(x) History Request for Epic 5 - 97W10781

[BassGuru]

Hello! Just picked up a used Epic 5 from Guitar Center and am very excited! It's a great bass that sounds amazing. I've always wanted that clean Alembic tone. I am curious to it's history. I've noticed the veneers on the back of the neck are recessed, causing a noticeable feeling along the length of the veneer. This is true with every one. Also am curious on how to learn more about the active pre-amp and how to configure that. I believe its the MXY5, so there should be a low-pass filter, if I'm assuming correctly. It's a little too bright for my taste.

Thanks again. I'm loving it, nonetheless.

Best,
K

[tbrannon]

Welcome. 

Lots of great info here for new owners. 

Check the FAQ on Epics. http://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=15.0

Also, the Epic showcase can be found here http://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=699.0

[BassGuru]

Great. Thank you!

[mica]

Here's the details from the instrument file:

top: Flame Maple
accent: Walnut
body: Mahogany
neck: 5-piece Maple
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: none
side markers: bronze
pickups: Alembic MXY56
controls: "Epic" volume, pan, bass, treble, mono output
finish: Satin natural polyurethane (oil-look)
originally made for: Richmond Music
birthday: June 2, 1997

We haven't heard from this bass since the day it was born, so it's nice to know it's still making good music.

If the neck laminates have shrunk and the feel is annoying, your best option is to lightly sand to even them up and refinish. The original finish on the bass was discontinued by the manufacturer over a decade ago, so any refinishing won't match the body. You could do the neck in a oil finish, or decide to have the entire bass refinished.

If there is a filter in your bass now it was added later. If you show me a picture of the inside of the electronics cavity, I can confirm the controls for you.

[BassGuru]

Thank you! I was mistaken, it's just one attenuating adjustment for the overall output. I appreciate the info. The clerk at GC mentioned the veneer being an indicator that "it doesn't have many adjustments left." Is this something to be concerned about? The neck otherwise is great! Nice and level with fantastic action.

[tbrannon]

More likely than not, its just that the veneers have aged differently than the maple in the neck.  I can't see a way the veneers have any thing to do w truss rod adjustments.