Again, Paul, I'm sorry if my error regarding Ebony neck-lam weight or anything else upset you... I sure didn't want to do that, I'm glad you're past it, and I wouldn't want to upset you again.
And you should definitely get what YOU want. What's best for YOU.
That said, I'll share my OPINION, and briefly share my analysis/rational.
I think you should get SOME... at least, as a minimum, a master set of the 3-position type switches used on the Europa, Rogue and Distillate.
My reasoning: you've indicated you want them, and have always had them on your basses; the fact is, that while the filter/Q setup Alembics has is awesome, it ISN'T THE SAME as EQ controls.
What bass and treble controls do IS different from what the filter & Q do; and what they do IS good AND useful. IF you like it and are used to it, why not get it?
Basically, I see reasons why YOU (maybe, you judge) should get them; and I DON'T see any reasons why you shouldn't get them.
If there are any, the only obvious concerns are cost and clutter. But they really don't cost that much more -especially when an elaborate Series II is the frame of reference- and they really can be set up in a way that's clutter-free.
Obviously the one extreme of 4 extra knobs will add more control(s) area than the opposite extreme of a mere pair of 3-position master bass & treble toggles -which could EASILY be squeezed in there.
I've got 16 controls on my 8-String Europa: 8 knobs and 8 toggles. I've got individual filters with variable Qs AND bass & treble knobs AND mid-range boost/flat/cut toggles FOR EACH pickup... and the tone control I have is astonishing. The combination of filter/Q AND bass & treble controls IS worth it to me. It gives you the best of both worlds. And my controls are set up in a way that is simple, logical & intuitive, and VERY space-efficient and not cluttered. You can see it in the custom Archives and also here:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/21729.html?1130250188 Having BOTH as opposed to one or the other allows you a cumulative effect that is more than the sum of it's parts.
The filter/Q setup is great for what it is, but it has limitations. One basic example is this: if you want to use the filter/Q setup to boost the bass, the ONLY WAY YOU CAN DO IT is to roll the filter down to that position... WHICH MEANS YOU'VE FILTERED OUT ALL THE FREQUENCIES ABOVE THAT POINT. There's no way around it. That's how the filter and Q work.
You can't use it for a bass boost without ALSO having a BIG treble (and mid) cut. But with a bass control, it's never an issue. This is no small thing. (Now typically, one way folks with Series/Signature/Anniversary models will deal with this is do that to one pickup, and have the other one be bright, and mix the sound of the bright pickup with the treblecut/bassboosted sound of the heavily-filtered pickup -but this isn't the same, either.)
Also, having a treble control allows you to put treble back in to compensate for treble cut by the filter -when you're using it in any mid or low position.
So my point is this. BOTH systems have merit and offer great versatility. I love both systems. For the record, IF I had to chose, I'd go for the basic Spoiler/Elan setup over the Epic setup; I think a filter with a Q switch offers a broader and more significant array of tone alterations that a pair of bass and treble knobs.
The Series Electronics -especially the Series II- blow away ANY bass and treble combination.
You'll be thrilled and blown away by the Series. But bass and treble controls just aren't part of the package. But you can add them, if you want.
There'd be no down side to the minimum of just one pair of toggles; but if you choose to go all the way with knobs, you can see at least two successful examples.
For that matter, to open up another can of worms, some club members have got Series basses and minimized the controls. I know I've seen at least one Series II bass that elimiated the pickup selector and traded the two individual volumes for a balance control -presumably because the person preferred the more simple setup. I've also seen at least one Series I that ditched the pickup selector and traded a volume for a balance.
Anyway, Paul, get what's right for you. The only reason I'm spending time sharing my thoughts is to help you with your decision, and I don't care what you choose, I just want you to choose what will give you the greatest happiness.
You've got several options ranging from not having an bass & treble controls to having one set of toggles or knobs to having two sets of toggles or knobs. 5 different options to consider that are all very different from each other.
If it were me, and I could afford it, I'd get all knobs... my guess for you is either that, if you're not sure you'll want 'em, you might want to pass... or, conversely, if you DO get them, you might want the minimum of only one set of either toggles or knobs.
If you're used to only one set in the first place, then one set should certainly not be a letdown.
On the other hand, I'll tell you from experience that it's pretty useful having the individual controls for both pickups.
It's a complex subject! I'll look forward to seeing what you decide! Just remember, whatever you decide will be okay!
FYI, my fundage was too limited too get anything beyond a basic electronics package for my current custom in progress -so I choose Europa electronics with an upgraded 3-position Q switch.
This is, to me, the basic modern Alembic mono setup; it has the best of both worlds in a very simple but versatile setup with just 3 knobs and 3 toggles: 3 knobs control volume, blend and tone; and 3 toggles made simple but very useful adjustments to the bass, treble, and Q.
To me, this should be the basic minimum frame of reference -and all upgrades should consist of upgrades/additions to that package. (Such as individual tone controls for each pickp; or upgrading the toggles to CVQs and/or bass & treble knobs; or upgrading the electronics to Anniversary or Series.
Aloha!
(Message edited by the 8 string king on February 11, 2007)
