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Signal Problems with Bass

Hi. I have a Korean made RavenWest RB6000, one before they changed the body shapes and headstock. It has a Korean made pre-amp module in it that I suspect is going bad. I do plan to replace the 9v. battery connector to finally rule out an intermittent short there.

Here is what is does now: With a fresh battery, trying 2 of them, one after the other, it distorts on the higher notes mostly, some on the lower notes, and also quickly makes volume changes by itself for no real reason that I can determine. So, I am wondering if it is the pups, or the module. I need some tips on how to use my multi-meter to test this thing before I drop some money on an Audere setup. Which I want to do later if possible, but will soon if it needs a new module setup now.

Thanks for any advice.
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Re: Signal Problems with Bass

8/30/2010 5:35 PM

Gar Whitenton (4960) wrote:

Sounds more like the module than the pups, but that doesn't mean it might not BE the pups...does it do this through other amps? The amplifier could also be the culprit. Try playing through another amp, OR, try playing another instument throught the same amp.

Make sure the bridge is grounded. How long have you had the bass, and how long has it been acting up? Open the control pocket(s) and check for any loose solders, frayed wires, disconnected wires, sloppy looking solder joints. Check the output jack (commonly but erroneously refered to as the input jack), making sure it's tight and no nasty sounds are produced if you move it around...the plug that is.

Hope this helps.

If all else fails, take it personally to the Korean factory where it was made and beat somebody about the head and shoulders with it.

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Re: Signal Problems with Bass

8/30/2010 6:54 PM

Charley Shipman (2699) wrote:

LOL....thanks Gar, this is helpful. I have played it both through an amp that I know is sound, and through a direct type effects pedal, with the same result. It has been acting up just this week, but I have been laying guitar tracks for a few weeks now, so I do not know how long really it has been having a problem. I will check the things you suggest, and then, still take it to the factory in Korea and beat someone with it.

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Re: Signal Problems with Bass

8/31/2010 4:14 AM

Charley Shipman (2699) wrote:

Thanks Gar, I spent a few hours with it tonight, and found a few things you mentioned: the main harness to the module was loose, just pressed it tight again. The 1/4 inch stereo tube jack was bad too. I had a new one laying around from a repair years ago, so I replaced that. Then the battery connector needed attention, so that got done. All grounds are good. I cleaned the pots days ago, but it appears that is the only issue left, to clean them some more, or replace one or two.

So, I can use this bass once again I think to record more bass tracks. Provided I can get the pots to quiet down.

Thanks again, you just saved me a lot of money for now, although I do plan to gut it and replace everything in it in about 8 months.

Have a great day! I will!

Charley

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Re: Signal Problems with Bass

8/31/2010 6:08 AM

Gar Whitenton (4960) wrote:

Glad I could help...just be sure to post pics of the beating part lol