Help! Music Man Sterling SB14 (Scratching/Popping Sound)

[mcclaintp]

Hey guys I'm in pretty desperate need of some help. I just bought a used Sterling SB14 for $400 and it is in beautiful cosmetic condition. All was well, until I plugged it into my Acoustic B200 (which to my knowledge has no issues).

Once I played around with it for a while it would begin to make a popping/hissing sound, most notably on the 7th fret of E and the 12th frets of the top 3 strings. I've run it straight through both my Acoustic B10 practice amp and my Acoustic B200 (thinking it might be the pedals I was using) but it continues to make those noises.

The previous owner told me that he changed the 9 volt just recently, and the current battery is a Duracell Ultracell. I've got a show this Friday so I would love for someone to tell me its something simple...

Edit: Actually just narrowed it down to the input jack (after moving it around and hearing a shaking noise, as though a loose piece of hardware was in it). Unscrewed the input jack, reached inside and pulled out what appears to be a very tiny golden version of an input jack on a instrument cable. Although, now I dont get any sound when plugged in. Hope this helps?

Thanks!

 

[KevinM]

Check the voltage on the battery to make sure anyway. The voltage should be a minimum 8.3. Double check your cables and anything else to eliminate the easy stuff first.

 

[mcclaintp]

Actually just narrowed it down to the input jack (after moving it around and hearing a shaking noise, as though a loose piece of hardware was in it). Unscrewed the input jack, reached inside and pulled out what appears to be a very tiny golden version of an input jack on a instrument cable. Although, now I dont get any sound when plugged in. Hope this helps?

 

[KevinM]

If you're electronically inclined you can take the pickguard off and investigate. Check the plug to make sure it's in one piece and that all wiring is connected properly.

 

[mcclaintp]

I may not be the guy for that job. I wouldn't know what's out of place or in place. All I know is now I have a tiny golden lock nut (possibly?) that was loose and I am unsure as to where it goes, without opening up my bass.

 

[KevinM]

Removing the screws on the cover and looking underneath is pretty simple but if you're not comfortable opening up the bass you should probably take it to someone who is.

 

[mcclaintp]

Is it safe to do that without taking the strings off?

 

[mcclaintp]

Alright, I just unscrewed the pickguard and there's no access to the wiring underneath. It's just the body underneath the pickguard.

 

[KevinM]

I'm looking for pictures of the sb14. The input is on the side so removing the pickguard won't help at this point. Does it have two screws on the input jack plate that can be unscrewed to lift up the jack?

 

[KevinM]

You'll have to take off the back plate to see the inside of the input and wiring. Pretty much you would be looking for loose wires and whatever is supposed to hold the jack in place.

 

[mcclaintp]

yes I've unscrewed the jack plate once before already. That's when that gold piece rattled out. I'm going to unscrew the cover board on the back of the bass to take a look.

 

[KevinM]

Hope that gets it for you. I have to run to the store. I'll check back in a little while.

 

[mcclaintp]

Alright I can see inside behind the cover plate, but I dont have another picture to go off of as far as where this piece would go. So i'm a little blind for the moment. But I can at least see the wiring.

 

[KevinM]

Can you post a picture of the piece that fell out?

 

[mcclaintp]

Alright I think I got it figured out. Looks like that gold piece i was talking about was just some useless piece somebody shoved in the back plate or through the input jack. The real problem was coming from a wire splitting in two that ran from the active battery to the 3-way switch. Regardless, its as simple as soldering that bad wire now. Thanks so much for all your help!

 

[KevinM]

By your description it sounds like that piece could be the tip of a broken cable plug but keep it just in case it turns out to be something you need. Glad you figured it out.