Jack problems

fender3x · #1 01-17-2007, 06:29 PM

I think I am having trouble with the jack on my ASAT bass. At a recent gig it sort of disconnected itself from a perfectly good cable. I got it to work by jiggling the cable, but it kept cutting out on me.

I was playing passive...but I have had a similar problem when the battery was low...so I switched the battery out for a fresh one. That didn't get it.

Since it's not the battery and not the cord, it must be the jack, right?

I checked the wires and there is no obvious sign of breakage in the soldered-on connections--either at the jack or at the places where the wires go.

So, I ordered a new jack, which I got in the mail. My soldering skills are not that great, so I wanted to check with more knowledgable folks... Is there anything I missed? I am guessing there is something wrong with the jack, but, since you can't see inside that sucker, I can't be sure. Any easier fixes that I have left out of my diagnosis?

Scottgun · #2 01-17-2007, 07:10 PM

How is the contact between the jack and the plug?

Scott

Scottgun · #3 01-17-2007, 07:23 PM

Also, I know you said it was a perfectly good cable, but did you try a different cable to see if the problem happened to it? The reason I ask is because even though you open the plug casing and don't see a disconnect at the solder points, there still may be a break in the actual cable itself.

Scott

fender3x · #4 01-17-2007, 08:24 PM

I tried a couple of different cables. I am not sure how good the contact is... I can't see it! It clicked into place, but these jacks are inside an enclosed cylinder, and I can't see what's in there.

RwG · #5 01-17-2007, 08:35 PM

I just had to replace the jack in one of my L2K's today, it's only about 6 months old. and a few months ago i had to replace the jack in my other L2K. I've been told by my local luthier (who is very good and reputable) that this is a common problem with these jacks and that he used to use them in his guitars but he found that they didn't hold up too well. there is no fixing it, you have to replace them when they go bad.

sunbeast · #6 01-18-2007, 04:26 AM

Also, if you use Monster cables (or have at some point) or some others- the plugs on their cables are slightly larger, and will eventually stretch out the output jack. I had this problem with one of my old guitars after using Monster cables for years and then switching to a different brand- the new ones would often short out or just fall out at inopportune times (though that is easy to fix, still a pain in the ass!).

If possible, try to find a jack that fits that isn't completely enclosed (I hate that they are designed like that- to just be thrown away when they stretch out)- that way you can always bend it back into place if necessary.

Karl

**Chef** · #7 01-18-2007, 11:01 AM

sometimes jacks and cable contacts oxidise and don't work so well. try taking some fine grit sandpaper (400 or so) and lighty clean things, followup with a rubbing alcohol wipedown.

fender3x · #8 01-18-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RwG

I've been told by my local luthier (who is very good and reputable) that this is a common problem with these jacks and that he used to use them in his guitars but he found that they didn't hold up too well.

I have heard that this is a weak spot in G&L basses too (although I can't remember where). Did your luthier friend have a suggestions for a jack he likes better...and that will fit?

**Chef** · #9 01-18-2007, 11:14 AM

switchcraft
there's a setp by step on this at the dudepit

fender3x · #10 01-18-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

switchcraft
there's a setp by step on this at the dudepit

That's just what I need! You don't have a link, by chance?

**Chef** · #11 01-18-2007, 01:16 PM

lemme go poke around

fender3x · #12 01-18-2007, 01:33 PM

Gracias for the efforts!

RwG · #13 01-18-2007, 04:26 PM

the luthier does have a better, stronger jack but it does not fit in the 1/2 inch hole on the G&L's - you would have to drill out a bigger hole (probably 5/8 - 3/4 of an inch) and make a plate to hold the jack in the body. the bigger jack is not enclosed so it does not have a finished end like the ones in the G&L - the one he showed me is similar to a jack that you could use on fender through the pickgaurd, it has a threaded end that you need to be able to put the nut on to hold it in. since i work in a metal shop i may see if i can fabricate something that looks good enough to do the job - i know i can make one, but it's got look good to!

**Chef** · #14 01-18-2007, 04:35 PM

Noooooo!
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...tput_Jack.html

and here:
http://www.glguitars.com/frameset.htm

go to online store, second jack down

RwG · #15 01-18-2007, 04:39 PM

hey chef

that's the same jack as the one that's in there now. this is the one i'd like to use if possible - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...put_Jacks.html

the contact piece on these is bigger and stronger that the one on the flush mount jacks

I guess i should add the i stuck with the flush jack for now because i didn't want to go drilling into the G&L - I guess i'll just have to stock up on them, and i do use monster cables so......i guess i can expect to change out the jack annually

fender3x · #16 01-18-2007, 05:45 PM

Are we talking about a Switchcraft 152B?

I have the one at the G&L website... I also searched the list at the Dudepit... Everyone talks about a Switchcraft jack...but no one seems to mention the model number. Also, all the links are dead.

The one that RwG recommends would take a lot of modification to use...so I don't think I'll use that (although I appreciate the rec, and it appeals to the cheap in me). I'd like to use a sturdier version of the one I have.

RwG · #17 01-18-2007, 06:30 PM

if you find a sturdier verion let me know. the one i put in mine yesterday was from all parts

http://www.allparts.com/categories.p...cat_name=JACKS

model EP 0151-000 or EP 0152-000 - i'm pretty sure it's the 0151 since that's mono and the other is stereo. someone else may be able to tell you better about that, i didn't actually pick out the jack, i just told them to put in what it needs, i would have bought one and installed it myself but my soldering skills are not that good.

fender3x · #18 01-21-2007, 03:22 PM

Waited a little for a reply from G&L... The jack on their website is a Switchcraft. So's the one at Allparts, although I think it's the stereo jack you want. The bass is not stereo, but I think the third lead disconnects the battery when you unplug the bass in active mode.

For future reference, if they are all Switchcraft I would probably be inclined to get the one from G&L. It's not much more expensive and comes with the felt and large lock washers and all that stuff that the standard Switchcraft jack does not have.... of course you can just take it off the dead orig. as well...