My DOA NBD: Sub5 Sterling MM
 

UPDATE: Rapid fire response from Sterling, going to try to repair this beast.

Played one in GC and thought, "Hey this is great"

1. I rarely need a 5-string
2. This ones really light
3. $299 is a great price (especially if I hold out for a 15% off coupon)

The one at my local GC sold so I ordered one and I get it today, all looks good, the frets and action are great, I go to plug it in and the electronics are screwed up:

The volume is just about half of a passive Fender and the hum is just unusable. I would as far to say the hum is as loud as the signal.

I tried a new battery, touching my fingers to the bridge and strings and nothing tames the hum.

Can anyone offer any insight? I really like the weight and fretwork and don't want to send it back if it's a simple fix.

Oh and here's my obligatory photo!

Take it to GC and have their guy take a look at it. I'm pretty sure it's wiring into the preamp. Try a PM to SBMM (he posts here for SBMM) asking for the schematic.

That should help clear it up.

All the best,

Bob

based on what you said - weak signal and lots of hum...sounds like a bad ground connection. possibly right at the jack.

Thanks guys! I'll try to look up the Sterling guy.