Author Topic: Screwy Pickups on Epic Bass (Read 105 times)

anthenium · « **on:** November 16, 2007, 12:48:39 PM »

Okay, that was a Play on words, but I got you to open this thread!

I have read the instructions on adjusting pickups, and it talks about loosening the 2 front screws, and adjusting the 2 back screws. Or vice Versa. But my Epic Bas has 2 screws, Kitty-Corner of each other. And every other Epic I see has only 2 screws in each pickup, Kitty-Corner from each other. Is this STANDARD on the Epic? Can they have 4 screws, like a Normal Alembic bass?

Thanks
Tony

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2007, 01:32:26 PM »

Tony:

The other two screws are in the other two kitty corners, the ones that look like there are no screws. The screw heads are actually underneath the pick up. To adjust, first loosen the top two, then, using a narrow blade screwdriver that fits into the holes, adjust the pickup height by turning the two screws under the pickup, and then lock it down with the two on top of the pickup. Unless there is something different about Epics of which I am not aware, this should work.

Bill, tgo

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2007, 05:18:40 PM »

Bill hit it right on the head. The only warning I would add is don't tighten the top two (visible) screws too far. We've heard of a few cracked pickup housings over the years.

Mike
(owner of two Epics)

keurosix · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2007, 07:58:59 PM »

Welcome Tony!
Like Bill said, use a small screwdriver that fits in the holes to adjust the lower 2 screws to set the PU height. This will be a #1 phillips screwdriver with a narrow diameter shaft. DON'T FORCE A LARGER SCREWDRIVER IN THE HOLE! It could crack the PU! A cheapo brand screwdriver from a dept store (made in China) fits the bill. You won't need any force what to speak even. The screws are machine thread in threaded inserts, and should move very freely.
For the most info on this subject:

The FAQs & Must Reads / Pickup Height posts should answer all your questions.
Kris

anthenium · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2007, 05:08:50 AM »

Doh! Okay. Thanks. I have ordered a NEW set of Pup Screws, but it's always good to have spares!

I did Joey's basic Setup, and then set the pickup height per Joey's 1/4 recommendation. Great starting point, and about where I like the string height on most basses. But this Epic was set to about 3/32 on the bass side, and maybe a touch less on the treble. I LOVED it! I was pulling off riffs I had only Dreamed of on my Mortal basses. But I was experiencing some Clickety on the finger board from my admittedly Vicious Attack! So now I need to find the happy medium. More subtle attack meets Lower action.

I'm in love with this bass! Thanks again for all the responses.

Tony