Epic - Low Pass/Q upgrade with SF-2 Question

[connor]

I'm interested in upgrading an Epic with the AE-2 Low Pass/Q switch module after reading a thread about it, but I have one question. I have an SF-2 in my rig; would using these two together be redundant or would it still be advantageous?
 
Here's the thread:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/31125.html
 
All input welcome!
 
Connor

[jbybj]

My first Alembic was an Epic, still have it, love it. I am very fond of the set neck, B/T tone control, sound of this model.
 
I too considered the East/West filter upgrade, but ended up with a Europa instead. This was followed by an SF-2 not long after.  
 
Firstly, Since you already have an SF-2, you must be aware that it is the single coolest, most awesome and useful tone tool you can get. It will benefit ANY instrument you run through it, be it Alembic B/T, Alembic Filter and Q, or your Squier by Fender Jazz bass. In my experience, while the SF-2 can do so much more than a filter and Q onboard electronics, it can also pretty much emulate that setup as well.  
 
In other words, a stock Epic and SF-2 can meet and surpass the performance of an upgraded Epic. But an upgraded Epic and an SF-2 can go even farther.
 
Secondly, if you really are certain that your Epic will be the only Alembic you EVER own, then the Filter and Q would be a nice upgrade. My advice, if it wasn't too obvious already, is to leave your Epic stock, take the money you were going to spend on the upgrade and start a fund for your next Alembic, (one with filter and Q of course).
 
Have fun, JBY

[connor]

Thanks for your feedback. And yes, the SF-2 is absolutely ridiculous! (in the good way)
 
I think I'll hold off on the upgrade for now... chances are I'm going to have another Alembic at some point.
 
Connor

[keurosix]

Hi Connor,
I have an observation playing my Alembics through my SF-2; Let's see if I can put it into words: When I dial in a great tone on the SF-2, I can 'color' it greatly by a slight change in the filter on the bass. This can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. If you want total tonal control with the SF-2, it makes sense to open up the filter on the bass and allow as much signal as possible to work with. If you sweep the filter down on the bass, all the filters on the SF-2 have a limited frequency to work with, and a 'darker' tonal palette is the result. You should be able to get any sound you want from your Epic SF-2 combo. I added the AE-2 (with 3 position Q) to my Epic 5 fretless because I like to have control of the tone at my fingertips as I play. Being a fretless, I can fine tune the vocal quality of the bass on the fly much faster from the bass than from the rack. I do remember that the stock control sounded really nice too. Have fun finding your sound.
Kris

[afrobeat_fool]

Nice, Kris. Post number 420 on 4/20. I too love my SF-2.

[David Houck]

My answer to the question is no, it would not be redundant, and yes, using them together can be very advantageous.