Pickup/selector and PSU issues with my newly acquired '79 Series 1

[StephenR]

Sure sounding like you need a new bridge pickup. Switching where the pickups are plugged in on the card confirmed that the problem isn't the card/electonics. If it were my bass I would be happy that the problem is one pickup not something with the electronics themselves. Suggest you give Mica a call between the hours of 11 AM and 4 PM PST to order a pickup. Remember to ask if you can get one with the older style pickup cover (minus the gold logo) so the new pickup matches the old one cosmetically.

[Clarky]

Thanks for the advice Stephen.

Have to say that this whole saga has rather deflated the excitement at buying my dream bass. Just hope I can get it working in the near future without too much additional cost 😐

[gtrguy]

It's a cool bass! Getting it up and running will make you fall in love with it and it probably just needs a new pickup.!

[lbpesq]

Before buying a new pickup, you might want to check the external hookup wires on the old one.  You most likely have a broken wire, either inside the pickup, or one of the external hookup wires.  If the break is internal, the pickup is dead and you will need a new one.  If the break is along one of the external wires, it is a relatively easy to fix and a lot less expensive.  Any decent luthier or electronics tech should be able to quickly diagnose the problem if you don't feel confident you can do it.  And don't be too bummed, it will all seem worth it once you get the bass up and running.

Bill, tgo

[Clarky]

I removed the bridge pickup and the green wire that connects it to the preamp/electronics seems to be intact. In which case its looking highly likely that its a dead pickup. I have dropped Mica an email to find out what a replacement would cost.

[gtrguy]

A quick check with a VOM meter will tell you if the pickup is good.

[Clarky]

Thanks gtrguy. I am not able to get to technician for a couple of weeks so will follow up as and when. Meanwhile Mica has been in touch with me about obtaining a replacement pickup set - should the technician confirm its the pickup at fault.

[Clarky]

Update: the guitar technicians say the pickup is not dead, which is good news. They think they have localised the issue to a chip on the board which they are ordering in from Europe, so will take a few days to arrive. Fingers crossed, this will solve the problem and at considerably lower cost than pickup replacement(s).

[Clarky]

After several false starts (and 2 months ...) the chip arrived from Europe and the technicians installed it on the board. The good new is the bridge pickup works again! There is a but, though, as there is some hiss which gets more audible as you turn the filter control clockwise. However, it can be controlled by keeping the volume on the pickup off max, not using 'full' filter position and using the amp volume instead. I have been without the bass for so long I am not inclined to take it back for further tinkering so will see how I get on.

[Clarky]

Update: I tweaked the trim controls and the hiss is virtually inaudible now 

[edwin]

Update: I tweaked the trim controls and the hiss is virtually inaudible now 

Great news! Gain structure is so important.