New used MM Stingray-need advice!

[DeliriumTremens]

yeah I know, I'm surprised nobody commented on the fact that I made a damn good deal!!
How does one re-screw loose knobs?

Are the knobs loose on the shaft or are the shafts loose in the body? If it's the former there should be a small screw that you can tighten to get them solid again. If the pots themselves are loose then take the knobs off using a screwdriver to loosen the screws, tighten the nuts holding the pots to the control plate til they're solid again and then reinstall the knobs

 

[danomite64]

Id just like to add that playing with a pick and turning everything up isnt inherently bad. A lot of famous and accomplished musicians did just that mind you.

On a passive bass, I'd agree 100%, but on a 3 band 'Ray, that could be very bad sounding.

 

[Dave W]

well the pots are kinda slack and loose, and on a few of them you can't feel the little "stop" when the knob's at 0 (or halfway between full on and full off, rather)

Sounds to me like the pots themselves are a little worn out. I'm guessing yours is the same a mine, and unfortunately the pots are mounted directly to the preamp PCB, so it's not the easiest thing to just swap out. As long as they function otherwise, I probably wouldn't worry about it and deal.

oh yeah and there's also a bit of rust on the 8 little metal circles on the pickup...is that a problem?

Nope, not a problem.

Id just like to add that playing with a pick and turning everything up isnt inherently bad. Alot of famous and accomplished musicians did just that mind you. I personally dont (finger player and well, i play around with the knobs alot) but you know...One of my favourite musicians plays like that, although he plays Ricks (*cough hint cough*)

A Ric is a passive bass, but on an active bass like a Stingray has quite a bit of boost when everything is cranked up. It would be similar to turning all your amp knobs to 10...

 

[Webtroll]

Yes, a lot less fanboys over here, so you can get more of an unbiased opinion...
unless a TB fanboy chimes in

lol i read ya. they get a little snooty about pre EB sometimes instead of embracing the history of their product, and the best replacement part is always a factory part. yes there are exceptions, but that's the general feel that I got. here you can get suggestions about replacement parts that are not factory correct if they fit your budget or needs. yes they are knowledgeable, but they seem to have blinders on to me.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

If given the choice of a 1994 Stingray or 2 brand new ones... I'd take the 94. Better woods, better build quality, better tone, just better.

And yes, there is a difference in the preamp. I have an 88 SR5 and I played a new SR5 and the new one was awful. Very sterile and brittle.
I've had MANY Stingrays over the years and the late 80s-mid-late 90s were the best.

I will agree here. I haven't played a new SR that sounds of feels as sweet as my '94.

On the subject of the pots being worn out...if the previous owner kept them turned to 10 all the time, how can they wear out?

what do you mean that they are 'slack'? Do the knobs have a little play in them on the shafts or do they just feel too easy to turn? The pots in my bass don't have much resistance to turning. The important thing is that they actually do their job and change the sound of the bass. If they do, then leave them alone, they are fine.

 

[almightycrunch]

I'm totally not offended, no worries, I was just curious I guess. I agree about turning all the knobs up though...not usually a good idea.

Now what in the world is that supposed to actually mean?? I hope you are not serious are you?

Ok, I get what you are trying to say now, tonewise not a good idea. I thought you were trying to insinuate that it would be bad for the electronics to turn everything full on.

 

[john grey]

To the best of my knowledge, it can't "wear" out. The pots themselves may, but the circuit shouldn't deteriorate.

I agree. You're really OK. Since you have 9v working, that's the limit. He could cranked it all up and it would not abuse the system because you can't push over what the unit was designed for. Little things like impact knocks on the pot posts could take their toll but that's about it. You're good.
The only possible issue is moisture (beer, vomit) in the system but that really reaching.

 

[Dave W]

Now what in the world is that supposed to actually mean?? I hope you are not serious are you?

Ok, I get what you are trying to say now, tonewise not a good idea. I thought you were trying to insinuate that it would be bad for the electronics to turn everything full on.

Yes. Tonewise. On an active bass only.

Of course it is up to the player, but it's generally not going to sound that great having everything boosted.

 

[williamk]

what do you mean that they are 'slack'? Do the knobs have a little play in them on the shafts or do they just feel too easy to turn? The pots in my bass don't have much resistance to turning. The important thing is that they actually do their job and change the sound of the bass. If they do, then leave them alone, they are fine.

well they're kinda danglin' or something, like they stay on place but they feel loose, like I can shake them around on their socket. and yes, they are extremely easy to turn too, and the thing is on one of them I can't feel the little "0" spot when the knob is right at the center between full on and full off.
No big deal, they're not gonna fall off, but i'd sure love to have them right and steady...