Recently, the volume pot on my neck pickup broke. It's a simple passive pickup configuration and I was wondering how difficult it is to put in a new one. I have minimal experience with soldering (I learned a little in computer science class in highschool, but that is mostly forgotten), but I can get a soldering iron from the WallyMart for about 30 bucks. I tried searching the forums for a guide on replacing potentiometers but couldn't find anything. There is also a wire connecting the bridge and neck pickup that isn't connected anymore (gotta love basses from Craigslist! I got it in workable condition for $175 though so I can't really complain). Thoughts?
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Fixing Potentiometers on Fender MIM jazz
- Thread starter MaxsBeard
- Start date
Does the neck pickup work?
If not, does it work after you touch the broken ground wire to the back of the pot where it broke off?
With a Jazz Bass, the ground circuit is probably maintained through the control plate, but I'm wondering if the broken ground wire is the problem, not the pot itself.
Beyond that, you'd simply buy a new pot of the same value and solder the wires to the new pot in the same orientation.
There are other things to consider, but I don't want to clutter this post too much.
Where are you located?
If not, does it work after you touch the broken ground wire to the back of the pot where it broke off?
With a Jazz Bass, the ground circuit is probably maintained through the control plate, but I'm wondering if the broken ground wire is the problem, not the pot itself.
Beyond that, you'd simply buy a new pot of the same value and solder the wires to the new pot in the same orientation.
There are other things to consider, but I don't want to clutter this post too much.
Where are you located?
This is a great opportunity to learn how to solder. There are many videos on YouTube showing how it's done. A new pot is less than $5.00 You can probably find a soldering iron ( 30 watt) in a pawn shop for $10 Clean surfaces and proper heat are the things to achieve.
Rocky
Rocky
honestly I'm not sure if the pick up works... it was working fine, but I got the pot caught on something and it over extended. Now it will only move 25% of it's rotation and when it does that it makes a scraping sound/vibration... I was getting a few sounds when I touched the wire to where it was connected, but they were more like just touching the end of your 1/4' cable when it's plugged into your amp, little static, but no actual tone. My guess is the pot is broken in the "off" position... The pot or the pickup has given me trouble since day one though...
Thanks for the suggestions!
Thanks for the suggestions!
Here's my advice:
1) Get a soldering IRON, not a soldering gun. Try RadioShack, WalMart probably just carries soldering guns. A soldering gun will work, but they are awkward and less than ideal for guitar/bass electronics work. Buy electronics (rosin core) solder, don't use plumbing solder.
2) Buy a cheap multi-meter, aka. volt-ohm meter or digital multimeter. Auto parts stores have them, it should measure DC volts, AC volts, and OHMS (resistance). Without a meter to check things out, you'll be as lost as a blind person driving. With a multimeter, it's very easy to confirm if a pickup is "good" or not.
For replacement pots, you'll probably have to buy one at Guitar Center (if there's one in your locale), or buy one mail order.
1) Get a soldering IRON, not a soldering gun. Try RadioShack, WalMart probably just carries soldering guns. A soldering gun will work, but they are awkward and less than ideal for guitar/bass electronics work. Buy electronics (rosin core) solder, don't use plumbing solder.
2) Buy a cheap multi-meter, aka. volt-ohm meter or digital multimeter. Auto parts stores have them, it should measure DC volts, AC volts, and OHMS (resistance). Without a meter to check things out, you'll be as lost as a blind person driving. With a multimeter, it's very easy to confirm if a pickup is "good" or not.
For replacement pots, you'll probably have to buy one at Guitar Center (if there's one in your locale), or buy one mail order.
Here you go:
Invalid Link Removed - $10 w/ everything you need plus basic instructions.
Invalid Link Removed - $6.50
It isn't that hard to do. Just make notes of what goes where before you unsolder the wires.
Good luck!
Invalid Link Removed - $10 w/ everything you need plus basic instructions.
Invalid Link Removed - $6.50
It isn't that hard to do. Just make notes of what goes where before you unsolder the wires.
Good luck!
