Clipping sound when turning tone knob?

SnuffdaCrimeDog · #1 02-22-2009, 01:03 PM

Ok I have a Fender Deluxe J-bass, with the 3-band EQ on it, and active pickups. I've had it for probably round 4 years now, and just yesterday I was playing around with my tone, when I realized the tone control fro the treble, or the smallest knob on the bass produces a clipping noise through the amp when you adjust it. The clipping sound produced reminds me of what would happen if your input jack was loose or something of that nature. Unfortunately, I never really learned much about the electronics inside the bass, so can someone who is more savy on the electronics lead me in the right direction of resolving this. Its not a huge problem as of right now, just merrily an annoyance, but I rather resolve it now then have it turn into a bigger problem later.

slyjoe · #2 02-22-2009, 01:06 PM

Active pickups on a Deluxe? Not if it is stock.

Could you describe clipping noise? Clipping is generally associated with a fuzz-like sound, not a loose connection.

With a preamp, a low battery can also cause distortion.

SnuffdaCrimeDog · #3 02-22-2009, 01:25 PM

Sorry, maybe I've got my noises mixed up. It is however as I explained it. Relatively similar to how a loose input jack would sound. Some static, and a loud popping noise sometimes. This all comes through the amp. As far as the bass, when I bought it they labeled as a "Power Bass" with a 3-band EQ, and active Noisless pickups. I know its active because I do have to throw a battery in the back of the bass for the pickups to even function. But as I said it kind of a static like noise that is emitted if your turn the knob, and sometimes it does make a loud popping noise. Now if I turn the knob gently I can avoid making the noise. But I have to be consciouslly gentle so it kinda takes away from the flow if I try to change the tone during a song.

slyjoe · #4 02-22-2009, 01:30 PM

Not a deluxe, but a power bass? They also came with passive pickups. Is this the one with the piezo pickups in the saddles? I think that has a separate volume/tone for the piezos.

Aside from me not being sure what bass it is, you may possibly just need some contact cleaner sprayed into the treble potentiometer.

SnuffdaCrimeDog · #5 02-22-2009, 01:37 PM

Wow I don't even know what bass I have after four years...Im ashamed at myself....Now what exactly may do the trick? Like I said I dont know much about the actual electronics inside the bass.

slyjoe · #6 02-22-2009, 02:54 PM

Try spraying something like this in the control.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103700

SnuffdaCrimeDog · #7 02-22-2009, 07:56 PM

I don't necessarily think its a problem with dirt or debris. As I said mistakingly before I can gently turn the knob so it doesnt emit the static-popping noise from the amp. However I did not notice, until I was jamming a little while ago, that the tone control is not operating at all. Turning the knob does nothing to sound coming out of the amp. So I unscrewed the plate with all the volume and tone knobs and looked at the wiring what I found was that the cylindrical "thingy"(sorry I just know absolutely nothing when it comes to the electronics inside a bass) directly under that tone knob is loose unlike the other three cylindrical "thingys" under there respective tone or volume knobs. Does anybody know how I should go about fixing this or were I should take the bass. I bought it at guitar center, but they dont seem to handle electronic work, at least from I've experienced.

slyjoe · #8 02-22-2009, 09:24 PM

That sounds like you are seeing a loose potentiometer. This is the tone control. You may be able to pop the knob off - there should be a nut under the knob that can be tightened to secure the pot to the plate.

This can certainly cause the noise you heard if the only ground connection for that pot is through the mechanical connection to the plate. I would try that first.

I personally don't like basses that rely on a mechanical connection only for the ground to the pot. I wire from the back of this pot to the ground on the output jack would also provide a more secure ground.

You don't sound comfortable with making electronic repairs, so I would try tightening the nut first. If the problem persists, take it to a guitar tech.

SnuffdaCrimeDog · #9 02-22-2009, 09:50 PM

Haha, one thing is for certain. You are absolutely right I know jack abotu the electronics. When it comes to setup I can do ma thing. But as far poteniometers....or grounding stuff, well Ill definitely have a profession handle it. As far as price range is this going to be an expensive fix? I know its hard to tell without seeing it, but in the general area of electronic repairs is this going to a major job? The tone control is completely not functioning, like i said the only thing I achieve by turning it is static gurgling or a loud violent popping noise from the amp. I will definitely be taking it in tomorrow.