Epiphone Thunderbird electronics

[Spiffmeister]

Howdy!

I've got an Epiphone Thunderbird that I'm customizing, with the first (important) part alraedy done: conversion to 5-er.

Now, there's a problem with the tone-knob. When it's rolled down, the tone roles down véry gently, but the volume drops a lot. Only when the volume on the neck pickup is at 9.5 or 10, the tone knob works like it should: no volume drop and less treble. Obviously, this isn't very practical...

My luthier said he'd have to replace all of the electronics to fix it, because it's Chinese made, and replacing the tone pot doesn't guarantee fixing the problem...

I don't know if that's true? Is it worth modding/upgrading the electronics on this bass? I don't mind spending money on the bass, so upgrading electronics is an option, but I don't want a preamp, because I love the fact that it's a passive bass. I would like a 1 volume knob instead of blended volumes though, but then I only have one knob left for tone, and one for... I don't know?

Does anyone have any modding/upgrading/repair advice?

 

[tiger_rich]

I went with EMG p/u's and and electronics

 

[Spiffmeister]

Well, mine's a limited edition Silverburst T-bird, and I'm quite fond of the pickups, visually and soundwise. So I'd just want to replace the electronics. Any ideas?

 

[funnyfingers]

I have an Epiphone Classic Pro and not sure if they use similar pots, but they are crap... I don't know what you mean by all electronics if this is passive, but replacing the pots is a good idea.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Hm, mine's passive. But the pots might be the same indeed.

I'm thinking of either replacing the pots, or changing their function. Like, one main volume, one tone, and one blend knob, or a 3 way switch for blending like on my Yamaha BB415. But I don't know if that's even possible...

 

[jdb72]

Here is something to take a look at!
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Spiffmeister]

Ooh, those look nice and expensive

But what exactly would such a tone pot do? Enhance tone in some way? More pronounced low end? Would it fix the volume loss from my current tone pot?

 

[jdb72]

There are some videos on youtube.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Ah sweet, I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[funnyfingers]

If there is volume loss from the tone knob are you sure it is not shorting after the word you did? Sounds like you got it and it worked fine, then you converted it to a 5 string, which I imagine involves the bridge being replaced. That is connected to a ground. While replacing that could you have pulled a wire? Get a multimeter and check out the resistance between various points.

 

[Spiffmeister]

Hi funnyfingers,

No, the tone loss was already present before the conversion. There hasnt been any mods or work near the electronics. I checked for ground issues near the pots and wires (that's how far my electronics skills go though), and it all seems in order.

It's not such a huge issue, i can EQ myself a way out of it, and my amp defines my tone mostly. But if there's a fix combined with some sort of upgrade, I'd consider it. I plan on using this bass a lot, I don't mind investing in it.