How do I clean a scratchy input

Rick Blanc · #1 10-11-2010, 01:56 PM

I have a Demeter VTBP-201s and the active input is scratchy. Is there a spray? How do I go about cleaning it?

Thanks

SurferJoe46 · #2 10-11-2010, 02:08 PM

I watched a guy take a small piece of fine wet/dry sandpaper and roll it into a tight tube-shape - making sure it was over a couple of inches long, kinda like a skinny cigarette, and insert it into the offending jack/port and just twist it a few times.

He told me - and I've experienced this myself - that some 1/4" jacks have a gold-colored coating on them that can flake off and corrupt the connection.

Vic Winters · #3 10-11-2010, 03:10 PM

The go to is usually Deoxit spray and a 1/4 inch plug.

Rick Blanc · #4 10-12-2010, 04:44 AM

Thanks Surfer. I'll give it a try.

Vic, Where is a good place to get that stuff? Radio Shack?

Big chicken · #5 10-12-2010, 04:48 AM

i use raidio shack electronics cleaner

Vic Winters · #6 10-14-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Blanc

Thanks Surfer. I'll give it a try.

Vic, Where is a good place to get that stuff? Radio Shack?

Online, possibly Guitar Center. I got a can at a local guitar shop. You don't want to use the Radio Shack cleaner/lubricant because it leaves behind a residue meant for lubricating pots.

Rick Blanc · #7 10-16-2010, 03:21 PM

Got the Deoxit spray. Do I just squirt into the input or open the pre amp up and spray the input from there or squirt some on the jack and plug and unplug a bunch of times? Sorry for the stupid questions but I'm just not a do it yourself kinda guy.

Thanks
Rick

jbassbob · #8 10-16-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Blanc

Got the Deoxit spray. Do I just squirt into the input or open the pre amp up and spray the input from there or squirt some on the jack and plug and unplug a bunch of times? Sorry for the stupid questions but I'm just not a do it yourself kinda guy.

Thanks
Rick

yep, spray a little on the jack and plug and unplug it a few times. Wipe the jack with a paper towel and repeat.

Rick Blanc · #9 10-17-2010, 05:27 AM

Thanks. I'll try that

slick_tu · #10 10-17-2010, 10:30 AM

CRC QD Electronic Cleaner, 11 oz. spray about $6-$8 is good. CRC Lectra-Motive, 19 oz. spray about $4-$6 is also great, but doesn't dry as quickly. Neither leaves any lubricant/residue behind, and both are safe for plastics. Just read a recommendation on another thread to use a bore cleaning brush for a .22 cal. rifle along with a contact cleaner. DeoxIT is good but expensive.