SR800 electronics problem

[GregDunn]

I have a 2001 Ibanez SR800 (w/the vari-mid EQ and DX P/J pickups) which appears to have a fried electronics module. The jack is fine, and both op-amps on the board are getting power when a plug is inserted. Signal is coming from the pickups, through the balance pot, to the board. There is signal at the input of the bass/treble EQ stage, but none at its output (measured at the op-amp pin), or anywhere through the vari-mid stage or output jack (all verified via a high-Z scope). The output of that first stage does not appear to be shorted at AC or DC frequencies (measured via scope and multimeter).

My guess is one or both of the flat-pak TL062 amps is toast.

Is it worth trying to locate an electronics module and replace it? I would swap out the ICs but they're surface mount and I don't have the tools.

Alternatively, I am prepared to re-wire it passive or just replace the harness with something different, but part of me wants to hear how the stock wiring sounds first...

 

[GregDunn]

Sorry, jumped the gun a little. Taking the neck off reveals it's a SR690-02, which explains the different pickups (lettering was worn off so very hard to tell, but they're the DXP/DXJ).

 

[danomite64]

I think the DX pickups are passive, so you have all the choices you think you have. I've had several SR800's, but none of them had the 3 band eq. I'd only try to fix it if I could do it cheap; the EMG and Aguilar 3 band preamps are just over $100.

 

[GregDunn]

Yeah, this is weird. I just googled some info on this bass (SR690 is a lot more rare than SR800) and it's definitely an odd duck in the Ibanez stable. Passive pups, and a slightly different configuration of the vari-mid EQ than the SR800 has. If you think the EMG and Aguilar pres are decent, I may go that route. I only spent $120 on the bass, so I could even justify a Bart preamp to myself.

But, while I ponder the ultimate fate, I went ahead and jumpered the volume control direct to the output jack (that means no tone controls, but meh) and it sounds pretty good! I always run through FX anyway, and my default modified VT cabinet emulation patch just booms out with this bass - very much like my SR400 which has the same pups.

Now to give it a proper setup, since it's playable, and practice on it till I get a feel for what I want to change, if anything.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[ex-tension]

...
My guess is one or both of the flat-pak TL062 amps is toast.

I would swap out the ICs but they're surface mount and I don't have the tools.

...part of me wants to hear how the stock wiring sounds first...

SMD soldering isn't that difficult and doesn't require very special tools. If you haven't already seen videos about it, here are some to have an idea:

 

[GregDunn]

I know - I've worked with them before; I just don't have what I need at home and would have to buy a new tip for my iron as well as some small tools. I will probably do this anyway, just because it nags at me; but not this week. Thanks for the links, though!

 

[GregDunn]

Ha! Found the real problem - it was a bad solder joint on the EQ board. Saved me some trouble and $$$. Bass works perfectly now.