Author Topic: Epic upgrade (Read 645 times)

ggunn · « **on:** September 05, 2006, 12:29:12 PM »

I have a 5 string Epic and I love it, but I am always open to improve my gear. Is there an upgrade path for the Epic electronics?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** September 05, 2006, 07:21:25 PM »

Some folks have replaced the treble and bass controls with a filter a Q switch.

echo008 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2006, 06:49:41 AM »

For the amount of money it would take you to upgrade you might be better off buying an SF-2.... Of course I dont know what your budget is. You can pick up a new one for around 750... used, while getting harder and harder to find for around 400-600.
- Tom

dumfuxx · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2006, 07:52:57 AM »

I got the filter and q switch and installed it myself for 250. It's REALLY easy, you need no experience to install it correctly.

bracheen · « **Reply #4 on:** September 07, 2006, 08:37:17 AM »

Gary
Do you have a photo of the finished upgrade? It didn't leave any extra holes did it? Did it make a significant difference?

57basstra · « **Reply #5 on:** September 07, 2006, 09:04:46 AM »

This is good to know...thanks..

jseitang · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2006, 09:10:05 AM »

is it possible to order a q switch with a specific frequency range?

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2006, 09:52:18 AM »

Huh? Perhaps you're confusing the Q switch with some circuits that have a mid control, where you can select different center-frequencies for the mid control.

The classic Alembic filter is a low-pass filter, so there is no center frequency involved. The tone pot sets the cut-off frequency. The Q switch sets the level of boost at the cut-off frequency.

dumfuxx · « **Reply #8 on:** September 07, 2006, 10:53:36 AM »

I don't have any pic's and I'm offshore right now with no access to my epic. The install removed two knobs and added a knob and a switch. No extra holes required. Alembic sent a washer that fits where the switch mounts because the switch has a smaller nut to mount it. All the connections were 'unplug this wire and plug that one there' type. Very good instructions that I had no problem following. the whole operation took about 10 minutes.
It made an enormous difference in sound After reading up on what the q switch and filter actually were designed to do, I love it even more. You can (theoretically) dial in the frequency response of almost any other brand of pickup on the market with the circut. If you fret a note and rotate the filter knob it has a 'wah wah' sound to it which means you can dial in tone that almost sounds like singing a vowel. Pretty incredible difference IMO.

ggunn · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2006, 02:23:48 PM »

lter and q switch and installed it myself for 250. It's REALLY easy, you need no experience to install it correctly.

Can you give me a link? I can't seem to find it on the Alembic website.

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** September 07, 2006, 02:28:07 PM »

It's one of the many things you just gotta call us up for. What you want is an AE-2 filter and the mounting hardware for an oversized hole.

bumhucker · « **Reply #11 on:** September 08, 2006, 11:50:50 AM »

i didn't realize this either! i will probably go that route with my excel too. the nice thing is you can easily change it back if it isn't to your liking. pretty cool

dumfuxx · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2006, 11:24:40 AM »

I just bought a 4 string epic off ebay and ordered the filter/q switch upgrade from Micah. I'll take pic's of the install for everyone who is curious. Maybe a side by side of my 5 string(which is already upgraded) and the 4 string(pre-upgrade) with the control cavities open.
Gary
P.S. The upgrade cost 300

(Message edited by dumfuxx on September 12, 2006)

ggunn · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2006, 01:23:40 PM »

I just ordered the AE-2 for my Epic 5 today, too. I had a nice conversation with Mica; she is very knowledgeable and helpful. She promised me that the AE-2 will make me play just like Phil. ;^)

Thanks for the advice, you guys.

mica · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2006, 01:19:03 PM »

Wow - I've been sending out AE-2 filters all week! Please report back when you've installed them and tell us all what you think about the change in tone you notice.

Thanks!