Problem with Pontetiometer

[ChrisK]

Hallo all.. this is my first post in this forum
I became a warwick owner 3 months ago with a second-hand dolphin SN-TNS 5 string. Suddenly while i was playing, i wanted to make it passive by pulling my volume knob but it made a noise when i used it and it keeps making that sound. ( the usual sound that occures when u pull your cable from the bass while having the amp on without turning the volume down)
I wondered what's going and if you could help me with this...
I changed the battery in case it was low but nothing happened

P.S. also having problem now with my tuner... when i press the foot switch to mute and tune it makes the same sound ( used to make this when i was pluging in the passive input of the amp cause of the +10db)

 

[Florin]

Hey Chris, and welcome to the forum.
Is it a constant noise, or only when you switch from passive to active?

 

[ChrisK]

only when i switch( also noticed that it makes it when i turn the volume knob on full volume at the end of the pontetiometer's range), just i don't know how to describe the sound that is produced.. it's not the "hush" noise either from ground or the single coil pickups.. when i push or pull it's like pulling the cable out of the instrument

 

[Escobon]

These are fairly typical examples of dirty contacts, and mechanical problems that develop in the moving parts of the switch/pot stack. Although MEC (I assume that's what you have) uses quality sealed pots and switches, they can still, in time, develop these problems. Using pot spray offers a short-term solution, but it's a challenge to get the fluid inside the sealed pot stack.

What really happens, is the switch contacts will tarnish, or become loose due to excessive force, or in suffering impact. The resistive wafer(s) in the pots will abrade and create carbon dust which interferes with proper contact and produces the scratchy sound. Pot spray just redistributes this layer of 'mud'.

Replacing the pot stack would buy you a long, trouble-free span of time to enjoy your bass.

Just as an aside, bad jacks/cables could also be involved.

FWIW,

O

 

[ChrisK]

Sorry for the late reply...
Thank you for your time spent on trying to offer me a solution to the problem :d
I changed the whole circuit and now it's just fine
From what i was told the problem was detected on the maiboard of the preamp while the potentiometer itself was ok. So since the cost wasn't that big i decided to change it. Now it's working excellent!

 

[Florin]

Great man! I hope you stay with us, and post pics with your baby

 

[DiegoLo]

Hello, my name is Diego. I live in Argentina. I'm new in this forum too.
I have the same problem with my Warwick Thumb NT5 92'.
The situation is:
When I push or pull the volume knob (active/passive) I listen like an "explosion" sound, no matter where the bass is plugged in.
As I'm technician, I checked the circuitry and I found out a DC voltage between the EQ (black) box's white cable and ground, which is the out cable (I checked it too).
The EQ box has no description at all.

Is there anything I could do to fix it?
Do I must replace the EQ system?

I see also that all the potentiometers look very old. What can I do?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Warwick Official]

Hi Diego,

Is it possible for you to call us in the US (212) 777 6990. You may speak to one of our Warwick techs, who can help you figure out what's going on with your bass. Or, please e-mail Dan Africano at [email protected] with a detailed description of the issue.

Many thanks from Warwick USA,

Jesse