I've got an interesting issue that maybe someone out there has had a similar problem and may be able to point me in the right direction.
I have a Reggie Hamilton Jazz Bass, actually it's a PJ configuration. It has the Fender USA Standard Precision pickup and a Noiseless Jazz in the bridge position.
I've had it for about three years now and about two years ago I swapped out the Fender Preamp which I did not care for, with a Aguilar OPB-2 Preamp.
The configuration is as follows, VOL-VOL-Bass-Treble and has a passive / active switch. The preamp is powered by two 9V batteries. The bass is shielded.
First I would like to state, I really like the bass tones I get with this preamp while in the active mode. When the stock preamp was in it, I did not.
With that said, the issue I have is, with the preamp engaged, I pickup a local FM Station, 93.9 FM here in Raleigh to be exact. Let's say I have not been exactly thrilled with this bass doubling as a FM tuner.
I can turn down both Vol's, bass and treble controls and it's still there. I can remove the control plate, preamp, pickups from the body (wires still connected) and it's still there!
I have checked and doubled checked the wiring, possible shielding issues, re-routing wires differently without any difference. Nothing I touch seems to make a difference.
I have a two year Electrical Engineering Degree with over twenty five years of experience in various applications including, Radio, Avionics and the past 12 years in EMC. With that said, that doesn't mean I not capable of making a silly mistake......It can be said I have, a time or two!
At first, I thought I may have created a tuned circuit with the shielding and the routing of the wires. But, that doesn't seem to be the case. maybe the issue is with the preamp itself. That's possible.
I know we have a many EE's and others here on Talkbass with the experience and talent that may be able to point me in the right direction! Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
