Stingray EQ gone wacky

normalized · #1 02-05-2010, 09:21 PM

Got a fairly new Stingray, a month into it (about now) I noticed crackling that increased over time. Today a new development, there was no sound. Played around with it and noticed this phenomenon:

If the low end switch (the last knob) is anywhere past the mid point (right past the notch) the bass goes silent. Roll it back down and the sound appears. The other EQ knobs (mid and highs) works.

Intermittently (more often not) the low end boost works but the noise increases until it goes dead and goes away.

Also if the battery is removed, there is no sound at all no matter what you do with the knobs.

Is this a faulty pre-amp or switch?

KeithPas · #2 02-05-2010, 09:30 PM

I don;t think it should operate without a battery so that is normal but the other problem is strange.

eastcoasteddie · #3 02-05-2010, 09:40 PM

no battery = no sound

the other stuff...maybe problem...
Perhaps it would be a good idea to contact EBMM customer service on that.

normalized · #4 02-05-2010, 10:02 PM

I went ahead and emailed EBMM already.

Up to now, I was able to play the bass with the battery removed. When I took the battery out, only the volume knob worked, the EQ switches were disabled. Now nothing works when the battery is removed.

TheMusicManGuy · #5 02-06-2010, 06:15 AM

you tried changing the battery?

mcnach · #6 02-06-2010, 06:50 AM

do you see any of the wiring coming off the bass control touching other wires/body of pots etc? Perhaps it's shorting intermittently (crackling) when the bass control is engaged... and over time the short has become permanent (until you notice the wire that's giving you trouble).
I've had similar problems (but not exactly) sometimes when rewiring an instrument and putting all the wires back in the control cavity. Suddenly something touches where it shouldn't and you get issues. Once located, just redo the connection or use some insulating tape to prevent the problem.

HOWEVER! As your bass is fairly new... if you open it and don't see anything obvious... leave it alone and get it fixed *under warranty*. If the preamp itself is faulty, they'll fix it. If the preamp is faulty but there are signs that you messed with it... you'll have to pay for it yourself.

fleabee · #7 02-06-2010, 06:57 AM

If its NOT under warranty, open the control cavity and take some detailed pics. A visual would be a great help. Might be a super simple fix

**Freddels** · #8 02-06-2010, 07:13 AM

If you bought it used there is no warranty. EBMM warranties do not transfer.

But contact EBMM customer service anyway since they know their instruments. Sounds like you have a loose connection.

bassramos · #9 02-06-2010, 07:18 AM

EBMM 1800 543 2255. Very nice and helpful

normalized · #10 02-06-2010, 09:04 AM

thanks guys for all the advice. It was bought new around the end of the year.

I'm bringing it over to a tech friend of mine today for him to take a look, but I'll heed the warning to just inspect for anything obvious. if it's not an obvious wiring fix, I'll just forward it to EBMM, I'll also give them a call today (or monday) and see what happens.

bongomania · #11 02-06-2010, 09:26 AM

Just to be sure, did you try a new battery?

danomite64 · #12 02-06-2010, 10:11 AM

I had a similar problem with my '80 Sabre. If I turned the volume knob, the volume would disappear for a few seconds, then come back on. I checked the wiring and replaced the battery. I tried replacing the tone pot, but all of that didn't work. I suppose it was an issue with the preamp itself, but I don't know what it was exactly.