Carvin BX 600 Static

[Pickinator]

HI:

I'm not a loud player and my bass amp has performed very well for about 10 months, now I hear a "scratchy-type of static"; the type of sound you usually associate with a dirty pot, except I can't find the dirty pot. It isn't the bass guitar, or speakers. The sound isn't loud but it's in there and I need it to be gone.

I was told that it's probably the ribbon cable connectors and that I should use Deoxit spray on all of the individual connections and jacks. I know I'm about to sound like a nube but, what does the ribbon cable connector look like. I've never opened up an amp head. Is there anything inside there that I can hurt or shouldn't spray. Is there anything in there that can hurt me. Any pointers would be appreciated. I will have it unplugged.

 

[craig.p]

> I will have it unplugged

You're no fun.

j/k, lol . . .

The ribbon cables look like thick gray or black ribbons. They're used to get signals from one circuit board to another. You'll spot them in less than a second -- they're that obvious. Sometimes (but not often) they're twisted to clear something that otherwise would've been in the way. They pull right out of their respective board connectors. Typically the connectors are keyed so they'll go in only one way. If yours aren't keyed, though, mark them appropriately so you get them back together correctly.

Over the years I've used Deoxit, white label contact cleaner, Blue Shower, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol to clean contacts, all with equal success. Don't use rubbing alcohol, though, because it contains lubricants.

Side note: Do NOT use a contact cleaner on potentiometers unless you let it dry completely and then follow it with something like Fader Lube.

 

[Pickinator]

Thanks Craig. Good pointer as I would have used it on pots.