Dlx. Active Jazz Bass pickup issues...please help!

[tim68]

Just got a brand new MIM Fender Deluxe active Jazz in today, from a "pay as you play" place. Still sealed tight in factory packaging, looks pristine. The issue is that the bridge pickup is barely audible, when knob is turned all the way to bridge position (this bass has a blend knob, not two volume, for those who don't know).
Then, almost immediately, just as you start turning the knob back to center, the neck pickup seems to engage. Sound from neck pickup is clear and strong. Already tried switching battery, just to see. No difference. Didn't figure it would be the battery, anyway. Yes, I can return it, but before I go through the time and hassle of all that, I'm just wondering if there's anything fairly simple DIY that I could try. Could it be the pickup? Blend pot?
I just really love the bass, and would love to be able to start enjoying it asap.

 

[tim68]

Anybody?

To simplify my question..
The bridge pickup is VERY low output. The neck pickup overpowers the bridge by a very sizable amount. In my normal playing, this is fine, because I rarely use the bridge pickup on a J....BUT.. it being a brand new bass, I want everything to work right.
I've been reading up on how these basses are really low output for active, anyway.
So, could this be in the realm of "normal" for this bass? The bridge pickup works...It's just really weak. Everything else works great, no weird noises, popping, etc.

 

[tim68]

No response at all? Okay. Just sent it back, anyway.

 

[khutch]

Those basses do have low output but the pickups are balanced so what you describe is not normal. Sending it back as you did or having a local Fender shop look at it are the correct responses.

 

[Geri O]

Especially if it's under warranty. Don't do ANYTHING to it, lest they claim tampering and void your warranty.