronics.
 
The other electronics you describe sound like Europa electronics. These are decribed here. The fourth switch is most likely for the LEDs.  
 
The non-Series pickups and electronics still have the Alembic tone but do sound different than the Series electronics. To me the Series has a more open sound that you get with single coil pickups.  
While I prefer the Series sound I also like the non-Series stuff and have no problem using them.  
 
Yes the LEDs use four 9V batteries. I get much more than 4-5 hours out of them. I have not paid much thought to it but mine seem to last about 1 1/2 years. I do not use them all of the time but probably run them 1-3 hours per week.  
 
Keith

[hieronymous]

I have a Stanley Clarke Signature Standard - I had the electronics updated to Anniversary. I don't like pan controls (as in the signature electronics), I much prefer having separate volumes for both pickups and a selector switch. So each pickup has its own volume, (2-position) Q-switch, and filter control. Plus there's a little mono-stereo switch by the output jack.
 
I'm really impressed with the sound - been playing the bass a lot with flats and I really like the sound! Can't really speak to the comparison with Series I electronics...

[jazzyvee]

Is there any difference between the pickups used for an Anniversary bass, if bought direct from alembic rather than updating and existing bass,  and the pickups fitted to a signature bass.
 
Jazzyvee

[David Houck]

The pickups on an Anniversary bass are the same as on a Signature bass.

[jazzyvee]

Thanks Dave. I had a look in the FAQ but it didn't say anything about the pickups, just the electronics.
 
 
Jazzyvee

[jazzyvee]

Thanks Dave. I had a look in the FAQ but it didn't say anything about the pickups, just the electronics.
 
 
Jazzyvee

[keith_h]

JV,
I believe the pickup type depends upon the bass model. For the Brown Basses, which also use Anniversary electronics, the pickups are Fat Boys.
 
Keith