Volume controls won't turn off!

[JohnL]

I am modding a MIJ Jazz for my son. Everything works fine with the volume and tone controls turned all the way up. However, when the controls turned all the way down, the signal still comes through, at about 1/4 the original volume. No sweat, I thought, needs new pots and a cap. I purchased 3 new 250k pots and a new cap, printed the j-bass wiring diagram off of stewmac.com, and replaced everything. However, this did not solve the problem. I've checked and re-checked all connections, and they are correct according to the diagram. The bass works fine turned up, but the problem is that he can't turn down to tune mid set without unplugging from the amp. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Stan Hinesley]

Make sure that the #3 terminal on the volume control is soldered and making good contact with the pot case. Then check all of your ground connections to make sure they are making good connections.

[JohnL]

#3 is bent upwards and soldered directly to the pot. All grounds are wired according to the diagram.

[cheapbasslovin]

You could try pulling one pickup, and then the other and see if you can narrow it down that way. Make sure to do both, because if it is an interaction problem then just removing one will seem like you've narrowed it down when maybe they both will work without the other.

Could it be you cooked the pot by soldering it? I've never heard what that sounds like so I can't be sure from your description. If that is the case the way to tell would be to get new pots and test them with terminal connectors or clips or something before you solder to see if it works before you start with the smoke.

Another thing may be to try 500K pots in the volume positions. A little extra resistance may go a long way.

Some ideas, but nothing I'd take to the bank.

[jackson_bass]

It sure sounds like a grounding problem to me. You may be missing a ground somewhere.

[ehque]

Me thinks you wired the wiper of the pot to the pickup instead of to the output. The symptoms are such.