Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

Tone control doesn't roll off until last 20%


Recommended Posts

Hi folks, advice please.

I picked up a BB 2024x a while ago and it's a great bass with a wonderful P bass tone. However, I noticed that the tone control does nothing until the last 20% ish. Then it rolls off nicely, (just using smaller adjustments). Anyhow, I thought I could just replace it. I ordered the correct replacement out from Yamaha Japan, and the new pot is exactly the same?

Not a big issue, but I am curious. Can it be that these bases are made this way? Any other BB owners or other basses that are like this?

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Edited by jbu09
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some tone controls are worse than others, but one of the problems of a passive instrument is the filter network that is implimented by your tone control is an RC network where the R is provided by your pickups, your volume control and the input of your amp (and your cable). Obviously that varies with the amp and the cable, so it is designed around one cable and amp combo. If yours is very different, it won't work the same.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The tone pot is almost certainly a log pot, which means most of its effect is in the final part of its sweep, as you've found. Volume pots are usually log pots and the effect is similar. Try swapping it for a linear pot - their effect is steady (hence linear)over the entire sweep. CTS make them and you can find them from plenty of online suppliers. Just make sure you get the same value as the one in the instrument.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everyone makes linear pots, they are the natural way to make pots, but the log pot was invented because they don’t work for audio because our hearing is not linear, so the log pot stops the pot only seeming to work in the last 20%

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...