ground hum

FunkDoctorK · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:24 am Post subject: ground hum

my mexican fender jazz bass has developed a pretty wicked ground hum in there somewhere. im thinking the best rout is to just gut out the electronics and upgrade them. replacing the separate volume knobs with one master and one pan. any suggestions?
_________________
"Excuse me Sir, but do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?"
"Practice man, practice."
Bass on! Cool

Rd_Artist · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 3:33 am Post subject:

you can go that route, but first, take it to a tech to see if maybe the ground wire is not making good contact.
_________________
"I'm not a man who likes to swear, but I never cared for the sound of being alone."

oldbass · Newbie Alert Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

When a ground problem just appears out of nowhere it is usually related to the output jack. Remove the control plate and take a look. Typically the ground wire has come partially loose or is frayed. Unsolder the wire. Use a "solder sucker", sold as a soldapullit or something similar from the electronics shop at the mall to clean out the remaining solder from the hole. Cut the end of the wire and restrip the insulation. Insert the bare wire in the hole. Heat the wire and jack leg at the same time and apply new solder. This solder must be rosin core solder, not acid core. Acid core will cause corrosion and eventual failure of the circuit. Retighten the jack and replace the plate. You're done.

As far as upgrading the electronics in your mex, it is a viable option. But always understand that while it will make your bass easier to sell you will not be able to recoup the price of the mod.

FunkDoctorK · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:04 pm Post subject:

i have looked at the wires and didnt notice anything that looked wrong, i have experance with electric circuits, but i didnt really look too close. i guess it needs another look. thanks for the ideas.

as far as resale goes, i dont so much plan on it. i really love the way the bass feels and plays but that *Holy Censor, Batman* ground hum is enough to drive you crazy #Mad

well, ill check out the wires a little closer. thanks again
_________________
"Excuse me Sir, but do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?"
"Practice man, practice."
Bass on! Cool