Author Topic: Adding a filter and q switch to my epic (Read 149 times)

dumfuxx · « **on:** July 17, 2005, 07:59:36 AM »

is it possible to buy an aftermarket filter/qswitch kit to add to epic electronics? has anyone done this?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2005, 08:11:12 AM »

Gary; I think it is the case, though I'm not really sure, that you can get a filter and Q switch from Alembic to replace the bass and treble controls. And it does seem to me somewhere in the back of my mind that you can maybe even add them to rather than replace the bass and treble. But I'm not sure about this; and I can't recall any past threads. This may be the type of modification that you would want to send the bass to Alembic for. You may want to try contacting Val.

dumfuxx · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2005, 08:20:37 AM »

I found an old thread in by searching for epic filter and mica mentioned a $350 kit that replaces bass and treble, added would be nice though. there is a good bit of room in the control cavity. I'm a definite DIY guy. I'm an electronics technician by trade. I'm really interested in hearing if anyone else has done this to an epic and before/after thoughts. I would think the tone would be MUCHO better, not that its bad now.

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2005, 08:57:13 AM »

Hey Gary,

Check out the East Meets West custom from the Featured Custom archive. It's got the Vol/Pan/Bass/Treble as well as a filter and q-switch. I think a few more basses have been ordered with this package since this page was posted.

Adam

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2005, 03:23:20 PM »

The potential problem I see is body cavity size for adding the additional filter to the existing tone controls. I would not consider this a do it yourself project. The back plates I've seen appear to be the same as on my Orion. I have the Essence electronics in it (volume/pan/filter/q-switch) and found it quite tight adding the q-switch after the fact.
The other problem I see is exchanging the existing electronics. This means going from 4 controls (and holes) to a 3 control setup. This would leave an empty hole to deal with. Again not something I would consider a do it yourselfer.
It is still a good idea to contact Alembic and run it by them but I really think you are looking at changes that need to be done by the experts.

Keith

PS. I ordered my new fretless with the East Meets West electronics.

goatfoot · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2005, 05:20:40 AM »

Hi Gary,

I enquired about this as well. You can read about it in the Upgrade to East meets West? thread.

I have a custom 5-string with Epic/Orion electronics in a Rogue body. There looks to be a lot of room in the cavity but Val said it would require some additional routing and it wasn't a cheap upgrade. Definately not a DIY project but it is still my intention to have it done some day.

Kevin

dumfuxx · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2005, 06:15:23 PM »

Okay, filter and q switch are in the mail. $250 by the way, if anyone else is thinking of doing this with their epic. also got some new pickup screws 'cause the idiot I bought from had springs under the pickups. eeww, harmonic vibrations.
First time I have ever heard of Alembic going DOWN on prices

.
thanks for the input guys, and once again, I love alembic.
Gary Melancon

evilgus · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2005, 09:06:46 PM »

Hey Gary,

Would be great if you can post your experiences and results once you've finished, I might be doing the same thing soon.

Cheers,

EG

dumfuxx · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2005, 11:43:22 PM »

I'll be offshore when the parts get here (provided no hurricanes), but I'll post my thoughts on the whole change when I get back in a month.
Gary

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2005, 02:59:15 AM »

If you like taking pictures, some before, during and after pics of the process would be intereting as well. But then it's kind of enough at one time just to be modifying your Alembic; so I'm sure we would be happy with text!

dumfuxx · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2005, 05:06:09 AM »

ok, I'll be home from offshore in a few days and I'll document the install with pictures and stuff. I may even link to some sound files if I can figure out how to post them.

dumfuxx · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2005, 07:58:48 PM »

ok, I know I don't have any pics, but the swap was easy as pie. The sound is fantastic, MUCH more versatile than treble/bass control alone. If my opinion counted, I would just offer the filter, not the treble/bass. If anyone is thinking about doing this, send me an email and I'll send an mp3 of this thing in action.
Gary