I know what you mean not having a simple volume. The bass is very hot with the EMG's and does sound incredible when you get the settings right. I just play about with the controls until I get a good punchy sound. The array of sounds you can get from euro is amazing. I'm playing a Spector Coda 4 with EMG's I got for £400 brand new delivered. The Coda is fantastic as well and is my go to bass...The neck feels like a jazz bass..Been trying to find a spector euro Doug Wimbush with the slimmer neck but can never find one for sale.