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Markbass Big Bang problem

darius8

darius8

Jan 12, 2009
1,192
26
S.F. Bay Area, California
#1
When I was at band practice last night the weirdest thing happened with the BB. I plugged in the cab (GK 2x10) and plugged in the bass (Fender standard Jazz) and turned on the BB. No sound was coming from the speakers and the power LED was blinking. The blinking power LED is suppose to indicate that a headphone is connected but there's no headphone connected. I tried plugging a headphone in the headphone jack and was able to listen to the bass. Switched cabs but no sound from the cabs. The BB is stuck in "headphone mode". Powered down and powered up several times with and without the headphones, everything was a no-go. Is this the problem that plagues this unit? If anyone has any input on this I'd sure appreciate it.

The serial number for this unit is RU700146 and the manufacture date: 10-2012
 
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#4
Well, I got a can of Deoxit contact cleaner at Radio Shack. Unplugged the BB, sprayed inside the headphone jack then quickly inserted a 1/8" phone plug several times, twisting as I did it. Did the same for the foot switch jack while I was at it. Deoxit dries quick. Waited 15 minutes before I powered up. Connected the bass and the cab. Powered up but still had the blinking power LED and no sound from the cab.
That's it, time to send it in to VST services for repairs.

Luckily for me, after I found the receipt, I noticed that I purchased the BB in December of 2012. If I'm correct the warranty is two years after the purchase date. This will be a warranty repair. I'm going to contact VST just to make sure. I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.
 
#8
I got a email from VST that the office is closed this Friday so I'll to wait til Monday. :meh:

Further investigating the "Flashing power LED" I learned that it indicates either of the following:
1. the 'Mute' button on the foot switch was pressed and mutes the speakers.
2. a headphone set was inserted in the 1/8" headphone input which also mutes the speakers.

The manufacturing date for my BB is 10-2012 in case anyone is interested.
 
#9
I had a similar problem with my BB earlier this year. My problem was static electricity. I touched the foot switch jack while adjusting the volume and felt a little pop and then no sound thereafter. Only a flashing light..... Sent it in for warranty repair and got it back in a couple weeks......
 
#10
Well, I called VST early morning (9am) to see if they got my "request for RA number" form and my email with the attached copy of my sales receipt. They said yes and that they'll get back with today to issue me an RA (Repair Authorization) number. Apparently you need this number before you ship the bass head to them.

OK, it's 4pm and no phone call or email. I called them back to see if there's a problem with my form or sales receipt. They said "No, everything's good. We'll email you an RA number." I asked "By today?" They said "Yeah." Sweet! :thumbsup:

Now it's 11:30pm. I got nothing. :bawl:
 
#11
All right! Finally, I just got an email from Brian, the service tech at VST, and he me gave a RA number. :)
I packed the BB and the return form in it's original box and sent it to VST via UPS. I payed $18 for the shipping and $6 for insurance. A total of $24. The UPS lady said it'll get there by Thursday. So far so good.
 
#12
Last year I had to send my Little Mark III to VST for warranty repair. All in all it was a very quick turnaround. I received my repaired amp seven days after I had sent it in. I had only communicated with VST through e-mail, never spoke to them on phone....... Anyway, I hope it all goes smooth with your repair!
 
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#13
Well, I finally got my BB back today but I'm a bit upset at Brian at VST. When 2 weeks went by after sending my BB in for repairs I talked to Brian at VST and asked at the time when they mailed my BB back could the possibly give me a courtesy email or phone call letting me know as soon as it was sent so that I could track the delivery or at least give me a tracking number. He said he would. Well, today I came home to find my BB box,in the original box that said "MarkBass Big Bang" in full view, sitting on my door step. It could have been stolen but luckily it wasn't.

Tomorrow I'll test the BB to see how it sounds. From the invoice it looks like the replaced the entire main power board. I'm seriously looking into a GK MB500 as a backup.
 
#15
darius8 said:
Well, I finally got my BB back today but I'm a bit upset at Brian at VST. When 2 weeks went by after sending my BB in for repairs I talked to Brian at VST and asked at the time when they mailed my BB back could the possibly give me a courtesy email or phone call letting me know as soon as it was sent so that I could track the delivery or at least give me a tracking number. He
said he would. Well, today I came home to find my BB box,in the original box that said "MarkBass Big Bang" in full view, sitting on my door step. It could have been stolen but luckily it wasn't.

Tomorrow I'll test the BB to see how it sounds. From the invoice it looks like the replaced the entire main power board. I'm seriously looking into a GK MB500 as a backup.
Click to expand...



I hate it when stuff gets left on my doorstep. It seems most times, when I buy something from ebay, it gets left on my doorstep in plain view. My front door is not that far from the
sidewalk, and there is also a school close by and kids are always walking past my house. I live alone, so I have to wait till I get home from work to get my hands on the parcel that's been sitting outside all day in view of everyone walking by. Frustrating!
 
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