Hi guys,

Need some advise from all the mastas in dealing with Bass Guitar.

I got a faulty unit of SoundGear by Ibanez SDGR SR490, 4-string bass guitar from a friend (which he commented that the pickup is not working, it's his first bass guitar from long time ago). I have no experience in playing instruments, dealing with Pro-Audio all this while, was thinking to take the opportunity to learn to repair and also learn new instrument(s) and more understanding on the pickups & etc as a add-on to my current work.

So I decided to repair/improve it either on the exterior or the pickups as a tryout. I have removed everything to be naked, and now in the progress of removing the color and sanding off areas that has been damage(dented wood).



My question now is:

1. Is this a low-end/entry level piece of instrument?
2. How to identify/troubleshoot whether the existing pickups is still in condition?
3. Does this unit comes with ACTIVE knob control or PASSIVE knob control? (I can't find any information on the webstie).
4. This unit comes with a serial number and check that the body was manufactured in Japan. This unit is manufactured by Ibanez or Soundgear? (got confused on this)
5. Should i replace the pickups or upgrade the knobs control? -If yes, any recommendation? Probably not a high-end pickups as a start to learn bass guitar.


Thanks

*Admin, my apology if I have posted this wrongly.

Judging from the specs, I would say it's guite medium to high end. You don't really see that many wenge necks around.

Wenge necks?


What should I do for the pickups? any advice?

Attached with the original condition of the Bass Guitar before start sanding.