FIXED: Spector-Aguilar / buzzing issue

[Bald-N-Bassy]

I recently received a used Spector Ethos 4 in a trade. I was told it had some noise and grounding issues. This one is equipped with an Aguilar AGP and HCJ pickups with an Aguilar OBP-2 preamp.

First thing I did was pull a schematic and compare. Everything seemed to be wired correctly. After some troubleshooting, I came to the conclusion the preamp is bad. Since I purchased this bass used, I didnt even try to make a warranty claim.

Ordered an Audere Classic preamp with Vol - Bal - Treb - Bass.
Shielded all the cavities, installed preamp, and its silent now!
I am not a spector purist by any means, this preamp sounds great with the Aguilar pickups.

Ive read a few folks are having issues with their Aguilar electronics in their Spectors. Shame that basses at this price point are having issues with quality products from Aguilar.

 

[bholder]

Glad you got it sorted.

 

[avi]

Sorry about your Agi. I just installed an Audere in my Chapman. Sounds fantastic with Duncan blackouts. Also love the Agi HC's. I have the J's in a Yamaha. Thinking about putting an Audere into my Legend that has Barts. Between my Chapman with the Audere (which is really loud!) and my NS4CR that has a EMG bts (which is also pretty loud) the Legend sounds anemic. I was considering an obp2 that someone local pulled from an Ethos but now maybe not! Maybe I'll just go with the Audere.

 

[avi]

Beauty of a bass!

 

[Bald-N-Bassy]

@avi the obp-2 sounded great. I was aware of the issue when I bought it. Just didn’t know it was the preamp. I figured maybe just a bad ground etc.

I have used the audere preamps in a few basses and liked the results. My last bass had aguilar pickups and an Audere preamp. I had a basic idea of what kind of tone to expect.