Preamp in Washburn B-5 No longer working

[HidiousHeinous]

I have a Washburn B-5 with a preamp. It plays but when I flip the switch nothing happens. I have switched out the battery and that did not help. I have taken it to two different repair people. The second one just told me he tried some different wiring combinations and the best he could do was get more output from the passive side. He said there may be a bad component on the preamp board.
Does anyone have an idea what my options are of getting this working properly are? I searched for new preamp parts, this model is being difficult. I have had it 30 years, so I will keep trying.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Perhaps check in at the Washburn Club

The Official Washburn Club (Part 3)

I’m curious what the preamp actually does…
Seeing photos of it and the controls looks like Volume and Tone pots and the preamp… higher output?

NBD: 1985 Washburn B5

 

[HidiousHeinous]

I just got it back today from a guy I met who does repair work. He said it was supposed to push a little power from the 9 volt. Said he tried a few different wiring combinations and none of them worked. So he took the battery out and taped up the preamp. Said he would be on the lookout for something that would work.
At the very least, it plays when the switch is off. I can probably add pictures tomorrow.

 

[Razman]

I had an old Force bass (couple of them) and one was vol/vol/tone I think - the preamp in it sounded excellent, but it wasn't for boosting or cutting frequencies - it just made it active.

Older Washburns like yours are gems but I'm doubtful that you'd be able to find an original preamp for it. Not to say don't try, but while you're waiting for another original, why not put something else in it? I like using Tone Monster pre's from eBay - they are inexpensive but outstanding, very clean and neutral sounding (I have them in three of my basses.)

I just checked and don't see a two-pot only option, however, you could use one of these and only connect one side of the blend pot and leave it inside the electronics cavity. Your repair guy should be able to handle this easily. If not - use it in passive mode and best of luck on your search.

Raz

 

[Jefenator]

There are a lot of aftermarket onboard preamps out there now. Most have at least two bands of active EQ - but not all. If your control layout is V/T and the old active circuit was just there to give a little extra clarity (and/or volume boost), the Bartolini AGB might be a good fit.
Buffer Preamps - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics

 

[HidiousHeinous]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have the page bookmarked, and I will forward to Mark to see what he thinks. You are correct, the controls are for Volume and Tone. Flipping the switch used to make it go from a clean to not just louder but a different sound to the tone. I have to be honest. I am thrilled to have it back and playing. But I need to admit I miss flipping the switch and hearing the change. Like shifting a car into overdrive.