Is this a bass issue or an amp issue

NickfromSOS · #1 10-04-2011, 09:34 AM

or a combination of the two??

My lakland 55-01 bass has a grounding hum.. it's not that noticable with my rack set up, but with the Ampeg PF500, it's practically unplayable. This is going into 2 bag end speakers. But it's only that amp. No other amp makes the hum that loud. My american Jazz bass does not hum through the Ampeg. How can I fix this before I send the
ampeg back? I've tried the ground loop on the back but nothing. It's practically unusable at this point.

JTE · #2 10-04-2011, 09:54 AM

Only the combination of the Lakland and the Ampeg have it? That's weird. Are you running the EQ on 55-01 with the treble boosted much? That could be the problem. I'm assuming the Jazz is passive. Same cables, same speakers, etc. just that amp and that bass that has problems?

Does it go away with the EQ on the Lakland set to the center detents? How does the Jazz sound through both rigs if you solo one pickup?

John

johnk_10 · #3 10-04-2011, 10:19 AM

if your jazz bass doesn't hum with the ampeg, it seems to me that the problem is NOT with the amp, but rather the Lakland.

DWBass · #4 10-04-2011, 10:52 AM

I have the same issue. Same bass. I believe the pre-amp is going to crap. I plan to upgrade it. Depending on the venue and level of grounding it can be minimal or unbearable! Love the bass but the pre-amp is it's weak spot!

BassmanPaul · #5 10-04-2011, 11:14 AM

Not so much the pre-amp I would think but more the pickups. The Lakland could possibly benefit from some internal copper shielding. Carvin sells a kit for this ate about $20-$30.

zorro · #6 10-04-2011, 12:43 PM

Sounds like a bass issue. Have you ruled out cables?

DWBass · #7 10-04-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Not so much the pre-amp I would think but more the pickups. The Lakland could possibly benefit from some internal copper shielding. Carvin sells a kit for this ate about $20-$30.

Hmmm....dunno because my bass was dead silent for most of the time I've owned it. Was never an issue previously. I was looking to upgrade the pre anyway.

BassmanPaul · #8 10-04-2011, 02:02 PM

If the pups are the problem changing out the pre will achieve nothing.

NickfromSOS · #9 10-04-2011, 02:47 PM

I believe its the pickups. When i touch the bridge pickup screws is whennits at its worst. I called Lakland today and they said that if i shipped it back to them at my cost, they would shield the cavity for me for about $50, then charge me to ship it back... Probably around $125 total atleast. Its not the cable or outlet or either cab.. Ive swapped out everything. Funny thing is that last night at rehearsal i plugged it into a Hartke head and it was really quiet. Its jus that bass with that amp

Alex1984 · #10 10-04-2011, 02:54 PM

Sometimes problems may result from specific combinations of things that are not problematic on their own. For example, Fenderhutz had the thread on 2-210AV cabs and Micro-VR heads. I also have experiences with specific power supplies that just don't want to work with specific pedals.