Help! EBMM Sterling 4HS no output positions 2 and 4.

icedx2

New member
Joined
May 25, 2026
Messages
2
Location
Florida
Hi All,

I just picked up a 2006 Sterling 4HS that is essentially in new condition. The previous owner, a guitar player, purchased it 20 years ago and played it less than a handful of times at home. It still has the plastic on the plates. The bass sounds great in position 1 and 3, but 2,4 and 5 everything is extremely low/nonfunctional. The single coil in position5 is low, but I can at least hear it, and I suppose it should be much lower than the humbucker. Any output out of positions 2 and 4 are basically nonexistent with only the faintness hint of sound even with my interface at full volume.

Claude recommended I purchase some Deoxit and spray inside the switch slot and move it around a few dozens times as well as using it on the pots. I have some coming later this week but just wanted to make sure that was the right move, or if anyone else has had any similar experiences.

Thanks in advance!
 
Hi All,

I just picked up a 2006 Sterling 4HS that is essentially in new condition. The previous owner, a guitar player, purchased it 20 years ago and played it less than a handful of times at home. It still has the plastic on the plates. The bass sounds great in position 1 and 3, but 2,4 and 5 everything is extremely low/nonfunctional. The single coil in position5 is low, but I can at least hear it, and I suppose it should be much lower than the humbucker. Any output out of positions 2 and 4 are basically nonexistent with only the faintness hint of sound even with my interface at full volume.

Claude recommended I purchase some Deoxit and spray inside the switch slot and move it around a few dozens times as well as using it on the pots. I have some coming later this week but just wanted to make sure that was the right move, or if anyone else has had any similar experiences.

Thanks in advance!
.
Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Before using the spray, I suggest you unscrewing the pickguard to get full access to the switch contacts. If that doesn't solve the problem, contact Customer Service for advice.

[email protected]

Let us know how it goes.
 
Definitely make sure the battery contacts are clean. Also be aware that the position closest to the neck naturally has much lower output than the other positions. That's just the single coil with the phantom coil, which is actually a second coil on the single, if I remember. The beefiest most aggressive position will always be the bridge position.
 
Definitely make sure the battery contacts are clean. Also be aware that the position closest to the neck naturally has much lower output than the other positions. That's just the single coil with the phantom coil, which is actually a second coil on the single, if I remember. The beefiest most aggressive position will always be the bridge position.
Thanks for the info. I am aware I should expect different volumes from each position. However, I got the Deoxit today. Noticed an immediate improvement in positions 4 and 5, however position 2 is still a no go. I get a faint pop at the start of the note but then essentially very very low output. Every once in while it is a bit louder, but even when it is, it doesn't sound right.
 
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