Just picked up a BC Rich nj Warlock and it sounds scratchy and low.. help

No you didn't.

 

No pics, No bass

Sounds like a dirty jack if it's scratchy all the time. Might be pots if it's scratchy when adjusting.

 

You may get lucky just inserting and removing the cable repeatedly.

There are some sprays called DeOxit, but I can't tell you which formula to pick. Some of them are too aggressive and will do long term damage to your pots.

Besides, it's an imaginary bass

 

Omg. Tell me you didn't pay sticker price for that.

That is maybe double what I think it should be.

 

Assuming it isn’t the amp it sounds like dirty connections or maybe even bad solder joints inside. See if you can clean up the Jack and the pots (searching this forum will get you products) and worst (or maybe best) case scenario is you replace all the electronics. That should be fairly simple given what is pictured, looks like passive split coil pickup with volume and tone control.

 

Deoxit D5 is the spray you want. Use sparingly. Especially on the pots.

 

A clear picture of the inside of the control cavity may be useful for diagnosing the problem.

 

It can be something as simple as a dirty or loose jack connection. There’s also the possibility of corrosion or dirt in the jack or pots, or (worse case) the pickup is shorted.

Fortunately, that bass uses a single split-coil pickup and a V/T knob. So any wiring diagram for a Precision Bass will work if you need to repair or replace the electronics.

Open the control cavity and look for loose or frayed wires and things like rust or dirt.

I’d start by looking at the jack. Are the contacts rusty? If so a light sanding with some very fine 3M sandpaper should get it off.

Next insert your cord and look at the back of the jack while you give it a wiggle. Is it making good contact? Does it look or feel loose? If it is, it’s possible to gently bend the spring contact in a little to make better contact. Alternatively, you can just replace the jack.

If you own a multimeter you can check the DC resistance reading on your pickup. If it’s really low the pickup is probably shorted and will need to be replaced.