Pups in 64 jazz bass need help Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Miscellaneous » Archive through November 11, 2010 » Archive: 2008 » Archive through August 07, 2008 » Pups in 64 jazz bass need help « Previous Next »

Author Message
glocke
Advanced Member
Username: glocke

Post Number: 400
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 8:50 am:   Edit Post

I have a 64 jazz bass that has the original pups and wiring. Lately it is very scratchy sounding, and cuts out unless both knobs are in a specific spot.

Any suggestions? Will rewiring the pups affect its value?
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 942
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 9:23 am:   Edit Post

That sounds more like bad potentiometers on the knobs rather than pickups.
I'm not a Fender person, so no valid comment on value from me.
Mike
willie
Member
Username: willie

Post Number: 87
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 9:35 am:   Edit Post

I agree, sounds like some bad pots. I would say you need to get some good Pots
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 403
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 10:08 am:   Edit Post

You may want to try a good contact cleaner (Deoxit) to try and clean the pots... worth a shot before replacing.
dfung60
Advanced Member
Username: dfung60

Post Number: 349
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 10:34 am:   Edit Post

At the risk of triggering the "players vs. collectors" flames, it's probably dirt/wear in the pots. As suggested, you can try shooting them with contact cleaner + many rotations and see if that fixes the problem.

If you have a '64 Jazz Bass that has the original pots and untouched wiring from the factory, then changing the pots will lop hundreds of dollars off the collectible value of the instrument. The factory pots have date codes that reflect their date of manufacture and which would be something that was checked by a collector. If you replace the pot with a new one, then you should make absolutely sure to keep the old pot to help retain some of that value. You can also replace it with an old pot from that era, although that may cost a shocking amount (and you may well be buying somebody else's scratchy pot).

If the current pots are not the originals, then changing them at this point won't have any effect on the value.

If you love playing the instrument, then change the pot and don't worry about the effect on the resale value (but keep that old pot!).

David Fung

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration