How to diagnose a pickup problem

[GreggBummer]

The bass: A Squier VM Jazz bass with original "Duncan Designed" pickups. Badass II bridge.


The Issue: I noticed that the neck pickup no longer works. When I move the volume knob, I get nothing. Naturally I get the hum associated with one pickup being turned down.

The Problem: I do not know how to systematically diagnose this problem. It could be pot, loose wire, or (unlikely) a bad ground or jack.

I am willing to diagnose this problem and fix it myself. It is my "project" bass so to speak. If the pick up quit (I hope not, the bass is only six months old) I am willing to replace the pups with new ones. However, that kind robs me of the learning opportunity here.

So do I pull the strings off and then start going around with my multimeter? If so, where should I set the meter? If I pull the strings to get to the pickguard, how do I get the pickups to put out a signal with the strings removed?

I thank you for your help in advance.

Gregg

[praisegig]

Basically what I do is pull the control plate and turn it over. Look for any solder joints that are not shiny, there are suspect as a cold solder joint( it may have to be remelted with the iron). Plug your bass into an amp and tap the pickup, it should have sound from the amp. If not, use the probe from your multimeter and start touching all the solder joints and one may sound off or make static. I would touch that joint with the iron and remelt the joint. also do continuity checks with your meter, especially the grounds. If all else fails, you may have to pull the pup and check the wiring.
Just some ideas.

[GreggBummer]

Thanks... I bought a pot just in case. If I don't need it, I will keep it around as a spare.

I am going to pull her apart tomorrow. See what happens. I hope it is just a loose wire... I really don't want to put a new set of pups in right now. Although, I am starting research on what kind of pups I might like

G