Steinberger XP2 Bass - Tone Knob Issue?

TragicHero · #1 08-12-2010, 10:05 PM

I've been wanting a Steinberger for awhile, and an XP2 in reasonable price range ($900) was on eBay. On impulse I bid and won.

Got the bass, plays nicely. I noticed the tone knob if I'm correct (rear knob) was crackling when turned up. After a few minutes it stop crackling and no longer altered the sound at all when turned up. At the time I thought it was an active pickup knob and had died. I opened up the battery slot and replaced the battery but nothing. After web searching, it said that was the passive tone knob.

Also a few frets on the high string buzz a little but not really when amplified. Not a huge deal.

Overall I'm happy to have the bass but should I be that concerned about the tone knob to warrant a return? Is it something pricey to fix?

I emailed the seller who has 100% feedback for info.

Thanks.

ehque · #2 08-13-2010, 12:01 AM

You can replace a tone knob with basic soldering skills. A passive tone knob will run you less than $10.

number11 · #3 08-13-2010, 01:29 AM

If it has a battery it might not be a standard XP2.

Look at the EMG logo on the pickup. If its in a corner of the pickup, its active ( with passive tone controls)

If it is midway between the edges of the narrowest side, its passive.

Another way to tell is if the scratchplate itself has a battery compartment as part of it.

I would buy an original EMG tone pot though

throbgod13 · #4 08-13-2010, 04:58 AM

you could try to squirt it out with Caig DeOxit5, and work the knob back and forth through the sweep.. work the knob about 30-40 times, full sweep.. if that does not work, you will most likely have to replace the pot..

replace the pot with one from EMG.. if you can't replace the pot on your own, take it to a competent tech for replacement..

TragicHero · #5 08-13-2010, 08:16 AM

Thanks for the replies so far. Ok, so this doesn't seem to be a huge concern for anyone so far. That's reassuring.

I am bummed they didn't say anything about this in the auction. I find it a little hard to think it just started during shipping. Maybe the seller just didn't play it much to know.

I've been able to compensate for the tone knob with my amp. I'm not much of a techie but I do have a great tech nearby.

The upside of keeping this bass is I like everything else about it, and it seems to have all original parts, and is in great shape otherwise. I just hope nothing else starts going wrong.

number11 · #6 08-13-2010, 09:43 AM

In fairness, its a Steinie - there's not much else CAN go wrong

The bridge jaws can snap, but stainless steel replacements are cheap on eBay

Enjoy!!

TragicHero · #7 08-13-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by number11

In fairness, its a Steinie - there's not much else CAN go wrong

The bridge jaws can snap, but stainless steel replacements are cheap on eBay

Enjoy!!

Thanks!