Fender elite jazz bass drops volume/clarity

If it works and fails intermittently it is probably a connection. You could take a look at the solder joints but you might start with the switch because that's the most likely mechanical part that could fail and the next thing I'd check is the battery harness. That you noticed it corrects when you beat it I'd look at the switch. Even replacing the switch is pretty easy. Wonder if it is in passive and you hit on it does it jump settings the other way? Or try tapping the switch. Does it toggle under incidental contact on the switch?

 

Firstly, go inside the control cavities and make sure the connection to the batteries is good and the little plug from the batteries to the preamp board is securely connected.

It sounds like the preamp is turning off and the drop in volume you are hearing is the bass in passive mode. If the battery connection is solid, maybe check (or have it checked) for the battery power dropping out somehow.

I had an Elite Jazz a little while back and I putzed around a bit with the preamp. All of this is a guess.

Good luck..

 

I agree with Geri O and Killing Floor and would guess that it is a failing cold solder connection on the preamp circuit board. I had a similar problem with mine, but it was affecting the midrange control. That was before I gutted the original electronics and replaced them with an Aguilar preamp.