78 fender Precision question

martha · #1 06-02-2010, 12:45 PM

Hi,

I have just bought my first real bass guitar, I had a Squire up til now, and I need some help. I've got it on a week trial, got it delivered, and it seems the tone pot, and to a lesser extent the volume pot, is broken. The tone pot doesn't alter the tone and just makes a dirty connection sound. Has anyone experienced this and should I send it back or try and replace the pots? If so what with?

Otherwise it is a lovely bass and I am keen to keep it.

I know this is my first post but I would be grateful for any help.

Thanks

johnk_10 · #2 06-02-2010, 12:52 PM

the pots are probably still fine (they can last a long time) .just remove the pickguard and make sure that it's wired like this, and make sure that the grounds are good:

http://support.fender.com/diagrams/b...190116CPg2.pdf

and you may want to clean the pots with Caig DeOxit while you're in there.

Spinal Tapper · #3 06-02-2010, 12:55 PM

Also, maybe try doing full turns with the knobs back and forth for a few minutes and see if any of the crackling loosens up - I've noticed this works more on amps that don't get the knobs turned as often, they build up static whatever, but that remedy also fixed my 1962 P when I got it a few weeks ago

martha · #4 06-02-2010, 01:09 PM

thanks guys I will try both your suggestions.

P-punk · #5 06-02-2010, 01:25 PM

If you still got some money left after the bass purchase; take it to a luthier/bass tech and have him take a look at it, and maybe do a set up at the same time.

Don't know the rates at your location, but it won't cost much, and will probably make you like the bass even better.

Spinal Tapper · #6 06-02-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-punk

If you still got some money left after the bass purchase; take it to a luthier/bass tech and have him take a look at it, and maybe do a set up at the same time.

Don't know the rates at your location, but it won't cost much, and will probably make you like the bass even better.

+1 this is probably the best idea

lug · #7 06-02-2010, 02:16 PM

Plus, pots are the easiest thing on a bass to fix/replace. If you are happy with the rest of the bass and the price, I'd keep it.