Weird smell from my Stingray

[Sunhutch]

About 6 months ago I got a used MM Stingray4 HH from CL. Recently Ive noticied a weird smell come from the pickup closest to the neck when I take it out of the case or if its not plugged in. Doesnt really smell burnt and Ive never seen smoke or felt any heat. The best I can describe is its like that metallic smell right before something like a speaker or circuit get fried. Funny thing is after the bass is plugged in the smell goes away. Not sure if this is normal or if I need to get it checked out.

I havent noticed any difference in the sound or performance of the bass. The pickup switch seems to work in all positions as well.

Im pretty new when it comes to all things bass so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Jonyak]

its possible one of the capacitors is leaking, or the battery.

pull the battery out, see if its leaking.

if not pull off the control plate and inspect the preamp. make sure none of the capacitors is bulging, or leaking.

if it is, and you know about this stuff, desolder it and replace it with one of the same value.

if not take it to a tech.

[DUC1098]

Capacitors, at least the "can" style, really reek when they are leaking or blow up, so the description doesn't seem to fit. Checking the battery is worth while, but if that isn't it I would bring it to a tech.

Sounds like something is shorting out or overheating. You may want to consider removing the battery, just for safety sake, when you are not using it. Shorting out electronics near wood is not a good combination.

It wouldn't surprise me to find out that this is why the previous owner sold it.

[Sunhutch]

Battery compartment looks fine and nothing in the control cavity looks abnormal. I have taken the battery out on a few occasions when not using it and the smell is not there.

I guess at this point I should get someone to check it out. Anybody know of a good tech in the San Antonio area?