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Post subject: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 6:00 pm
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I picked up a brand new American Elite Precision Bass at Sweetwater. But I'm worried there may be a problem with it.

Whenever I turn any of the knobs (volume, tone, etc.) I get significant static through my amplifier. If I touch the strings while doing so, it silences the static. I can also touch other metal pieces of the guitar (tuning keys, bridge, etc.) and it silences it. Touching the strap locks doesn't silence it, nor does touching most of the screws on the pick guard. Touching the one screw nearest the volume knob DOES silence it, weirdly enough.

This is not just room hum. In fact, there is no hum at all when I'm not touching it. But if I touch one of those knobs, or even rub my finger across the top of the knob gently, I get static. Touch the strings, it goes away. Given that, it doesn't sound like a dirty pot problem.

Anyone know what's going on with this? Is it defective? Returning the thing to Sweetwater is a real hassle, and frankly I expect more out of something this expensive.


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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sat Jul 23, 2016 8:24 pm
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You have a ground issue. When you touch the strings, you become the ground. Usually it is the ground wire under the bridge that isn't doing it's job.

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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:25 am
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linnin wrote:
You have a ground issue. When you touch the strings, you become the ground. Usually it is the ground wire under the bridge that isn't doing it's job.


Yeah, what he said.

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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 10:25 am
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Thanks. That's what I was afraid of. So the question becomes: should I ship this back to Sweetwater under their 30-day no hassle return policy, and demand a replacement, or am I better off trying to get Fender to service it locally under their warranty? Or is it something minor enough that the tech at Guitar Center could easily handle it, and I'm just over-sweating the thing?


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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:08 am
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Agree from your description it appears to be a ground issue and it would be great if it is as simple as the ground wire to the bridge. But I do not think it is the bridge ground wire since touching the strings clearly cures the issue temporarily then the bridge wire contact apparently has good continuity. So the real problem is more likely to be internal to the electronics. This should not be happening of course. It is a defect.

Even though it is a hassle for you, I would probably exchange it. Sweetwater is easier to work with than you might think. If you do not want to ship it back and if it is otherwise to your liking you could carry it to the nearest Fender authorized service center and do a warranty claim. There is no telling how long it would take but I'm guessing 2 weeks to a month as these places are usually pretty backed up.

I do not know your electronic diagnosis and repair skill level however I do know mine and also know what voids a warranty. If it turns out to be any faulty part you will have to get the right Fender part and replacing it yourself may void the warranty. I am capable of about anything on a passive bass, but not an active one. If you want to keep this one with the warranty intact you should resist the temptation to diagnose and attempt a repair yourself. I'm fairly certain it is not the bridge wire. Exactly where it is would be difficult if not impossible to diagnose in a forum.

It would have been helpful to know if it does it in BOTH active and passive modes. If it only does it in active mode it is probably the preamp board. If it does it in both active and passive modes it is still possibly the preamp board.


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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2016 11:32 am
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It occurs in both active and passive mode. It is quieter in passive, but I think that's just the loss of signal boost from the active pickups.


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Post subject: Re: Static Problem on a new Elite Precision
Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 6:28 am
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Typhonus wrote:
It occurs in both active and passive mode. It is quieter in passive, but I think that's just the loss of signal boost from the active pickups.


Could be a bad solder joint somewhere or any number of things. I think your choices are warranty repair or exchange. I'd probably exchange it even though shipping is a hassle. That is probably the fastest solution.


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