Fix it? . . . or leave it alone?

[Boz68]

I recently assembled a parts jazz bass, converting a standard to an active using a Fender active preamp. Even before setup, I plugged in and it sounded incredible. After playing for a bit, I started tweaking the controls and discovered through adjusting the blend that only the neck pickup was working. Am I wrong to leave it? The "fixer" in me wants to find the problem and fix it . . . but damn it sounds good.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Are you going to use the control on the bridge pickup or not?

 

[funkinbottom]

I don't think it's wrong not to fix, but personally, I would fix it. To me, having the bridge PU as an option is the reason I like Jazz basses. If you think it will change the sound too much, you can always go with a 3 position switch rather than a balance knob.

 

[bholder]

Fix it. It should retain that sound, and add other options, making it more versatile. It's not too hard to mess up blend wiring, fwiw.... Double check it.

 

[DWBass]

Fix it, man!!

 

[Deleted member 407575]

That bridge pickup is living rent-free in your bass! I say fix it.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I like versatility, so I would eventually fix it. However, if you're diggin' the sound so far, much like those who only need one pickup, then leave it until the urge becomes too strong to resist. Whether that urge is to fix it, or move it on to someone else, is completely up to you.



But, yeah...I would totally fix it.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I recently assembled a parts jazz bass, converting a standard to an active using a Fender active preamp.

I don't think it's wrong not to fix, but personally, I would fix it. To me, having the bridge PU as an option is the reason I like Jazz basses. If you think it will change the sound too much, you can always go with a 3 position switch rather than a balance knob.

That brings up a handful of questions;

1. Exactly, what kind of preamp are you installing?
2. Do you need pickups with the plastic ends to plug into said preamp?
3. Have you, or a guitar tech, checked the pickup with a multimeter, in case it's the blend pot, instead?
4. Can you install a 3-way switch onto a Fender preamp?

I won't be surprised if I think of more questions with every answer...'tis the way of things.

 

[Avezzano]

In most cases it is just a bad soldering. Something banal... check everything with a multimeter (tester)

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I recently assembled a parts jazz bass, converting a standard to an active using a Fender active preamp. Even before setup, I plugged in and it sounded incredible. After playing for a bit, I started tweaking the controls and discovered through adjusting the blend that only the neck pickup was working. Am I wrong to leave it? The "fixer" in me wants to find the problem and fix it . . . but damn it sounds good.

View attachment 7164281

Of course this can be fixed. You need to decide the repair is worth the trouble.

 

[Boz68]

Thanks all . . . you've confirmed what my gut was telling me. Hopefully fixing the bridge p/u just accentuates the awesomeness. I'll report back.

 

[Sharko]

If you fix it and decide you liked it better before the fix, you can always undo it

 

[Five or Six]

If you are going to sell it, fix it. If you aren't "ever" leave it alone.

 

[dune]

If you fix it and decide you liked it better before the fix, you can always undo it

That's what I was thinking. Take a pic or whatever and give it a go.

 

[singlemalt]

I gotta ask, did the bridge pup work before you started in to messing with the pre upgrade?

Just open it up and fix it. If it’s the pickup that’s gone, it’s a great opportunity to do a little hot rodding.

 

[atquinn]

If you think it's great with just the neck pickup, then sell it and buy a Precision!

 

[StringCanvas]

As much as I'm usually a "fix it" person, the thing that would worry me if you're in love with the sound is that changing something in the circuit changes it. In theory there SHOULDN'T be a difference, but if there's something that should be connected but doesn't have a good solder, or if changing it is going to change the flow of the signal at all, it can change it.

If you love the sound, keep the sound. You can always go hunt it down later if you fall out of love with its tone.

 

[JIO]

Fix it - you won't lose what you love about it and will gain more to love.

 

[39-Bassist]

Fix it to be used i someone else buys or uses it. Plus you already love how it sounds as is, so you may even get a better sound or more flexible tones to use.

 

[Lo-E]

Fix it. If you hate the result you can always break it again.