Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

[Toner]

Just got an ibanez SR885LE bass for $40. But, the sound is all weak/distorted/crackly, and I have to turn my amp up a lot to hear anything (which is barely anything).

My first thought was to change the battery, did that, no change in the sound. I am experienced with guitar wiring, and there are no loose wires that I can see.

Any suggestions? This is my first bass, bought it to use on home recordings.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

$40? ****.

what happens when you turn all the controls? its got the ibz lo z pups and ive seen problems with other basses that had those and the active electronics. guy had to gut the bass cause the active circutry didnt work. sounded better with hot passives

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

You troubleshoot active basses the same way you troubleshoot passive guitars.

Meter all the pots, meter the switch.

Connect a pickup directly to the output jack.

You'll find the problem.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

At least the J-bass pickups in that bass appear to be std sized. Some of the Ibanez active bass pickups have no counterparts in the real world.

 

[Toner]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

$40? ****.

what happens when you turn all the controls? its got the ibz lo z pups and ive seen problems with other basses that had those and the active electronics. guy had to gut the bass cause the active circutry didnt work. sounded better with hot passives

Yep, $40.

When all the controls are turned up, it's almost like a volume swell from volume level 0 to 2, very weak, and it's very distorted/fuzzy.

The wiring on this thing is insane, must be a burnt out component, but I wouldn't know what to look for. If they are known for having issues, maybe a passive stacked humbucker setup would be ideal, Even though I love the clarity of actives, but I don't really want to deal with all that crap.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

Dude, your avatar looks like it should be on a Dr. Suess book.

 

[Toner]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

"Oww My balls!" is from the movie IDIOCRACY, with Luke Wilson, created by Mike Judge.

Awesome, funny movie, read the synopsis on www.imdb.com, maybe a trailer too to get the idea of the movie.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

Schematic for the 885.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

Looks like the 885 not only has active pickups but an active EQ as well. If the trouble is in the processor you are probably toast.

Looks like you have the room for the Active 5 string Basslines and the 3 band tone circuit as well! That is the plan I have for my 4 string Jazz if I ever get around to ordering the additional parts that I need.

 

[Toner]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

How much is THAT whole basslines kit? I'd like to stay active, but it is a home use bass, and I dont have that much to throw around.

I don't want to get too crazy with it here, just for home use. I was thinking a set of these: http://www.guitarelectronics.com/pr..._5_String_Quarter_Pound_JBass_Pickup_Set.html

 

[NoOnesFang13]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

have you tried changing the battery?

 

[Toner]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

Yea, tried 2 different brand, brand new batteries.

I'm gonna poke around with my test light tonight to make sure power is getting to where the red wires are soldered togeather, if not, the battery snap is bad.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

How much is THAT whole basslines kit? I'd like to stay active, but it is a home use bass, and I dont have that much to throw around.

I don't want to get too crazy with it here, just for home use. I was thinking a set of these: http://www.guitarelectronics.com/pr..._5_String_Quarter_Pound_JBass_Pickup_Set.html

The 5 string Lightening Rods and the 3 band EQ is going to run around $300.00.

The QPs should be awesome in your bass but you'll have to change out your pots as well.

Keep poking around and hopefully you'll find the problem.

 

[Toner]

Re: Bass (active) sounds weak/distorted/crackly

Schematic for the 885.

That schematic is for the bass on the right SR885LE, but the bass on the left, is the one I just got and it is the same model number, so older or newer because of the different pickup configuration I don't know. All the wiring diagrams for the SR885 have that big circuit board "box" on the diagram with a ton of wires running to it, mine doesn't have that board. Maybe it was removed or something, who knows, I should just gut it.

The one on the right needs a truss rod, so that one has sat a long long time. good project if I can ever score a neck on ebay for it.

The one on the left is what I just scored for $40.