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Acoustic Bass Preamp Replacement

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  1. Acoustic Bass Preamp Replacement, Preamp: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Acoustic Bass Preamp Replacement, Preamp: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a guitar string winder to carefully remove each string.

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    • Look inside the bass for the preamp tuning box.

    • Once you find it, unplug the small jack.

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    • Cut the zip tie holding the excess length of wires in place. This is located inside the bass.

    • The zip tie is most likely right under the bridge of the bass.

    • This will allow you to disassemble all parts the wires will connect to later on in the repair.

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    • Pull out the pick-up stick from the bridge of the base.

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    • Look for the tuner/equalizer/preamp and carefully remove each screw using a Phillips screwdriver.

    • Once screws are removed, look for the endpin jack and remove it.

    • In the first image, the part had already fallen off. Refer to the second image if you have trouble finding the endpin jack.

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    • Place the tuner over the area you removed the previous one from.

    • Scratch a line around the opening to the area of the bottom portion of the tuner.

    • Refer to the second image for a visual reference.

    • Ensure the scratched guideline is made to the parameter of the parts behind the face of the tuner.

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    • Using a metal file, file up and down, following the outline.

    • Continue this, going around the outline until the desired opening is made.

    • This will most likely take quite a bit of time. If you have access to a small jab saw or similar power tool it will speed up the process.

    • Do this step ideally in a well-ventilated area as the wood shaving are small, and inhalation can cause harm or injury. Wear protective gear like a face mask, and goggles/eye protection to prevent injury or pain.

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    • Get your output platform and measure, with a ruler, the perimeter of the parts under the face with the screw holes.

    • The second and third images show the underside of the part, measuring around the internals.

    • Once you measure each side, jot them down for Step 9.

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    • Use a pencil and paper to outline the measurements jotted down.

    • Cut the shape out using a pair of scissors.

    • Place the paper over the opening on the guitar and trace the perimeter of the paper.

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    • Insert the file into the opening and file up until you reach the outline you traced.

    • Then follow the outline until the opening is completely cut out.

    • Do this step ideally in a well-ventilated area as the wood shaving are small, and you may inhale them.

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    • Place the preamp into the opening and screw into place with your power drill.

    • A power drill and four screws are required in this step. This will allow you to create a hole to screw in the screws or just directly screw in the screw without drilling holes.

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    • Using your power drill and the other four screws, drill the screws into the output platform openings.

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    • Get your pickup stick and insert it into the hole in the bridge.

    • Look into the guitar for the end of the pick-up stick and pull it until it reaches the preamp box.

    • Plug in the pickup stick jack into the box, as seen in the fourth image.

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    • Look for the preamp inside the bass. You will find a wire showed in the first image.

    • Stretch your arm into the bass to reach the output platform and find where you will need to plug the wire into.

    • Ensure the wire plugs in the right way and is firmly plugged in.

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    • Use a zip tie to secure the extra length of wire inside the bass.

    • This step is not required but will help disguise wires and keep them tucked inside the bass.

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    • Replace the old strings or install new strings to the bass.

    • Use the string winder to make this step a lot faster.

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Congratulations! You have just retrofitted a new amp into your bass.

Had trouble with one of the steps? Leave a comment letting us know how we can help!

Juan Chavez

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CSU Los Angeles, Team 77-86, Briggs Spring 2023 crwdns2935289:0CSU Los Angeles, Team 77-86, Briggs Spring 2023crwdne2935289:0

CSULA-BRIGGS-S23S77G86

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