Used SR5, No Output

[Roby]

Hi,
I can't see a technical info thread.
Just bought a 5 year old 5H ray that hadn't apparently been played for a year, and there is no output (with or without a battery, my 4HH works either way), except a click if the string bounces off the pickup.
I have till wait a coupla days before taking it in for a tech to look at it, but i'm hoping it's something simple like oxidation of jack plug terminal. Any thoughts?

 

[timmy5strings]

Prepare to be screamed at for the title of this thread first Did you check the bass before you bought it and did it play ? Check the amp, the cable and jack for loose wire connections, then check the wires from the battery to the preamp. IT's probably a loose wire and I would bet it's in there somewhere and not the pickup. Of course it could be a loose pickup wire. If not, your tech can check it further.

 

[Roby]

OF COURSE all the cables, plugs, battery and amp are ok.
Bought the bass long distance on ebay, arrived yesterday and it has never uttered a squeak- I am awaiting the tech check it over, with the seller prepared to fund any repairs.
So in these circumstances I did not intend to take it apart, and I was merely inquiring if this sort of problem has ever arisen with what is otherwise an immaculate bass, that the seller had not used in a year.
To repeat myself, there is only an ocassional click when the string bounces off the pickup, so is oxidation of battery terminals or jack plug socket a possibility? Anyone out there able to reassure me?

 

[midopa]

Hmm maybe try calling EB customer service come Monday? I'm sure they can help you out.

Oh, and... pics please.

 

[Roby]

SORTED!
Oxidised battery terminals, which were etched clean with a flat screwdriver - WATCH you don't press too hard and bend these soft copper terminals inwards - which then requires unscrewing the battery housing and CAREFULLY (they could snap off I think) re-straightening the terminal.
No pics yet Midopa, but this 5H is a pretty standard Translucent Red, Beech fret, with a black pickguard. My other bass is a brand new 4HH same red colour, Rosewood fret, and black pickguard - which I am thinking of replacing with a cream one to give it a more 60's look.
Any UK suppliers of this or US suppliers willing to ship?

 

[timmy5strings]

Awesome, glad you got it taken care of without having to spend more cash, how's it sound ? By the way, are you sure its a beech fret and not a maple fretboard

 

[Roby]

Yes you're right, it's a maple fret - I was still giddy with the relief of fixing it.
I would have been surprised if a wire had come loose, but I'm now not really sure if the terminals were oxidised and wonder if the positive terminal had somehow been pushed too far, losing contact with the battery. Anyway the fix may be of help to others.
Still early days, but I think I prefer the growl of the 4HH, especially in switch position 1 and it seems easier to play. I'm still a beginner, but the 5H's bottom B string is so thick (you could tow a car with it) it hides the rest of the strings - maybe I should lose the belly, which tilts the bass over (haha).
Anyone noticed that not all the strings are centred over the coils on a 4, but are OK on a 5 - wonder if it makes any difference?