If I turn my pickups volume(on the bass) over 25%, or my amp volume over 50%, its making a terrible buzzing sound, then if volume and pickups are turned even higher, its starting making a warped sound, almost like a bad distortion. I suspect that its the amps fault, but is there way to fix this problem, or do I just need to spend $800 on an amp?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Amp Making Horrible Fart/Buzzing Sound
- Thread starter Bass Ace89bi
- Start date
Troubleshooting starts at the bass. You need to find something else to plug in, same cable, same everything else.
If active bass, change the battery.
If there’s a line voltage switch on the back of the amp, cycle it with the power off and ensure that it is set to the correct voltage, I assume 220.
If there’s a line voltage switch on the back of the amp, cycle it with the power off and ensure that it is set to the correct voltage, I assume 220.
And the basic question, has it ever sounded good, and if so did it start sounding bad slowly or quickly?
Bass is a Yamaha RBX 800A, amp is AXL AA-B15, 15W, original Yamaha pickups.
Yes, it used to sound fine at high and low volumes, but it slowly got worse, then I changed the battery on the bass, and it stopped. Was fine for 2 months, then the buzzing returned, and worsened quickly. I changed the battery again, swapping the Energizer for a Duracell, but the buzzing sound remained.
Any other instruments and leads you can try? In this context a 6 string would be worth trying if you have no bass available.
Stop putting the bass down with the lead still plugged in.
You hav to try the bass in another amp. This will tell you if it’s the instrument or the amp. Take you bass to a music store if you have no other alternative.
Re your jack nuts tight? Check both instrument and amp end.
If changing the battery fixed it in the past, perhaps a ground wire on the bass came undone. Inspect inside the battery cavity, looking for anything obvious.
Just looked inside the bass, the black wire that goes into the battery was falling apart, and ripped when I gently took the battery out, I put tape on it, and put it into another battery. Still sounds the same. Probably should solder the wire.
