Very low output, active, new battery

[Black Out Jazz]

Hmm, well no, not old stuff. New battery, different cord, but went and had dinner, came back, and fine now.

Still...it DID happen. Battery connections maybe? Any other ideas?

Counterclockwise.

 

[Dave W]

OK, so let me make sure I understand what you're saying. So you're saying this cord:

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/daddario-planet-waves-circuit-breaker-instrument-cable-with-latching-cut-off-switch-right-angle-plug-by-daddario/j52289000001001?cntry=US&cur=USD&utm_content=J52289000001001--D'Addario+Planet+Waves+Circuit+Breaker+Instrument+Cable+with+Latching+Cut-Off+Switch,+Right+Angle+Plug,+by+D'Addario+10+ft.+Black&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_fiLBhDOARIsAF4khR0ILmXU3JLl5BsNwSAYIskQVpUvBKG7Vhf_RPdsF7bsmZVzcVv_CjYaAiJLEALw_wcB

...could be the source of intermittent cutting out (after playing an hour or two) in an ACTIVE bass, but causes no problem when I immediately use it with my passive bass (to finish the gig)?

Not questioning your knowledge on this, I just really need to understand, as it COULD mean there's "nothing" wrong with my bass. (Well, except for it has played just fine for three years without these issues...) Thanks!

Not exactly the cable. The jack on the cable that goes into the output jack on your bass could be just slightly different (larger) in size. Not enough no notice anything right away, but over time it essentially makes the output jack larger, and thus no longer makes a solid connection.

Troubleshooting 101 = KISS. Swap the output jack in your bass and see if the problem goes away. It’s cheap and easy. If it doesn’t fix the problem I would just replace the preamp with something else. If you take it to Yamaha dealer they’re likely going to suggest the same thing but charge you the cost to troubleshoot, the cost of the preamp, and the labor to install it.

Also, get rid of the cable. All of these cables with switches on them are nothing but problems waiting to happen, even the Neutrik Silent Plug ones.

 

[Ekulati]

Not exactly the cable. The jack on the cable that goes into the output jack on your bass could be just slightly different (larger) in size. Not enough no notice anything right away, but over time it essentially makes the output jack larger, and thus no longer makes a solid connection.

Wow, who knew? Ok sounds good but before I replace the jack, if this really is my problem, wouldn't it be happening off and on much sooner, if not immediately, when I start playing? Both times, on gigs when this happened, it was after almost two hours of playing, with no cutting out at all.

 

[Dave W]

Wow, who knew? Ok sounds good but before I replace the jack, if this really is my problem, wouldn't it be happening off and on much sooner, if not immediately, when I start playing? Both times, on gigs when this happened, it was after almost two hours of playing, with no cutting out at all.

When you put it like that, yes.

It's always tough to troubleshoot things like this remotely.

 

[BassVibes]

I had this with a Stingray and it was because it had cheap strings on it. New strings and the power was there!

 

[Lobster11]

I had this with a Stingray and it was because it had cheap strings on it. New strings and the power was there!

I have a very difficult time imagining how strings could cause an intermittent problem like the one OP described.

 

[BassVibes]

I have a very difficult time imagining how strings could cause an intermittent problem like the one OP described.

Apologies, if I mis read the thread. If it's intermittent it's not the strings.