Blend knob cuts out bridge when turned fully to bridge

[CanuckBassist]

This is well beyond my basic knowledge, but I’m trying to diagnose the issue before I take it to a shop as last resort. Turnaround times are long these days.

I have an active bass, an Ibanez BTB515E. When I turn the blend knob fully to bridge pickup, the bridge (and neck of course) pickup cuts out. I’ve noticed the bridge pickup cuts out completely and abruptly at about 70% turn away from the neck pickup. Before 70%, I can still hear some of the bridge.

I tried using a multimeter to check the blend pot. I checked the resistance between the ground wire and each of the pickup source wire. When the knob is turned fully in each direction, the corresponding pickup’s resistance goes to zero. I assume that means the pot works.

If this is a common or obvious problem, please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

What was your plan if you weren't going to take it to a stringed-instrument repair-person?

According to Ibanez, this is the drawing:

the blend pot is probably kaput

 

[CanuckBassist]

Ah, I was hoping the pot was fine after the multimeter test. Thought maybe it could’ve been a wiring/soldering issue. May just have to go without the bass for 2-3 weeks or play with only neck pickup for now...

 

[lz4005]

If this is a common or obvious problem, please let me know. Thanks!

First diagnostic step: Put the blend in the middle and tap on the bridge pickup with a piece of steel. If it doesn't make noise through your amp that pickup is either disconnected or broken.

 

[CanuckBassist]

First diagnostic step: Put the blend in the middle and tap on the bridge pickup with a piece of steel. If it doesn't make noise through your amp that pickup is either disconnected or broken.

The bridge pickup definitely still works. I just tried tapping, and I can also hear it mixed in with the neck when the blend is in the middle and up to about 70% towards bridge. Beyond 70%, the bridge cuts out completely.

 

[lz4005]

The bridge pickup definitely still works. I just tried tapping, and I can also hear it mixed in with the neck when the blend is in the middle and up to about 70% towards bridge. Beyond 70%, the bridge cuts out completely.

Replace the pot then. It's broken.