scrumpymike Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 Just got my first active bass - a custom Maruszczyk Elwood with Delano 2-band electronics. After receiving it 3 weeks ago everything worked fine until last night. I pushed the push/pull volume knob in but instead of going from passive to active it went from passive to mute. The battery has since tested full but I've also tried a new one just to be sure that wasn't the problem. Adrian M has said send it back but that will cost him dear and anyway I don't want it disappearing back to Poland for 2-3 weeks. I'll remove the small chrome panels that the switches and jack socket are mounted on this weekend to inspect the connections but can't imagine that a soldered wire has just fallen off. I'm suspecting either the push/pull switch itself or the output jack socket and would like an idiot's guide on whether/how I can fault-find without a multi-meter - I've got a set of mini jumper test leads with croc clip at each end but don't know what to connect to what. Btw should there be enough slack in the wires for me to lift the panels clear without removing all the clamping nuts to release the switches? Never worked under the bonnet of a bass so any help appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted March 17, 2017 Share Posted March 17, 2017 If you intend to do any fiddling about with the electronics why not ask Maruszczyk what to check? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Send it back or take it to a qualified repair man and send Maruszczyk the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 If you cant find anything you can drop round my place and I will have a look for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1489795266' post='3260022'] Send it back or take it to a qualified repair man and send Maruszczyk the bill. [/quote]this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyerseve Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 I had the exact same thing happen on a push pull volume pot I installed recently on a friend's bass. It was the new pot that failed. Before removing it you can try squirting some contact cleaner in there and operating the push pull cycle about 20 -30 times just in case there is something fouling the contacts or the have become oxidized. Otherwise a new pot is about £7. Maybe try a push push pot as they are easier to operate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 19, 2017 Share Posted March 19, 2017 I'd send it back. You could spend time trying to find the fault and get nowhere and then if you have to send it back you could have invalidated any warranty due to messing with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 19, 2017 Author Share Posted March 19, 2017 Thanks all, I've decided to persevere with fault-finding myself on the grounds that it will be quicker and easier for all concerned and I'll learn something along the way. Adrian's sent me a replacement switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 23, 2017 Author Share Posted March 23, 2017 Just got round to investigating this and found a low-tech problem requiring a mechanical fix with a pair of pliers! Can't see how this could happen unless it was already bent before it was fitted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyerseve Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Good spot! Yes that is very odd indeed. Very poor quality control is what this looks like but I can't believe it wouldn't have been noticed when soldering the leads to the jack. I would send that pic to the supplier and see what they have to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 The soldering on the bottom wire is very poor as well, if one of our lads did that they would be practising a lot before being let loose on anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 [quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1490297908' post='3264138'] The soldering on the bottom wire is very poor as well, if one of our lads did that they would be practising a lot before being let loose on anything. [/quote]on a bass that expensive it should be spot on looks like a two year old soldered that up very poor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 [quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1490300683' post='3264176'] on a bass that expensive it should be spot on looks like a two year old soldered that up very poor [/quote] Exactly, it would be poor on an Encore, let alone anything top end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 [quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1490302851' post='3264210'] Exactly, it would be poor on an Encore, let alone anything top end. [/quote] It would be, but it would be fairly good on a gibson :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 No experience of Gibson but my epiphone was much better than that, I still completely rewired it but I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to wiring. Something like that will give hassle sooner or later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 I had a dark fire, this was worse than mine, but only just http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum/index.php?topic=361.45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 Sent the pic to Adrian M who commented that the quality of stuff from China can be variable. After inspecting and fiddling around with this jack socket, I'd say that the plug-hole feels a bit on the large side, making it possible for the plug to go in at enough of an angle to de-form the contact as pictured - especially if it was slightly bent in the first place. This would explain the fact that everything worked fine for the first 3 weeks. Hadn't spotted that 'iffy' soldered joint btw!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='scrumpymike' timestamp='1490358669' post='3264562'] Sent the pic to Adrian M who commented that the quality of stuff from China can be variable. After inspecting and fiddling around with this jack socket, I'd say that the plug-hole feels a bit on the large side, making it possible for the plug to go in at enough of an angle to de-form the contact as pictured - especially if it was slightly bent in the first place. This would explain the fact that everything worked fine for the first 3 weeks. Hadn't spotted that 'iffy' soldered joint btw!! [/quote] I am staggered that a bass of that quality/price is being fitted with a cheap and nasty Chinese jack. Unbelievable. I would change that for a Switchcraft or Neutrik one straight away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1490309192' post='3264283'] I had a dark fire, this was worse than mine, but only just [url="http://www.futureguitarnow.com/forum/index.php?topic=361.45"]http://www.futuregui...hp?topic=361.45[/url] [/quote] Just looked at the pic - that's a bit scary! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1490359813' post='3264577'] I am staggered that a bass of that quality/price is being fitted with a cheap and nasty Chinese jack. Unbelievable. I would change that for a Switchcraft or Neutrik one straight away. [/quote] Agreed! Just Googled and the ones you mentioned only seem to cost between £2 and £3 or am I missing something? They look the same as mine - is there a better, more expensive design? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='scrumpymike' timestamp='1490375226' post='3264757'] Agreed! Just Googled and the ones you mentioned only seem to cost between £2 and £3 or am I missing something? They look the same as mine - is there a better, more expensive design? [/quote] Switchcraft are regarded as THE jack socket to use as they are really well made and last without either falling apart or oxidising. The Chinese ones probably cost pence by comparison and just won't last as long without causing problems. There will be inevitable exceptions but that is the general rule of thumb. If you check out any of the postings on here where inexpensive basses are "upgraded", the jack socket is usually the first thing to be changed for a quality item like Switchcraft or Neutrik. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrumpymike Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1490376337' post='3264761'] Switchcraft are regarded as THE jack socket to use as they are really well made and last without either falling apart or oxidising. If you check out any of the postings on here where inexpensive basses are "upgraded", the jack socket is usually the first thing to be changed for a quality item like Switchcraft or Neutrik. [/quote] I think that's what I'll do. As a result of this, I've already increased my knowledge / tool kit by learning how to use / buying a digital multi-meter - so why not do the same with soldering irons? At least the neighbours (Screwfix round the corner) will be happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bay Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I am genuinely gobsmacked that a 'quality' maker would send a response like that. The idea that they are using AliExpress/ eBay type suppliers from China is appalling. The Chinese are very capable of making high quality stuff to a decent spec but it needs to be done by a buyer who stipulates exact quality levels and checks they are adhered to. To reply that 'Chinese stuff is a bit variable' shows it's not happening and is disgraceful. One make that I wouldn't personally go near if that is the way they work. Where else have they saved money on buy in bulk Chinese parts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 [quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1490379463' post='3264798'] I am genuinely gobsmacked that a 'quality' maker would send a response like that. The idea that they are using AliExpress/ eBay type suppliers from China is appalling. The Chinese are very capable of making high quality stuff to a decent spec but it needs to be done by a buyer who stipulates exact quality levels and checks they are adhered to. To reply that 'Chinese stuff is a bit variable' shows it's not happening and is disgraceful. One make that I wouldn't personally go near if that is the way they work. Where else have they saved money on buy in bulk Chinese parts? [/quote] Truss rod? Eek! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) I was seriously thinking of one of these basses in the future but this thread has saved me a grand I mean if a part like a jack is cheap and nasty sh*t what other components are cheap and nasty sh*t and the quality of the part is a poor excuse just looking at the soldering sorry my post is so negative stuff like this just yanks my chain I hope you get your bass sorted mate Edited March 25, 2017 by Thunderbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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