Volume knob and replacement screws question.

[39Reasons]

After I was done putting my 71 Precision back together yesterday I noticed that it only works when I have the volume knob all the way up. When I turn it back a little I get no sound at all. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it easily fixed? Also I have replacement pickup and bridge covers but can't find the screws are they the same size screws that are used on the pickguard? Are the screws easily found at places like home depot? If so does anyone know the size?
Thanks for your help!
Joe

[DeanT]

Sounds like a wiring problem. Maybe a loose wire to the volume pot. Did you fiddle with the electronics? Something could have come loose. if you're electronically inclined, open her up and check for loose wires and re-solder. If you're not, bring it to a decent repair shop.

Pickup and bridge cover screws probably are not the same size as the pickguard screws. They are most likely a bit longer.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by 39Reasons

After I was done putting my 71 Precision back together yesterday I noticed that it only works when I have the volume knob all the way up. When I turn it back a little I get no sound at all. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it easily fixed? Also I have replacement pickup and bridge covers but can't find the screws are they the same size screws that are used on the pickguard? Are the screws easily found at places like home depot? If so does anyone know the size?
Thanks for your help!
Joe

The first thing to do is clean the pot. Sometimes schmutz is deposited on the carbon traces inside the pot. A good douching with Caig DeOxit will take care of any that. If after cleaning the pot it still does it then it is a wiring problem. Check your print.

Pickguard screws are not available at the hardware store. It is difficult to get them at a specialty fastener supplier. Typically oval head, nickel or chrome plated, and in a small size (#3, #4) and a short length, they seem to only be used in the musical instrument industry. The first resource it the local B&M, the music store. The next best sources are Stewart-MacDonald and All Parts. There are other small parts dealers on line, too. Or you can try contacting the factory.

[39Reasons]

Hey I meant to thank u for your help. Better late than never right? I haven't had the bass out in a while but going to check out your tips in the next few days or so.
Thanks again!
Joe

[39Reasons]

I was motivated to finally do this today, been a while I know but had a lot of other things to get to first. It worked pretty well and I actually carefully gave it a neck and bridge adjustment. I just kept reading on line and going back to the bass, took a few hours but its all back together and plays great. When I opened her up all the soldering looked fine to me from what I could tell. I hit the pots with the Deoxit a few time then let it dry a while before putting back together. There weren't any wires detached from the pots. It seems to be working "better" but still seems to be when I turn the knob a little over half way back there's no sound. However through headphones I could hear sound. Maybe I'm just going deaf! hahaha! I even put on the replacement bride and pickup covers on. What the hell right? Anyway WOW I can't believe I did this! The only minor think that does kind of blow is that one of the pick up cover screws will not go back in, this bass was routed weird and the slight wood that was there to begin with chipped away on the inside so there's nothing for it to go into. I filed the screw away in a safe place.
Thank you very much for the tips and help.
Joe