Problem, with my new HS Sterling

[joeeg33]

Hi all,
I picked up a new sterling yesterday. It is blue pearl, with a maple board. Now, I am not new to the Music Man product, this is probably my (give or take) 35 MM owned. I have always felt that these are the best mass produced instruments available.
OK, now the problem. In switch positions 3, and 4 the 'D' string is week and thin sounding, and about half the volume of the other strings. It almost sounds like only the 'D' string is out of phase. I have been doing repairs on instruments for 15 years, and never heard anything like this. I figure it has to be a problem with one of the pick up's but, they function fine when either one is on by itself.
Has anyone had a similar problem? If so, please let me know what the remedy was. I don't want to send this back to EB for repair if I don't have to.

Anyone?

Regards,
Joe

 

[Psycho Ward]

Welcome to the forum!

I'd try another D string. But EBMM customer service is the best in the business, call them, they will help you.

 

[joeeg33]

Thanks for the welcome.

There is no problem with the string. Like I said, this is only happening in 2 of the switch positions. Other positions sound fine.

Joe

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

With a HS setup, positions 3 and 4 have both pickups in operation. Positions 1, 2 and 5 are single pickup operations.

Because the problem is present when the two pickups are in circuit, I would strongly suspect either one or both pickups a tad too close to the strings. Even though it's a new Bass, some one may have re-adjusted the pickups after it left the factory.

 

[joeeg33]

Hey Rod trussbroken,
Love the name.

No, it is not a pick up height issue but, thanks for the input. I'll say it again folks, I would never proclaim to know everything but, after 15 years of builing, and repairing, this problem is strange.

Regards,
Joe

 

[bdgotoh]

I had a problem with the switch on my HH Sterling, but it affected all of the strings, not just one. When you have the switch in the bad position, try wiggling the selector knob up and down (towards and away from the strings). Doing that on mine caused the volume to vary hugely.
With how the pickups are constructed, I'm not sure how you could lose signal on just one string. Have you tried tapping on the poles with something ferrous to make sure they are properly magnetized? It seems very unlikely but I don't see any other way you could have just one string drop out.

 

[joeeg33]

Hey Brad,
I am the guy who sold you that purple G&L fretless a couple of years ago.

Anyway, yes I did the tap test and they match up with the rest when tapping. I almost wonder.... I remember looking at the neodym magnets on the under side of my bongo pick ups, each pole was wired seperate -,+. I wonder if on the 'D' string pole got crossed and when combined with another pick up it is out of phase. I know this is not something simply. I did try the switch thing that you mentioned.

Joe

 

[todd4ta]

Even though it's not the strings, you may want to try another set while your waiting just for kicks (if you haven't already). Who knows, maybe that D has some weird mis-formulation that is having an odd effect in only the pickup configuration you're having a problem with.

If it's not the strings, not the pickup height, and the pickups seem to be working OK (all magnets similar strength) then I think it's going to require either some extensive troubleshooting over the phone with CS, or a trip into the SLO bench for a checkup.

 

[joeeg33]

The first thing I tried was a new 'D' string. I guess it will probably have to go back to it's birth place to be looked at.

 

[slucas]

I recently got a sterling HS and had a weak D as well, along with an annoying popping sound when moving pickup selector for position 3 down to 2. The single coil was defective and replaced correcting the D problem. I was told the switch was ok and they didn't notice any significant noise when moving the switch but it was going to be looked at. I was later told all other electronics were replaced and no significant noise remained. It came home Monday and the noise was still there and just as loud. I spoke to CS and was told "everybody" looked at it and didn't notice any significant popping sound. I have to say it sounds abnormally loud for switching positions but chose not to argue with CS or even ask to send it back again. I was rather told it is what it is. I can turn the volume knob down prior to switching if need be but I just did not feel this should be necessary with a brand new bass! I just have to ask if anyone else has had this issue. My stingray HH switch doesn't make a noise anything at all like the one on this sterling

 

[Big Poppa]

Joeeg

Please go to customer service. we have people there to handle your problems. We really prefer it if people dont use this forum as a cust service forum...but if the tap test works the same the pick up is fine and they are not individdual coils...

If you dont get satisfaction then roast us here

 

[adouglas]

Word.

 

[azzy_wazzy]

If you dont get satisfaction then roast us here

Takes a brave man to be saying that

You're a top bloke. And I guess you make some decent basses and guitars too

(But no pink ones)

 

[oddjob]

Takes a brave man to be saying that

You're a top bloke. And I guess you make some decent basses and guitars too

(But no pink ones)

Guitars???????????????????????????????

 

[azzy_wazzy]

Guitars???????????????????????????????

Only put that bit in for the benefit of the other half

 

[Dargin]

Joe (866)-823-2255. It's probably something we'll have to look at here at the factory to diagnose correctly.

 

[joeeg33]

Hey All,
Thanks for all the responce. BP, I'm sorry that I posted the problem, just thought maybe someone had a similar problem with an easy fix.
Anyway, I returned the bass to the store, the store will be sending it back to EB tomorrow.

Regards,
Joe

 

[5Stringer]

Joe, apparently Jay from New Jersey Guitar & Bass and I and you had this conversation yesterday. I have already sent a pickup for this bass, and it is on the way back to us as I write this. I believe we are on the right track to resolve this issue.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[joeeg33]

Hey Dan,
Thanks. But, they must be working you to hard.... that was this morning that I played it over the phone when Jay called you. I am sure that it will be taken care of. I feel that the MM product is the best production instrument out there, and this issue isn't that big of deal. Hey, S**t happens.

Joe

 

[5Stringer]

Joe, you are right it was this morning ... Anyway the call tag has been issued, and the bass will be on its way shortly!

Thanks

Dan