Battery compartment makes staticky noise...please help.

[AudioDwebe]

Hi all,

Noobie here.

I recently picked up a used Carvin fretless and it makes a staticky noise if I push on the battery compartment. I can't figure out why it would do this.

I looked inside and there's no corrosion or anything. Cleaned the connector (where it actually touches the 9volt) and nothing came off. So that's not the problem.

I then removed the plate allowing me to look into the electronics, and nothing seemed disconnected there.

The sound it makes is much like the sound of dirty control knobs...you know, when you turn it and it makes that "sound"?

Also, my bass has two 9-volt compartments. What's the reason for this?

Also, some hissing can be heard from the various control knobs, like it's putting out too much gain or something. Is this a normal part of an electric bass?

Thanks.

Mamoru

[Jaco D]

My hunch is one or two of the wires connecting the battery box is getting frayed at the solder points. It's basically loose so the contacts become intermittent. Try re-soldering them and solder them well.

[john grey]

There could be MANY reasons why it's making that noise. If there is some foam in the battery compartment or if the space is tight or whatever.....it could be slightly tugging against the connection. It could also be cold soldier joints and when you manipulate the battery the leads are slightly tugged.
Realistically, if you don't plan on really hunting it down just play and don't keep pressing on it. It's like a chipped tooth; it will only make your tongue sore.

If you DO want to chase it down, you need to get the schematic and follow the leads first to see if something is soldiered poorly. If all is well, then replace the batteries with NEW ones and use a multimeter to check all the passive components; look to see if a wire has exposed through bending or if the insulation is skinned back. Check the pups and see if their leads are crushed or poorly soldered.. Check the pots via the multimeter (use a DIMM) and if they're good, clean them with compressed air or electronic cleaner. If you still have issues check your grounds and any copper (or metal sheet) to determine if that is (1) touching a lead, (2) in place to begin with.
If you are still getting noise - switch amps, switch cords: look to anything that could be producing microphonic interference.