Waterstone 12 string Ozone

Cirk · #1 01-16-2011, 04:09 PM

I have a Waterstone 12 string Ozone bass, and I'm having some trouble with noise. I'm guessing it's the pickups. Any suggestions on how to remedy the situation? Should I change the pickups, and if so, what would you recommend? I like to stick with passive, and have always had good luck with Seymour Duncans.
Also, I'm running a fairly complex rig. For the bottom end, a Mesa 400+ and Mesa 4x10 flight case cab. For the top end, a Tube works OD, TC Electronics stereo chorus, Ernie Ball stereo volume pedal, DBX crossover (high out only) into a Carvin T100 power amp and 2 Ear Candy 1x12 open back cabs loaded with Eminence Legends. It's a loud rig, but the guitar side seems kinda weak. Should I change up the guitar processing? I'm real old school and stick with tube gear and analog processing.
Thanks for your input (pun intended).

grisezd · #2 01-16-2011, 04:32 PM

Is the noise something that changed, or has it always been noisey? Does the noise decrease when you have your hands on the strings? What about when you touch the output jack or shell. You might have lost a ground.

If the noise has always been there try to isolate if it's just one amp or the other, take out processors, etc.

If it's definitely the bass you could get the cavities shielded. If you like the sound of the pickups it would be a shame to change them.

What pickups are in that thing?

Cirk · #3 01-16-2011, 04:41 PM

It's always been noisy, and I don't think it's a ground issue. When I change over to one of my Warwicks, the noise is gone, so it's definitely the Waterstone. The pickups are stock, don't know what they are. Do they use different pickups in different models, or are they all the same?

Rob Martinez · #4 01-16-2011, 04:46 PM

They are humbuckers. I have a couple of Waterstone 12 string basses, a friend of mine has an Ozone, and they use the same PUs.

grisezd · #5 01-16-2011, 04:51 PM

I don't know that model. Is it similar to the 12 string they currently show on the website? If so, those are humbuckers. If you've got a noise with them I'd have it looked at before changing pickups. Those should be relatively quiet.

I've got the cheaper Indra with a different humbucker and the thing is dead quiet.