Hofner Input Jack Problem.

[Darklordelmo]

So, I own a Hofner Icon-B Bass and something happened while I was playing. My cable fell out of my jack and a part of my jack (looks like a very slim nut) fell off. This also moved the input for the cable and now it's floating around somewhere inside the body of the bass. There have been times where the slim nut came a little loose, but I hand turned it tight before.

So, any ideas on how to fix it so I don't have to send it away for repair?

[SGD Lutherie]

You have to fish the jack from inside the body and put the nut back on it.

Luckily they have the control plate (with the two knobs and switches) on the front. Remove the 4 screws that hold that on, and carefully lift the control plate up and out of the way.

You should be able to stick your fingers or some object in there and push the jack back through the hole.

There should be a lock washer with teeth on it, and the other side should have had a plan washer that went behind the nut.

Tighten the nut back up making sure you don't twist the jack around, which can pull some of the wires off.

Use a socket or an adjustable wrench to get the nut nice and tight so it doesn't fall off again.

Then put the control cover back down and screw the 4 screws back on.

[jazzbass13]

the nut loosens alot you just need to watch it after you fix it.

[Baxter66]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

You have to fish the jack from inside the body and put the nut back on it.

Luckily they have the control plate (with the two knobs and switches) on the front. Remove the 4 screws that hold that on, and carefully lift the control plate up and out of the way.

You should be able to stick your fingers or some object in there and push the jack back through the hole.

There should be a lock washer with teeth on it, and the other side should have had a plan washer that went behind the nut.
Tighten the nut back up making sure you don't twist the jack around, which can pull some of the wires off.

Use a socket or an adjustable wrench to get the nut nice and tight so it doesn't fall off again.

Then put the control cover back down and screw the 4 screws back on.

I've just ordered a Switchcraft 12B stereo jack because when I plug into the one in my new Hofner CT Club the plug is loose. I was told a stereo jack (for about $5 AUD) gives it that nice solid-feeling thunk when you plug in so I'll give it a whirl.

Just curious about the ease of fitting it (I have little experience) and noticed this very helpful post. Is it difficult to rewire a stereo jack?

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Baxter66

I've just ordered a Switchcraft 12B stereo jack because when I plug into the one in my new Hofner CT Club the plug is loose. I was told a stereo jack (for about $5 AUD) gives it that nice solid-feeling thunk when you plug in so I'll give it a whirl.

Just curious about the ease of fitting it (I have little experience) and noticed this very helpful post. Is it difficult to rewire a stereo jack?

You probably either needed a better jack or you need to bend the terminal over a bit to make a better connection.

You will wire the stereo jack up the same as the old one, and just ignore the ring connection. So look to see which lug is ground and which one goes to the longer contact.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

You will wire the stereo jack up the same as the old one, and just ignore the ring connection.....

OR, wire the ring terminal to ground to get an extra-good ground connection. Can't hurt.

[rfslick]

Most important! If you don't have experience soldering, practice on some other wire outside your bass first. If you can't do that, find someone who knows how to solder well!
Roger

[Baxter66]

Thanks all for the advice! Very helpful.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

OR, wire the ring terminal to ground to get an extra-good ground connection. Can't hurt.

True. I was going to say that, but didn't want to confuse the issue!

[loopee]

had the same thing happen to mine the other day.....where does the lock washer fit? Does it go inside with the "teeth" facing the outside?

[Bassamatic]

You can put a dab of rubber cement, etc on the threads to keep it from loosenIng In the future.

Also, it is the OUTPUT jack. The sound comes OUT of it.

[mech]

Originally Posted by loopee

had the same thing happen to mine the other day.....where does the lock washer fit? Does it go inside with the "teeth" facing the outside?

Yes. The toothed washer goes on the jack, then the jack goes into the hole in the body. A thin flat washer goes on the jack on the outside of the body and then the nut.

mech

[loopee]

Thanks....I know that part.....all I need to know is if the teeth of the "star washer" face inside or outside.......

[bill reed]

Originally Posted by Bassamatic

You can put a dab of rubber cement, etc on the threads to keep it from loosenIng In the future.

Also, it is the OUTPUT jack. The sound comes OUT of it.

clear nail polish is great for keeping the nut from unscrewing. just a dab on the end of the thread and the nail polish comes with its own brush. works great.
never had a problem with the 9 basses i have had over the last 40-odd years doing this. alwayd do this when i get a new bass.

[loopee]

ok, it's back together.....must say I'll have to keep an eagle eye on that nut until I can get some nail polish.....there barely is any thread for the nut to grab....so problem fixed....thanks