hey everyone,

i was just at the national guitar workshop for 2 weeks. while in class i would have my bass plugged in alot, since we did alot of playing. in those two weeks i went through two batteries in my bass. which leads me to my question. is there a way i could install a push/pull volume switch, that would allow me to switch between active and passive modes on the preamp? i have had another bass before with an active passive push/pull volume, so i dont see why it wouldnt be possible. im just unsure if i can do it on my ibanez sr506.

all help is needed,
thanks,
rory

Different years of SR506 have slightly different preamp and pickup configs. In mine, the pickups are active (labeled DX if I recall rightly), so they require power to THEM as WELL as the preamp. In that case, no passive/active bypass is possible, though with the same preamp and passive pickups a bypass can be retrofitted.

Weird. My SR305DX hardly ever needs new batteries, and I'm horrible for forgetting to unplug it. I found it in the used rack with the factory battery about three years ago, and I think I've changed it twice since then.

The only reason I can think of is that I hardly ever turn up the preamp; if I need more volume, I can get it from my pedal or amp.

With my version of the SR506 preamp there's a third leg contact on the bass output jack that turns the preamp on when a 1/4" plug is inserted, and off when it is removed. But I've seen that contact get horked in some basses. My preamp wasn't draining batteries especially quickly but just for safety sake I routed for and installed a Carvin battery holder. Now I remove the battery after gigs and practices. That's insurance.

Can you post a good clear photo of the wiring compartment?

A close up of the back of the balance and volume controls would be helpful too.

Keep in mind that as long as a plug is inserted into the output jack, the preamp circuit will draw current.