BSR4EG Electronic issue? Need Help!!

[jeremy jones]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

No, I have a list of those that have screwed them up but I can't give this out. Working on a Smith Bass is not like working on a Fender. Working on a Rolls Royce is not like working on a Ford. Owning tools and having a shop does not qualify one to do repairs in my book. No one but us has the exact parts for replacement or knows the ins and outs of the working of a Smith Bass as everything in the Bass is custom.

When basses get shipped here for repair, they are fixed correctly and fixed once. take it to 'Joe blow geetar repairz' (fictitious name) and prey they wont totally kill the bass.

That really puts KS bass owners between a rock and a hard place IMO. I don't doubt the quality of your work but it would be hundreds of dollars to ship a bass back and forth. I would defiantly consider it for major repairs, upgrades or if I lived near you but some of this should common knowledge to fix IMO.

Have you ever considered putting up youtube videos for stuff like maintenance and minor repairs? Do you have any sort of resource or manuals for repairs?

[Bob Faulkner]

I have a degree in electronics engineering, so I'm more than qualified to repair a bass.. Having said that, would you hire some random guy to touch up the Sistine chapel if you had access to Michelangelo? Any time it becomes necessary for work to be done on my Smith, Ken's shop will be the ones doing it.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by jeremy jones

That really puts KS bass owners between a rock and a hard place IMO. I don't doubt the quality of your work but it would be hundreds of dollars to ship a bass back and forth. I would defiantly consider it for major repairs, upgrades or if I lived near you but some of this should common knowledge to fix IMO.

Have you ever considered putting up youtube videos for stuff like maintenance and minor repairs? Do you have any sort of resource or manuals for repairs?

It's not rocket science. I just see repair people ordering parts and making mistakes. Some of these guys think they know everything. I try teaching what I can but somethings can't be done on-line or on the phone. Would you go to a doctor for a procedure that he learned on line or on the phone? People DO visit us on occasion and learn things. This is something we cannot control.

Basses come in here set-up and adjusted by who knows and in an hour, we un-do and re-do it right. Some amount of feel and talent is required. It's not all Plumbing.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by jeremy jones

That really puts KS bass owners between a rock and a hard place IMO. I don't doubt the quality of your work but it would be hundreds of dollars to ship a bass back and forth. I would defiantly consider it for major repairs, upgrades or if I lived near you but some of this should common knowledge to fix IMO.

Have you ever considered putting up youtube videos for stuff like maintenance and minor repairs? Do you have any sort of resource or manuals for repairs?

I think Ken is just trying to tell you to be careful who you get to make repairs. I can certainly understand this as I'd probably be the same way if it were my bass. He's right.....I would add: There are self-proclaimed luthiers, technicians, etc. out there that are a dime-a-dozen. You don't want a simple fix, such as your case, to turn into a more major issue. I'm sure you know that though.

Report back when you get your battery cap replaced. I am expecting a good report.

[jeremy jones]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

I think Ken is just trying to tell you to be careful who you get to make repairs. I can certainly understand this as I'd probably be the same way if it were my bass. He's right.....I would add: There are self-proclaimed luthiers, technicians, etc. out there that are a dime-a-dozen. You don't want a simple fix, such as your case, to turn into a more major issue. I'm sure you know that though.

Report back when you get your battery cap replaced. I am expecting a good report.

I will keep you guys posted..

This maybe a silly question.
Shouldn't I solder the wires that I splice together? Is there anything I should disconnect before I solder the wires together? Besides the obvious ..not having the guitar plugged into the amp

Ken S. - Thanks for your time on the phone I really appreciated that! I definitely want you to service my bass sometime soon. The next time I'm in DC or Philli I will try to set something up for sure.

After talking with Ken today.. I think he made a good point..this bass probably sat around for a long time without being played with a battery in it maybe for years. This is a 2000 model and its like bran new the guy that sold it said it came from his "vault" and was originally purchased for his collection.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by jeremy jones

....This maybe a silly question.
Shouldn't I solder the wires that I splice together? ....

Well, only you know how good you are with a solder gun. If you can do it carefully and cleanly, go for it. Just make sure the exposed wires are wrapped/insulated well when you finish. Otherwise, maybe small wire connectors would be easier.

[jeremy jones]

Well this repair was a success.. I spent about $10 on a batter connector, solder and heat shrink tubes. I was able to solder on a new battery connector and my bass works prefect now.

Thanks for all your help guys!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by jeremy jones

Well this repair was a success.. I spent about $10 on a batter connector, solder and heat shrink tubes. I was able to solder on a new battery connector and my bass works prefect now.

Thanks for all your help guys!

BadaBing! You did good. Just what I was expecting to hear. Glad to hear all is well now.