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Help! Low output from bass to amp

Smurfitt

New member
Joined
Nov 2, 2025
Messages
2
Location
Hampshire
On my Sterling ray34 Ive had for 7 yrs with no problems. At last night-s gig I had to have my amp on 75% gain and master volume to be heard in a backline. Ive tried new batteries checked leads, pick up height all fine, no crackling to suggest loose wiring. Plugged into another amp and same problem. The VU meter needle barely moved which means low output from my bass. Mothingbwring with my amp is new l as my other MM bass plays fine through it. Any idea what could be wrong with my Sterling bass?
 
The most obvious possibilities would be shorted windings in the pickup or a component failure in the preamp or something wonky with the battery box & its connection to the preamp. Tough to say for certain w/o digging into the control cavity and using test equipment.

Is there any corrosion on the battery contacts? You could try cleaning them with 91% alcohol or denatured alcohol and a Q-Tip. I don't know if you'd have to pull the battery box to get at the contacts.

Pull the control cavity cover and look around to see if something doesn't look normal. I doubt you'll find anything but it's a 5 minute exercise that will cost you $0.

Have you done anything to the instrument other than the usual string changes, neck adjustments, and so on?
 
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