PLEASE help me fix my amp in time for tomorrow

Quinn.H · #1 06-12-2011, 12:59 PM

I'm sure it's an easy fix, but i've never had any experience dealing with fixing an amp. It's my street performing amp and I leave for chicago tomorrow, and would be bummed if such a silly thing kept me from playing!

I'm young and really have no idea what terminology to use, but i'll describe it to the best of my abilities

The washer around the input jack got loose and fell off, causing the jack itself to fall into the amp. When I pulled the jack back out, and bought a new washer, I found that the only sound I could get was a loud buzzing. Zero bass sound was making its way through to the amp. I know for a fact it isn't the cord, and I tested the amp by plugging my bass into the mono jack that is reserved for headphones, and I could clearly hear the bass guitar coming our of the speakers. (though it of course sounded flat being just the straight signal from my bass.) I have no idea what to do. I will be so thankful if I can get it fixed, all the places around here said it would take at least one week, which is fine, but I would hate to miss one of the few chances I get to street perform.

Thanks TB!

Selta · #2 06-12-2011, 01:04 PM

Sounds like the input jack might need looked at - I'm betting that a wire / all the wires got pulled off. If you're OK with a soldering iron it could be a very simple and easy fix really. Just pull it open, look at the jack and check the wires on it. Follow them to where they connect to the amp and make sure that connection is good too.

Edit: It'd also be really helpful if you filled out your profile.

BassmanPaul · #3 06-12-2011, 01:05 PM

I'd guess that you have lost the ground connection to the input jack. That is however just a guess. The amp will have to go to a tech. Trying to fix something yourself that you know nothing about will likely make a $50 repair into one that may cost a few hundred.

Unless you can borrow a amp or rent one you are going to miss the concert. Sorry.

Quinn.H · #4 06-12-2011, 01:29 PM

Two totally opposite posts, wonderful. I suppose I'll just play it safe, and wait till next trip. I also don't see what difference it would make if I had filled out info, I just lurk and only post when I need to. I'm never even logged in. Thanks anyway!

Febs · #5 06-12-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quinn.H

Two totally opposite posts, wonderful. I suppose I'll just play it safe, and wait till next trip. I also don't see what difference it would make if I had filled out info, I just lurk and only post when I need to. I'm never even logged in. Thanks anyway!

Well, for one thing, if people could look at your profile and see what type of amp you have, they could offer suggestion specific to you amp, rather than just guessing.

Selta · #6 06-12-2011, 01:35 PM

Well, it would just be a courteous thing, then we at least know what amp you have so we can suggest things. Your loss more than anything. Good luck once you drop it off with your tech.

Never_grew_up · #7 06-12-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quinn.H

Two totally opposite posts, wonderful. I suppose I'll just play it safe, and wait till next trip. I also don't see what difference it would make if I had filled out info, I just lurk and only post when I need to. I'm never even logged in. Thanks anyway!

If you fill out your profile people will know where you are. Someone might be able to suggest a good local repair shop, or willing to drop by and have a look at your amp, or offer a loaner till you get yours fixed.

lbwdog · #8 06-12-2011, 01:39 PM

I wonder if there's an emoticon showing a dog biting a hand feeding it?.....oh well

smeet · #9 06-12-2011, 01:40 PM

If you had filled out your profile, we would know what kind of amp, how old you are, how much playing experience you have, what kind of equipment you are familiar with. All useful information that would probably make the difference between the two opposite posts you got. The more we know about you, the better advice we could give. But, in the end it's up to you to figure out if you know enough to fix it yourself.

**Matt Lake** · #10 06-12-2011, 01:42 PM

When you tightened it back down, one of the two wires on the input jack may be touching something else metal - meaning a short - no signal. Loosen the nut on front again and rotate the jack counter clockwise (since it probably rotated clockwise when you tightened the nut.) If you didn't break a wire off in there, you have a fair chance of un-contacting whatever it is now contacting.
If you find a position that works, tighten it down there.

One Drop · #11 06-13-2011, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quinn.H

Two totally opposite posts, wonderful. I suppose I'll just play it safe, and wait till next trip. I also don't see what difference it would make if I had filled out info, I just lurk and only post when I need to. I'm never even logged in. Thanks anyway!

Maybe they should have PM'ed each other first and agreed on a script?

You have a brain, use it to decide which answer is useful to you. Do you know how to solder? if so, look at the jack. Do you not know how to solder and have no electronics DIY experience? Bring it to a tech.

etc.