pickup problem

Anyone else have trouble with their Full Circle crackling and then failing? I had to run home from a gig to switch basses after sound check this weekend because the pickup completely failed. I wonder if the connection between the removable wire and it's input might be the problem but I'm not...

So I recently changed the strings on a Squier J-Bass V two days ago and ever since the new set has been on when I turn the pickups up 100% the signal sounds really distorted. I'm wondering if this is a pickup problem or whether it simply is just the new strings being a little too alive whilst...