Changing an Input Jack

[nirvanafan13]

I have a bad input jack on my Warwick Corvette that I need to change, but I've never done any soldering or repair before. It seems pretty simple- three wires to attach...
I have a soldering iron at my disposal, but should I try to undertake this myself, or try to find someone else to do it?
If so, could you give my a run-through or any tips?

Thanks,
-Evan

[nirvanafan13]

bump..

[Rattman]

Originally Posted by Joshua

It is a very basic job, but if you have never soldered before it is difficult to say whether you should give it a shot or not. As a reference of sorts, I am completely incompetent when it comes to most things electronic, and I do my own soldering. What does that prove? I have no idea.



If you want to give it a shot, start with the exact same input jack to install (you can probably order one from Warwick). I would take notes of which wire goes to what lead (perhaps even take a digital pic as a reference), and then carefully unsolder the existing connections. Remove the old jack, install the new one, and then resolder the wires to the correct connections. Note that your goal is not to drown the connections with solder.

Good luck, and ask questions if you have any!

Josuha nailed it... get the exact same jack, document the original config very precisely, unsolder, resolder! If he thinks you can do it, then so do I. Post back with your highlights.

[202dy]

^^^
^^^

Make a print including color code of wires.

More importantly, get some wire and some old components and practice soldering.

Repeat the mantra: Practice on scrap, practice on scrap.

[blipndub]

Anyone can solder. It takes practice to solder well. Don't try it on the bass until you can get a shiny joint on your practice scraps, cloudy joints mean you are not ready grasshopper.

[Edwcdc]

When soldering a wire to the lugs of a jack there are a couple of things to makes sure of.

1. Make sure the iron has been on for at least 5 minutes. Also make sure your iron is in good shape. If the tip is old and grungy looking you can sometimes bring it back to life with a little sand paper or a file. If it is too far gone replace it with a new tip.

2. Tin the iron. This is done by touching the solder to it before you begin to solder. Wipe the iron on a wet sponge.

3. Re-tin.

4. Have the wire already in or on the lug and touch the iron to the lug in the area where the wire will attach.
Once it has been on there for about 10-15 seconds touch it to the wire and introduce the solder to the joint. I like to place the solder under the joint and allow the heat to draw the solder through the lug. You can just touch the solder to the top of the joint and it will work as well. After a little practice you will be able to use just the right amount. Check solder joints that were done professionally to get an idea of how much to apply.

5. Pull the iron away but make sure you do not move the parts for at least 5 seconds. Keep that joint still. If you move it before the solder has hardened, you risk a cold joint. You will know you have a cold joint because the solder will be dull and sometimes lumpy. A good joint will be shiny.

BTW it is an output jack not an input jack. Your pickups are sending signal out to the jack. The jack outputs the signal to your amp.