Busted pre-amp?

A

atari1632

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I've finally taken delivery of my brand new, and eagerly awaited, corvette $$. Pluged it in and all i get are horrible raspy synth sounds.
If i pull the volume knob up to bypass the pre-amp it sounds great.

Since it sounds fine with the pre-amp bypassed that rules out any problems with my amp/lead (they also work fine with my Ibanez) and points to faulty pre-amp? Or am I doing something wrong?


I've also noticed that there are quite a few tiny flecks of white all over the otherwise nirvana black finish which i presume is the ash showing through where the stain didn't get into the grain? Mostly its not a problem but there is quite a big patch in one spot near the neck. Is this normal? Is there anything that can be done to get rid of it?
 
did you try changing your battery? as for the spots on the body of your guitar i dont know. Maybe some pictures would help.
 
I haven't tried a new battery, I'll nip out and buy one now.
The bass only arrived today and it was a ordered for me by the local dealer as they dont keep any warwicks in stock so it hasn't been sitting around in a demo room for ages. I'd be surprised (but pleasantly so) if its just the battery needs changing.
 
Yes, try a new battery, and if that doesn't work try pulling down the main volume control on your bass. The output might be too hot for you amp.
 
Here's a pic of the white splotches. Maybe i'm just being too picky but its fairly noticable and seems a shame since the rest of the body has such a great finish to it.
 
Tried a fresh duracell in the bass and it didn't make any difference.
Also tried altering the volume. There's no output at all untill around 90% and then the raspy synth noises kick in.

Just in case I've also tried it with 3 different cables, 2 amps (Ashdown EB 15-180 & After Eight) and a Korg PX4B. Same problem.

Guess i'm just going to have to return it as faulty tomorrow.
 
atari1632 said:
Tried a fresh duracell in the bass and it didn't make any difference.
Also tried altering the volume. There's no output at all untill around 90% and then the raspy synth noises kick in.

Just in case I've also tried it with 3 different cables, 2 amps (Ashdown EB 15-180 & After Eight) and a Korg PX4B. Same problem.

Guess i'm just going to have to return it as faulty tomorrow.
Click to expand...

I would definitely ask for another one. It's too much money to be faulty. Good luck...
 
It's a shame, but it is possible that your new bass is DOA. Before giving up, I'd try opening the module cavity and look for mechanical connections. They're easy to spot. These would likely be white plastic connectors that bind a small group of wires together. It's common that the contacts get tarnished, and wiggling them around a bit (gently) helps to polish the contacts. With your bass plugged in, if you hear intermittence while doing this, there's a chance that it's the problem.

As for the specks, a toothbrush might be all you need.

Best of luck,

O
 
Pre Amp Problem

atari1632
You should take it back IMMEDIATELY and exchange for a BRAND NEW MODEL.
I'm assuming it's a BRAND NEW INSTRUMENT and it should be in 100% workig order right from the start. It's not a $200 bass.
 
Thanks for the tips guys.
Yea, i'm just taking it back tomorrow. Although they dont keep any Warwicks in stock, its taken a month for this one to be delivered and i dont fancy waiting another month.
Not sure if i should just wait for a replacement or swap it for something they do have in stock like a Musicman Sub.

I know the recommendation you guys are going to make... :)
 
Obviously i'm speculating but it looks to my mind like you've been sent an ex demo instrument. Those marks look very much like fingernail marks. Standard wear and tear but certainly not indicative of a new bass.

I could be wrong could just be some polish residue but you'll know better than I.

Send it back man and wait for a new one. You will not be dissapointed. So much more of everything for your money than a sub.

D
 
FWIW

I have found it is always worth negotiating with the dealer that you purchased the instrument from. The MEC electronics on the bass are pretty much "plug and play", so the dealer may be able to get them taken care of fairly quickly. As far as the condition of the bass, if you feel that it is not a new instrument, explain to your dealer what leads you to believe that it is not (fret wear, etc.) When I purchased my Thumb BB, it did not come in brand new condition, but I was able to negotiate a fair discount with the dealer.

Hey - it is not going to look new forever anyway, so you might as well see if you can get some money back up front....
 
if you are REALLY actually considering a MusicMan, at least get a Stingray and not a Sub. That being said, I equate MusicMan b asses to Fender.....for people who need a bass to look big to feel like they are laying down a punching bassline. A Warwick with active pickups will wipe the floor with a Musicman bass.......
 
Those aren't grossness, those are little pieces of polish or something, they should just come out if you knife them out, they're not actually on the finish, just in some holes in the grain, sratch them out, but not the wood. I've seen this before on fretboards, and all you have to do is get it out. Unless it's not gunk and actual missed spots :? I are unsure.
 
atari1632 said:
Here's a pic of the white splotches. Maybe i'm just being too picky but its fairly noticable and seems a shame since the rest of the body has such a great finish to it.
Click to expand...

My NB $$ has fingernail marks from slapping and they show up white like that. If it doesn't come off I don't think it should be there...
 
So I took it back today and decided to wait instead of swaping it.
As impatient as i am and as great as I thought the MM-Sub was, the sound I got out of the demo $$ i tried a while ago was unbeatable.

It's hopefully on its way back to warwick today and I was told I'd have it back by the end of the week.
I also showed the white splodges to the guy at the music store today and he assured me that the marks would come off with a cloth and some lemon oil.

I remain sceptical on both counts. :wink:
 
I think it will be worth the wait. Post some pics when it comes back...
 
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