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Is my bass fried?

B

blackshift

Apr 16, 2008
21
0
42
Brooklyn, New York
#1
Not sure if this is the correct forum, but mods can move if necessary.


Yesterday, I did some playing in the morning as normal and when I tried playing in the evening, all I got was one big buzz out of my amp. Thought it was funny, so I tried tuning it and and the tuner reads a constant flat Low B. Tried this morning and the same thing.


I got it off of ebay in 2008. An SB-1 copy if I remember correctly.
It was OK, I guess, as a beginner's bass. But since it was my first (sentimental), I'd like to know if it can be saved or if I should just chuck it?
 
#11
mcnach said:
You say the output jack is a bit wobbly?
You got your problem there. Easy fix.
Click to expand...

I guess this is my first lesson in repairs. Would I have to open it up or could I just tighten it up with pliers?



Ken R said:
If you want to bring it to Dayton NJ, I will fix it for you. No charge unless it needs parts.
Just one TB'er doing another a favor.

Ken R
Click to expand...

I don't have a car now, but thanks.:)
 
#12
blackshift said:
I guess this is my first lesson in repairs. Would I have to open it up or could I just tighten it up with pliers?
Click to expand...


Don't be a guitar player. Bass players FIX loose jacks. You can just tighten it up with pliers, but they have a bad habit of slipping and scratching the bass. Use a wrench of the proper size or even an adjustable one if possible. Best is one of those tools that looks like a screwdriver with a socket on the end that fits the jack nut.

But given that you've got a huge hum, there is a real possibility that a wire has broken off the jack since it was loose for so long. IF it still hums after being tightened, you'll need to get to the backside of the jack. Not being exactly sure how your bass is built, that could mean taking a panel off the rear of the bass, taking the control plate (with the knobs on it) off of the front of the bass or possibly taking the entire pickguard off. Once you can see the jack look for broken wires and solder it back on where it broke off.

If you aren't up to this job, then have someone do it for you and if ALL possible watch them do it and try to learn as much as you can about what is going on. OK?
 
#14
bassbenj said:
Don't be a guitar player. Bass players FIX loose jacks. You can just tighten it up with pliers, but they have a bad habit of slipping and scratching the bass. Use a wrench of the proper size or even an adjustable one if possible. Best is one of those tools that looks like a screwdriver with a socket on the end that fits the jack nut.

But given that you've got a huge hum, there is a real possibility that a wire has broken off the jack since it was loose for so long. IF it still hums after being tightened, you'll need to get to the backside of the jack. Not being exactly sure how your bass is built, that could mean taking a panel off the rear of the bass, taking the control plate (with the knobs on it) off of the front of the bass or possibly taking the entire pickguard off. Once you can see the jack look for broken wires and solder it back on where it broke off.

If you aren't up to this job, then have someone do it for you and if ALL possible watch them do it and try to learn as much as you can about what is going on. OK?
Click to expand...
OK. After some time off, being sick for a bit, I decided to open it up and I saw that I do have a wire split. Unfortunately, I've been looking up instructions to solder it and , surprise!, I don't have any of the tools.


How much would this cost to get it fixed in a shop?
 

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