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Weird EMG issue

MonkeyBass

MonkeyBass

Mar 22, 2009
1,134
49
Denver, CO
#1
I just got a custom made 6-String bass with EMG BQS electronics.

It was distorting on the B-String so I decided to add another battery to bring the Voltage up to 18V. When I got the battery installed the whole thing quit working. Fresh batteries, clean soldering... That's not the problem.

I took the nuts off the front of the potentiometers to take a look and it started working! Finally I traced it to the weirdest thing. When I screwed the treble control onto the bass the signal went away. When I loosened it it came back.

But, now, on top of that issue, even when there is a signal the bass makes a farting sound if you play the B-String too hard.

Really strange. I kind of feel like I should get a whole new set of electronics because something is obviously very wrong.

Any ideas? Anyone ever have this happen?
 
#4
MonkeyBass said:
... When I screwed the treble control onto the bass the signal went away. When I loosened it it came back.
Click to expand...

I don't know about the farting B string, but this problem is probably caused by something contacting the shielding inside the control cavity and shorting the signal to ground. Remove the treble control and slip a piece of paper or cardstock underneath, then re-install the treble control.
 
#5
Crater said:
I don't know about the farting B string, but this problem is probably caused by something contacting the shielding inside the control cavity and shorting the signal to ground. Remove the treble control and slip a piece of paper or cardstock underneath, then re-install the treble control.
Click to expand...

I actually tried this with electrical tape. It works until you tighten the nut again. Then it cuts out and/or farts out.
 
#7
DWBass said:
Is the EMG system the new quick connect or the older solder type? Sounds like funky wiring to me. Or bad pots.
Click to expand...

Quick connect. Yeah, I'm thinking it's bad connectors or something too. Brand new though.

I contacted EMG about it. No word though yet but they're probably not open. Since I didn't buy them though (the builder did) I wonder if they're under warranty.
 
#8
I hope not for your sake but although I love EMG preamps and pickups I have fried several BQC preamps installing kill switches or 2 batteries. They are not protected at all it seems. Just one extra ground or a touch of anything while batteries are plugged in and toast city. I have installed over 50 preamps of all kinds and configurations and the EMG preamps are just sensitive to any ground loop or voltage change it seems.
 
#9
Means2nEnd said:
I hope not for your sake but although I love EMG preamps and pickups I have fried several BQC preamps installing kill switches or 2 batteries. They are not protected at all it seems. Just one extra ground or a touch of anything while batteries are plugged in and toast city. I have installed over 50 preamps of all kinds and configurations and the EMG preamps are just sensitive to any ground loop or voltage change it seems.
Click to expand...

Really? Ok, see this is what I think happened!! I think I fried the board putting in the extra battery. I guess on the next one I'll make sure I do everything VERY carefully.
 
#16
I did that to my first BQC. I didn't assemble it with the battery, but I accidentally touched two boards together while adjusting them to fit the cavity with the battery installed. Ya, definitely make the battery the very last step next time ;)
 

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