(x) History request 1983 series 1 bass 832630

[dslapster64]

Any information on this wonderful machine, I would appreciate it thanks.

[mica]

Here's what I found in the instrument file for you:


serial number 832630
model name: Series I
model number: LBI4
top: Quilted Maple
accent: none
body: Mahogany
back: Quilted Maple
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: mother of pearl ovals
originally made for: Washington Music, MD
birthday: April 27, 1983

There is a note in the file that the action was very good!

[dslapster64]

Thank you so much . This is a lifer. I am curious about the switch next to the input . What does it do?

[JimmyJ]

Glad you are enjoying that bass!

I was gonna ask "what switch?"  But I think see a small silver switch right next to the tailpiece?  Not sure that was a factory install, possibly a later mod.  But typically a switch in that area would either be be to turn on and off the neck LEDs (if installed) -or- to switch the 1/4" jack between mono and stereo.  If you can post any in-cavity pics we could probably tell you.  Or you know, just try it and see what happens.

Sometimes as an incorrect reaction to RF noise people will add ground wires, maybe try to "ground" the bridge or tailpiece.  But that method is a holdover from passive basses and doesn't apply to our instruments.  It won't hurt, but it won't do any good.

Jimmy J

[rv_bass]

We have discussed this bass before.  According to a previous seller the switch was installed to try to control ground and hum noise.  Here is a response from a previous seller when I inquired about it:

“ I had the toggle switch installed by a renowned guitar tech. I was touring with a nationally known artist and was having a “buzzproblem” caused by the lighting system of one of the lighting companies. My tech friend suggested I let him install a ground switch on my guitar, which I did. And I never had a problem with a buzz again.”

I have no affiliation with this bass.

[JimmyJ]

Yeah, I knew that idea was somewhere in the back of my head.  And I frankly don't believe the reported great result.  I can almost guarantee the switch will make no difference to any "'buzzproblem' caused by the lighting system".  Because that is more likely RFI being heard by our big single coil pickups. Pointing the bass in a different direction is the immediate fix for that kind of noise.  (And/or getting Ron's magical update mod).

Anyway, the switch will not do any harm so think of it as a unique talking point: "Hey, what's that switch for?" "Sorry, I can't can't tell you".

Jimmy J

[dslapster64]

Ok thanks a lot guys. I do note a slight difference but only minimal. I would love to turn it into a active/passive switch. I do kind like it there. Makes it look extra fancy I guess. Thanks again.

[mica]

Advise strongly against an active/passive switch. The pickups are extremely low output and are designed to rely on a preamp.
Post a picture of the wiring around that mystery switch. We often add a mono/stereo switch for the 1/4" output.