classic vibe 50's P pick up issue

marcwcarroll · #1 07-24-2010, 10:32 PM

hey TBers
I have a 8 month old stock CV 50's P LPB bass. i have to say I love it, gig an practice with it regularly. Practice on last Friday something happened to make the volume be cut out by half at least.

At normal level the Markbass 102 CMP clips at 4 or 5 with the 50s P,.. now I can go to like 9 on gain before clipping.

Any idea what gives here?? I will say aggressive playing Friday and using the PUP as a thumb rest, caused the top plate of the single coil pup to come loose from the E string side,... easy enough to pop back in place but still low volume!! What happened and what can i do??

help appreciated!!

marcwcarroll · #2 07-26-2010, 08:09 AM

have I ruined this PUP? I loved the tone it gave bfore actually. Can I (not mechanically inclined) fix this baby?

tdub0199 · #3 07-26-2010, 08:18 AM

sounds like you have a solder joint that has came loose....

marcwcarroll · #4 07-26-2010, 08:43 AM

Thanks Tdub- I have nosed a round a bit and no real noticeable solder joints loose. Plus I would think (i could totally be wrong) it would be dead or "crackle" if a joint came loose. This problem is basically volume was cut by half (at least). I checked the amp with other basses, definitely a problem with this one

62bass · #5 07-26-2010, 01:45 PM

Using the pickup as a thumb rest, while convenient, is a sure way of ruining it.

Borrow a meter and check the resistance of the pickup. See if it's within tolerance. There should be some data on the Squier site about the correct resistance on that pickup. It also could be a connection partly connecting. You won't know until you get in there and really check. If you can't do it, take it to a tech.

You should be able to get a replacement from someone here cheap enough if you need it as many of us have replaced the stock pickup with something else. I know I still have my original laying around somewhere.

marcwcarroll · #6 07-27-2010, 06:46 AM

Thanks 62, I can't get my hands on a meter and all the connections look solid. I must have done something to the pick up while using as a thumbrest. the top piece where the pole come through has lifted off a bit for the e side... not sure if this is the cause but most likely is. It is under warranty and the closest "authorized" center is a Sam Ash, Guess i'll take her there

marcwcarroll · #7 08-06-2010, 01:51 PM

Sam Ash, ugh I know I know... took them a week to tell me nothing was wrong.. huh? After pressing them for a few minutes I fond out this one does not have a Fender Authorized guy!! A quick call to fender refereed me to a luthier working out of his home. Dude immediately recognizes the pick up is wonky. New pick up on its way!