Here is a link to a thread I started when I was trying to get MY tiny brain around the concept:
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/393/49934.html
 
The best explanation I can offer (for the whole concept) is that: while typical tone controls allow you to tweak the fundamental tone of an instrument, the filter technology allows you to change the fundamental tone. I hope that makes sense!!!  The filters are why Alembics have such a wide palette of sounds.  
 
(Message edited by mike1762 on April 09, 2011)

I believe that if you remove the bass & treble controls you can use the existing holes for the lowpass filter and the other one for the Q switch (Which will most likely need an additional washer to make up for the larger hole size)

But that would leave me with volume, blend, Q and low pass. If the filter tweaks the tone, wouldn't having a filter and no tone leave me a bit lacking?
 
If it's more prudent, I seriously would be happy drilling a couple holes to add a Q switch and a low pass knob.

Not really;the Essence has volume,pan,filter and no Q switch.

How much do you really use the tone controls on your other instruments?  I never used mine at all... I opened everything up and used my amp to get a tone.  With the filter(s) you will be able to get some quite varied tones from your instrument.

Hmm. Okay, so the verdict is Volume, Pan, HPF and Q switch?
 
So all I would need then is the HPF and Q switch, and the competence to swap out what I have currently.
 
Or would it be more prudent to buy an entire new package, pre-wired, and just install?

The low-pass filter and Q switch are prewired and will plug into the volume and pan that you already have, no need to repurchase those parts.

I admit, I'm having trouble imagining how that works, but I'm sure I can work it out once I've got the parts. What would the hpf and q cost me?

All of the electronic components come with connectors, rather than having to be soldered.  If you purchased the low pass filter and the q switch, you'd simply have to unplug the treble and bass modules and plug the filter and Q into the appropriate slots on the volume and pan card/pots you already have.  No solder or electrical tape required.

So, I had some more time to myself yesterday, and spent a good hour inside my Epic.
 
Firstly, the static had gotten worse, so I was desperate to do something about it. I decided to start by checking again for loose wires, this time leaving the bass plugged in. I started with one of the wires that was down in the treble knob area, and as soon as I touched it, I got crackle and popping like mad. I felt my heart drop when I checked the connection, and it didn't seem loose at all. Not even a little bit, but I pushed the connector in, felt it give maybe a millimeter, and the fuzz stopped. Completely. Without exception.
 
I am so excited.
 
Thank you guys for all of your support. I'm glad it turned out to be something small.
 
I still plan on picking up the low pass filter and q switch once I get a couple bills to my name. I'll let you guys know how that goes.
 
Michael

Michael, while we're at it, regarding noise: ALEMBICs don't slowly fade to black as the 9v wears down.  When it's time, it will lose output for a little while, then it will make static-y tone before it's finally DOA.  
 
Otherwise, as you've now been able to see, they're generally VERY quiet axes.  The plug-in connectors are a great idea:  You didn't have to un-solder anything to fix your problem.
 
J o e y