Need help...distortion with front 4003 pickup???

[totalfitness1]

I recently bought a used 2001 4003 Fireglo RIC in incredibly nice condition. Within the last couple of days, the RIC sounds distorted when I don't have my thumb anchored on the front pickup. Even when I switch from front to back pickup and do any other of the bass control adjustments, I get that distortion. (Sounds like a outboard pre-amp box when the battery is dying...but it's definately the bass). Like I said, it only does it when my thumb is not anchored on the front pickup. When I move down the strings and anchor my thumb on any of the strings, there is that distortion...

Could it be a ground wire? Being passive, it couldn't be too complicated...could it? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I've tried using both inputs, cables, etc. and when I use my other bass with the exact same set-up everythings okay. It's the front pickup/thumb anchor thing that makes me think it's a ground wire....

Just would like your thoughts before either tearing into it or taking it to a guitar doctor.

[banta]

Sounds like a ground to me. Should be easy to fix.

[gpatt5762]

Al,

Re-post this question on "Ask a Rickenbacker Luthier"; there you'll get the attention you need.

Good Luck,
Garry