Low output/weird buzz from P-Bass. Help!

[Bulky Bass]

Hi everyone,
I have a P-Bass that when plugged in, has a very low output in terms of volume and bottom end and when I take my fingers off the strings, a really annoying buzzing rumble emits. The amp is fine, cables are fine and knobs on bass turn with no crackling. When I plug in my other two P-basses into the amp on the same volume setting they sound dead quiet with lots of clean, loud tone and bottom. Should I spray contact cleaner in the input jack and on the pickup or is a wire loose inside? Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

 

[Nick B.]

Volume pot?

 

[Bulky Bass]

How would I troubleshoot that? Right now the volume knob turns with no static. Should I take the volume pot out and clean it or do you think it should just be replaced assuming that's the problem. Thanks.

 

[DannDubblewe]

You could try contact cleaner. If that doesn't work (it sounds like your problem lies deeper) open it up and take pictures if you can to get a better diagnosis from us. Even if you can't, open it up and inspect the wiring ensuring good solder connections on all points. Make sure there aren't any loose, frayed or totally unconnected cables. It could possibly be a very simple problem.

 

[mr79redbird]

I had a bass with same problem.Switched the pots &problem solved,not sure if it was bad soldering or a bad pot some of the original connections looked a little yellow and burned.This was in a epiphone.Best of luck

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Pics would help tremendously. Sounds like a wiring or pot issue. You might solve the issue by spraying contact cleaner in the pot & twisting it a few times, then resolder any suspect connections.

 

[Bulky Bass]

I bought some contact cleaner today and will take the pickguard off tomorrow and see what's going on and give you guys a report. I'll try to take photos as well if that doesn't work. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

And btw, one of my other basses is the p/j bass I got from Dan a few months ago and all I can say is that puppy is dead quiet and clean sounding. I'm still amazed at how much fun it is to play. Thanks again for making such a kick ass instrument!

 

[seanm]

How would I troubleshoot that? Right now the volume knob turns with no static. Should I take the volume pot out and clean it or do you think it should just be replaced assuming that's the problem. Thanks.

Temporarily solder the pickups directly to the output jack.

 

[Bulky Bass]

I just took the pickguard off, sprayed contact cleaner on the pots, input jack and pickup and the problem still persists. All the wires look ok and there is shielding on the underside of the pick guard. The bass is a Lakland Skyline P-Bass so it's fairly new. I've exhausted my abilities and looks like it's going to a tech this week. Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[spiritbass]

I would suggest checking the ground connection from the bridge to the controls. If you want to get really thorough, remove the bridge and remove any oxidation from the wire at that end (scrape it with a knife). Even more thoroughness: scrape the bottom of the bridge where it will make contact with the wire. When re-installing, put the wire in a new location (where it was previously located, there will be a dent). Good grounds and low-resistance connections are critical when dealing with milivolts. Inside the control cavity, make sure nothing un-insulated is touching the sides and sending your signal to ground. I hope all this made sense to you.