Jazz Bass Pickup Problem

[gerry grable]

I have a '69 Fender. It has served me well. However, last night I noticed that when I hit the high A on the G string past the G octave and let it ring, it produced a crackling, fried eggs sound. It only happens on the A. I later dicovered it happens on all As.
I changed guitar cords, fiddled with the two volume and one tone controls, and even shot a spurt of WD-40 into the guitar jack, just to be sure. I've never had the problem before and I've played thousands of hours on the old Fender.
Any ideas?
BTW I am using a little GK 200b.
Thanks,
GG

[MglMatador]

Does it happen without the amp (like do you have a preamp with a headphone jack or something else)?

[rojo412]

So any time it resonates an "A" note, it crackles and sizzles?
Could be a loose (cold) solder or a wire not being solidly connected (or split). It could need a new jack, too.

That's a weird problem, though.

[gerry grable]

Thanks for the quick replies Rojo and MG.
I don't have another amp handy but that would tell me if the source was the bass or the amp. I think I'll try it through my sound system later. BTW I played my upright through the GK and didn't have the problem. Today I will try my fretless Ibanez through the GK .
I agree it is a weird problem.
Thanks again guys,
Gerry

[Omnipharious]

I agree, it sounds like a loose connection; that A note might just be the resonant frequency of the body, or the plate, or something that's making something rattle. I don't know why it would start now if has been reliable up until now, but that's the nature of vintage instruments.

[gerry grable]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I didn't "solve" the problem but I've fixed it.
This morning I plugged my fret-less Ibanez into the amp and had the same problem. Great relief--it had to be the amp!
The old warhorse lady Fender hadn't let me down after all.
Before getting out any wrenches or screw drivers, I grabbed my omnipresent can of WD 40 and gave all (six!)of the guitar jacks (back ans front) a healthy squirt. Bingo! Clear as a bell--or an A
So. . .I guess you all were correct. There was something "loose" in a possibly faulty guitar jack. Loose piece of solder or just plain dirt.
Thanks for the concern and for allowing me to once again visit the bass guitar side of TB. It may amuse you to know that because of guys like you and my old acquaintance/BG mentor, BlueSkies, I now spend a lot of time on my BGs in addition to my upright.
Thanks again, Gerry

[rojo412]

WD40 sounds like a bad idea for pots. I know it's terrible for bicycles (I'm a bike mechanic). I mean, if it's been working for you, great... but it dries, turns sticky, attracts dust and debris.
I use Caig Progold for pots (although now, I think it's called "Deoxit").

Glad it wasn't the bass' problem, though!

[StraightSix]

Originally Posted by rojo412

WD40 sounds like a bad idea for pots. I know it's terrible for bicycles (I'm a bike mechanic). I mean, if it's been working for you, great... but it dries, turns sticky, attracts dust and debris.
I use Caig Progold for pots (although now, I think it's called "Deoxit").

Glad it wasn't the bass' problem, though!

I agree - WD40 is not good for pot or jack cleaning - use the appropriate Caig or Servisol product or you may make matters worse.

[gerry grable]

Duly noted. My WD 40 is going back in the garage where it belongs.
However, I always thought it was good for electrical stuff? I'll re-spray and cue tip out the jacks as soon as I get a can of the "right stuff."
Thanks again.

[StraightSix]

I think the solvent base will work for cleaning but the oil-based part of the WD40 formula (for lubricating rusty locks etc.) is a nightmare cos it sticks to everything after the solvent evaporates and attracts dust, dirt and other cr*p making the whole 'cleaning' process a waste of time.

I think one of the things that makes people think WD40 is a good electrical cleaner is the old 'spray it in the distributor cap if you have moisture or condensation in there to get the car started' scenario.
This leads many to think of WD40 as an electrical cleaning product when, in reality, it is working in those situations by displacing moisture.

Best left in the garage for unfreezing rusty stuff IMHO

HTH

[rojo412]

Originally Posted by StraightSix

Best left in the garage for unfreezing rusty stuff IMHO

Actually, it's not even great for that. PB Blaster is a far superior product for rusty nuts and bolts.
... but perhaps I'm getting off topic

[StraightSix]

Actually, now you mention it, I use PlusGas over WD40 every time for unlocking rusty stuff

[lidesnowi]

Originally Posted by gerry grable

Duly noted. My WD 40 is going back in the garage where it belongs.
However, I always thought it was good for electrical stuff? I'll re-spray and cue tip out the jacks as soon as I get a can of the "right stuff."
Thanks again.

Try a can of Teslanol Oszillin t6 awesome stuff!

[gerry grable]

I think one of the things that makes people think WD40 is a good electrical cleaner is the old 'spray it in the distributor cap if you have moisture or condensation in there to get the car started' scenario.
This leads many to think of WD40 as an electrical cleaning product when, in reality, it is working in those situations by displacing moisture.

You are absolutely correct. That IS why I've always used WD-40 as an electrical cleaner: The old distributor cap and spark plug wire trick

[StraightSix]

Originally Posted by gerry grable

You are absolutely correct. That IS why I've always used WD-40 as an electrical cleaner: The old distributor cap and spark plug wire trick

But it should not be used for cleaning jack plugs, jack sockets or pots as explained earlier.

OK to use on car electrics but not for fine electronic equipment.

[96tbird]

Deoxit made by Caig. Use the 100% solution as recommended by Caig for pots. Don't bother with the 5% solution.