Ampeg input jack problems

[oldcrony]

I have an Ampeg combo BA115. The input jacks are going bad. I think they are loosing connection with the cable. If I jiggle the cable at the input jack I can get it to work for a bit, but it eventually gets scratchy or distorted then drops out completely. This amp has two inputs, one standard and one -15db (i think), they both have this problem.

I have fixed a few cables and replaced some pots in my time and I would like to fix this amp, but I have no idea what to expect when I pop this thing open.

My question is, what do you think is wrong? and what would it take to fix it? I just dont want to open this thing up and get myself into trouble by making things worse. But if its a matter of soldering a couple connections I think I can handle it.

thanks dudes

 

[David Jayne]

You may need to just clean the jacks- contact cleaner from Radio Shack works. Or you may need to bend the jack's prongs a bit so they grab the cable better. Or just replace the jacks- it's really simple to do if you can solder.

 

[Dino@Ampeg]

It could also be the soldering on the PCB. These jacks are directly soldered to the PCB and over time, sometimes those connections can loosen. You might just need to drop a bit of solder on those points to secure them up a little.

 

[johnk_10]

It could also be the soldering on the PCB. These jacks are directly soldered to the PCB and over time, sometimes those connections can loosen. You might just need to drop a bit of solder on those points to secure them up a little.

+1!

this is almost always the problem with intermittent PCB mounted jacks.

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

+1!

this is almost always the problem with intermittent PCB mounted jacks.

Yes it is. The jacks take a beating, really, even if you think you never tug on the cord, or do any of the other things that strain the jacks.....

Plastic jacks are more apt to have a problem, but metal ones are not immune.