The Electra Forums

I was playing rather loudly this morning, thinking all my neighbors were off to work. My door bell rings, first thought was some one was here to complain. I was wrong. There was my 68 year old neighbor standing at the door with a gig bag. I apologized for playing so loud. He just laughed and said Merry Christmas and handed me the gig bag. Inside was an old Electra he said he thought he picked up in the mid to late 70s. He added much of the 70s were a blur to him. That's another topic. I plugged it in and am amazed at the sound. Sounded very much like my 73 P bass but with many diff options with the switches. It sounds like the pick ups close to the bridge are not working and all the switches and knobs need a good cleaning (inside and out). The switch closest to the jack is busted off but still works. A toothpick works just fine turning it on and off.
Although he said he thought he picked it up in the 70s, I found what looks like what I have on a 1981 price list. Actually it looks identical to the pic of the Phoenix Active EQ no. X640S. The serial number on back of the tuning head is 2020438. What do I have? This bass has already moved to the top of the agenda. I love the sound of it, even with the dead strings that are on it. Checking connections and a over all clean up is already in the process. Suggestions on replacing the one EQ switch would greatly be appreciated too.
I'd post pics of it but I seem to be challenged in this area.

You will indeed find it to be a great player. You may want to remove the small cover on the back and replace the two 9 volt batteries and clean the connections. The active EQ runs off the two 9 volts and are activated by the switch you are talking about. Welcome to the Electra Forums and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Electra New Year. Arthur aka mortarman120gang11c. PM sent concerning posting the pics.

_________________
Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Serial number 2020438 translates to Feb. 1982 build, 438th one built. First number is the year, second 2 numbers is the month and last 4 digits are build sequenced numbers. This works for the later stamped numbers on the back of the head stock. Welcome to the forums. We hope to see your pics. (I need more neighbors like yours!)

_________________
"This is the way that pop ends, Not with a BANG but with a box set whose fourth disc you never get around to playing” - Simon Reynolds

"My guitar wants to kill your Mama" - Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention

Thank you so much to the both of you.

24 hrs. later, the batteries have been replaced and connections cleaned up. There was a loose wire on one of the lower pick ups. A drop of solder and all is well. I have not cleaned up the switches yet. I am finding I can't put this thing down. It appears my obsession and compulsion have kicked in for the moment. Not sure if I should re post here or move to restoration area. With the large toggle in the down position and the mini right below it down, the E and A string have no sound most of the time. When there is sound to the two strings it sounds like I kicked on an old fuzz pedal. Is this an indicator of a bad mini switch or do I just need to get in there and clean it? Okay, I know I should just get in there and clean them all first. I mentioned the mini switch closest to the 1/4 jack as being broken off but can activate with tooth pick. It crackles and pops when switching it. Any suggestions on a replacement jack? A Radio Shack item suggested in a post I read last night or one suggested through GuitarFetish? Oh, I emailed mortarman some pics, hope they came through for you. Thanks again.

Use Deoxit D5 cleaner,more expensive but is the best cleaner out there-you will be surprised at what it will do for your switches. Just my .02
Joe

_________________
"If it ain't been in the pawnshop,it can't play the blues" R.L.Burnside

Here are the photos of the Bass.Nice Bass

_________________
Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Thanks for posting the pictures. I went to the shelf for my Deoxit, empty. Just got my Dad's old H/K working, always loved the sound of it growing up. Deoxit on order. I am going to replace the EQ mini switch and have been searching for a similar, actually identical, switch. Went through my cigar boxes and have several but none with a more flattened lever. Any suggestions on who may have a switch with a similar shaped lever?

read this one. It has some pictures and links that might interest you.

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5334

Smokin bass. I've had one since the early 80's. Just pulled it out of the deep closet a couple of weeks ago. I always kept the EQ off because it played to high with round wounds. Put some D'Addario chrome light gauge flat wounds on that baby and it was amazing. Soft feel and with the EQ kicked in they sounded like round wounds but with a great bottom to them!