Problems with a Mexi-Fender Jazz Bass

[Volitions Advocate]

Hi all.

Our bass player is having troubles with his only bass.  Its  Mexican Fender Jass Bass. 3 knobs and one concentric knob. (so 5 knobs) not sure what they all do.

He will play a note and it may or may not play.  and the bass cuts out.  but if he taps the string and it touches the pup it will make a small pop noise.  and sometimes will kick back in.  But for the most part it just sucks and wont cooperate.

I opened it up to take a look and all the solder joints look solid.  Not that I'd be able to figure out how its all wired together..  on the knob closest to the neck there was actually a small circuit board around 1" square soldered to the pot.

I dont really know how a J-bass works, so if anybody has some ideas or if you could even tell me what all the knobs do im sure it would help.  He got it from Mothers music, and it shoudl still be under warranty. but the nearest mothers music is over 2 hours drive away.

If you've ever experienced this problem. let me know.

 

[rahimiiii]

Could be a loose connection at the pickup end... check that. If it's under warranty I'd take it back.

 

[OzziePete]

I quickly checked the Fender website.....

The Jazz basses with 4 knobs (one being concentric) seem to have some active electronics in them, either with an eq or piezo pickup in the bridge  :icon_scratch:.

Is there a  battery box at the back of the bass body?

Not sure from your description what exact model your friend has, but either way,  & particularly if it's involving piezo electronics in the bridge, I'd get it thoroughly checked out under warranty.

 

[SlingBass]

The advice given is all well and good - but it appears to me you don't have the experience or equipment that a good tech might provide. At the same time have the tech give the bass a good 'once over' and check intonation, frets, etc. No shame in going to a pro (with a good eye and touch) once a year for such work......many do

 

[jackthehack]

Change the battery for the active electronics. If that doesn't fix the problem, take it back to the dealer if under warranty.

 

[Volitions Advocate]

thats the funny thing.. it has everything the fender site says,, except a battery box.

 

[blue313]

Lots of good advice so far.  Check the circuit board for any connections made to it that DON'T go somewhere obvious, like the output jack or common ground.  Hopefully It'll lead you to the battery.   

There isn't any shame getting it a thorough once over by a good tech when in doubt. 

Edit:  I know this is for a different model but, does it look like this?
http://www.fender.com/support/diagrams/pdf_temp1/basses/0195800_02B/SD0195800_02BPg1.pdf

 

[Volitions Advocate]

actually.. yes thats exactly it.  Its a black guitar with a black battery box cover that screws in instead of snaps in.. He didn't see it.  So our problem is solved.
We both feel like idiots.