Author Topic: Stupid question about Epic pots (Read 244 times)

fenster · « **on:** July 21, 2004, 06:08:15 AM »

Just purchased my first Alembic, a second-hand '94 Epic (I get a feeling it won't be my last).

Question is, how do I find out what each of those pots is actually for? I know, I know, they do what it sounds like they do and I AM having fun playing with them, but the configuration is a lot different than my previous basses and I feel like an ignoramus not knowing what to call them.

Many thanks,
rick w

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2004, 06:37:27 AM »

Hi Rick, welcome to the group. Generally, on an Epic the controls are Volume, Pan, Bass and Treble. But some Epics may have other configurations. If you can, post some pictures.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2004, 06:56:38 AM »

Hello Rick,
The standard Epic has four knobs. Three of the knobs have center detentes (click stops) for middle position. In playing position looking down on the instrument, the top two knobs are volume (no center detente) and pickup pan (full clockwise for neck pickup and full ccw for bridge pickup). The lower two knobs are Bass response (100 htz +6db/-12db of adjustment with center detente = flat) and Treble response (I forget the freq... maybe 6K htz with =6db/-12db of adjustment again with center detente = flat). This is the AE-3 configuration, stock on Epics and Orions.
Mike
PS - pictures will always be welcome.

lowlife · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2004, 07:29:12 AM »

Firstly, welcome to the club.
I have an Excel with Epic electronics and Mike's descriptions of the controls are right-on.
Interesting that you know right-off-the-bat that this won't be your only Alembic.
Did somebody mention pictures?

Ellery (Lowlife)

fenster · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2004, 08:29:16 AM »

Thanks, guys

That seems to match what I've got... except the two tone knobs don't have center detentes. Bearing in mind that this instrument is from the first year (I think) that the Epic was made, is it possible that the pots go from flat to max boost with no attenuation, and that the more sophisticated pots were only added in later models? Or maybe the detentes have worn out (though the pots feel undamaged). Hmmm...

Anyway, here's a couple of pictures, courtesy of the shop where I bought it.

Thanks again,
rick w

bracheen · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2004, 08:52:28 AM »

Beautiful Epic, Rick. Congratulations and welcome. I have a '94 also and love it.
It looks in the photos like your tuning keys point up. Is that an illusion or are they angled?

Sam

fenster · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2004, 11:42:55 AM »

Hey, Sam
No, it's just a bit of weird perspective in the photo; they stick straight out.

So what's the deal with your two lower pots... detents or no?

-rick w

PS Ellery, I used to own a couple of early Lados, until they got stolen a couple of years back. Other than the set neck, this guitar is all that and more. THAT's how I know this won't be my last. I'm already saving my pennies for a fretless.

bracheen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2004, 01:19:39 PM »

No detents on anything but the pickup pan with mine either. It's the only Epic that I've played so I don't know if that changed later.
There are several Epic players here. Maybe one of their's is different.

Sam

jacko · « **Reply #8 on:** July 22, 2004, 04:59:16 AM »

My 5 string's a '96 model and has the detents on all but the main volume pot.

graeme