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Charvel San-Dimas Pro-Mod IV... preamp is now FUZZ ONLY

henryjurstin13

henryjurstin13

Supporting Member
Jun 5, 2005
1,471
897
NWAR - 72764
#1
So, I grabbed a deal on one of these new Charvel basses... I'm new to preamp basses, as I tend to only play passive basses. It's been fine, but this week - I grab it from the rack, plug it up, and now the preamp is producing a gated fuzz sound. Passive mode, the volume & blend still work 100%. I've tried new batteries, different cables, different amps, no effects/straight in, etc... I've even tried to move the preamp gain trimpot in both directions, as well as find it's sweet spot - NOTHING CHANGES.

Now, this built in gated fuzz might be the coolest thing ever for some songs... but, it leaves the preamp useless and I already own cool fuzz pedals. :) Anyone experience anything like this? I've sent an email to Charvel, but I don't have the highest of hopes for warranty repairs coming from FMIC. Obviously, I could just rip the preamp out & go passive, or invest a few bills in a new preamp.... but, I'm kinda hoping it's an easier fix (since it was just fine a few days ago).

SDimBPMPJ4PP-large.jpg
 
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#3
ole Jason said:
Do you have a loose wire somewhere? What you're describing is what happens when the battery is dying in an active preamp. Strange that changing the battery and adjusting the trimpot produces no audible changes.
Click to expand...
I didn't find any loose wires, but I'll double check & look again.... and I agree, I just knew a new battery would fix it (but, the 2 new ones I bought did nothing; and the old ones sounded the same too).
 
#4
henryjurstin13 said:
I didn't find any loose wires, but I'll double check & look again.... and I agree, I just knew a new battery would fix it (but, the 2 new ones I bought did nothing; and the old ones sounded the same too).
Click to expand...

Just to rule it out, if there is no battery installed is the preamp silent when activated? The fuzz would imply it's drawing some power from the battery but not enough to do it's thing.
 
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