Input jack question...

[1buba]

On my Warwick I have a bit of a problem. When i seat the jack all the way in to the input jack, sometimes there is no sound. If i back it out about .040, i get sound again. I actually cut some shims to put on the cable jack, but they keep falling off. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I'm guessing I need to just replace the jack, but I'm not jumping at that option just yet.

Thanks

[Foamy]

Sounds like the "output" jack is bent or otherwise defective. It's $3 part and a 5-minute fix to replace it. As long as you have eliminated the cable, and truly isolated it to the jack.
Now...it could also be that the contacts in the jack are bent and be bent back, or that they are dirty and be cleaned with some very fine sandpaper and restored.
Hmm...could also be that one of the wires inside is mostly broken and that the position of the plug restores the connection.
It depends.... Once you've isolated the problem to the jack, pull off the cover plate and have a look at what happens "live".

[GlennW]

Sometimes bending the + part of the jack towards the center helps it regain tension on the plug. You can try that without unsoldering anything.

[1buba]

Thanks for the replies.

I have narrowed it down to the jack. Happens with all my chords (except one planet waves piece of junk. it works fine). Problem is, this jack is basically sealed top to bottom. Can't see the tab's inside. Even with a flash light, i can't see what's going on inside.

I'll play with it for a bit more before I find someone to replace the jack (the ground connection is in a tough spot - don't think i should be playing electrician with it).

Thanks again.

[202dy]

This is a long panel jack. When this type of jack has problems it should be replaced. All other remedies will fail rapidly. If you plan on keeping any instrument that employs this type of jack, understand that it will be replaced on a regular basis.

[1buba]

Thanks. I was afraid of something like that.