just purchased an old P Bass with active installed. What to do?

rich18rich · #1 01-09-2011, 05:52 PM

The input jack probably needs replacing because there's a lot of noise when my cable is jiggled. I pulled up the pickguard and found some pretty simple wiring and a 9-volt battery. I just tried to tune with my Strobostomp tuner and couldn't get a reading, even after putting new batteries in both. My concerns are that: 1. If I kill a battery will I lose my sound, possibly at a show? 2. Is this thing wired correctly? and 3. Why can't I use my tuner? I've fallen in love with this pedal. I could use some help and/or opinions. I have a multimeter. If I post some pics, would someone be willing to walk me through a diagnostic procedure?
Thanks to any and all and keep up the awesome dialogs!
Richie Rich
p.s. I have a feeling I'm gonna end up biting the bullet and bringing it in to a pro but I wanna teach myself how to take care of some, if not all, of this stuff. It's bad enough that it's missing the top two frets. (that'll be done by a pro. I'm not gonna risk destroying my first real PBass). No worries, It's still very playable. Just re-strung it last night.
Later!

darkstorm · #2 01-09-2011, 07:32 PM

Does it make sound ok? I asume not since no rewading with tuner. If not then the preamp maybe shot or have a loose wire. Its worth replaceing the preamp if its shot. P basses with active 2 or 3 band eq onboard are wonderful things. Nice preamps like those made by basslines are gettable starting at just about $50. So it isnt a expensive fix/replacement.

walterw · #3 01-09-2011, 10:11 PM

if you're getting sound but the tuner won't track, it usually means you're getting significant low freq hum as well.

rich18rich · #4 01-11-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

if you're getting sound but the tuner won't track, it usually means you're getting significant low freq hum as well.

And what does that mean? How is is fixed?

Immigrant · #5 01-14-2011, 06:07 PM

I had a Peavey that had goofy wiring issues, and I too want to learn how to fix it all. I dropped in my favorite non-GC guitar store with the cover off the back. I figured I needed new pots as they were either on or off, no real volume control. The guy looked at it and described what to do. Done deal. Lucky to have a cool store nearby.