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Ibanez ATK Problem

C

CriminalCypress

Mar 19, 2011
120
2
29
NC
#1
I recently bought a 1995 Korean Made ATK300, but i'm having an issue with the pickup switch. It seems as if the switch's first position only works with the volume knob all the way up, and even then it's hard to make out. The input jack is also kind of messed up, it cuts out when the cord is moved.

Is it possible that the jack is also messing with the switch?
 
#4
Whenever you have a "signal cuts out, jiggle chord helps" problem, don't forget to try different cables -- cables are the problem as often, or moreso, than jacks, but jacks seem to get most of the blame.

But jacks can get loose and become a problem. If bending the tip in to make it grab the plug better doesn't help, I usually replace the jack. They're pretty cheap and easy to replace.

The switch issue -- I'd check to see if the wire to that lug on the switch is nearly disconnected -- so only a very weak signal is getting to it. You can also try moving that wire directly to the output jack -- so, wire that pickup directly to the output jack -- to see if the pickup itself is putting out the right volume.

If this has an active preamp, and the switch is directly connected to a board or bit of circuitry, it might be much trickier to resolve.
 
#5
They're probably two different problems.

Switch: Probably a loose wire wither on the switch board or the small axillary board. It'd be best to take it to someone if you're new to soldering.

Jack: Probably a loose jack. It happens with 16 year old instruments. I replaced the jacks in both my 95 ATKs. Very simple swap, this you can do yourself with little hassle.
 
#6
I also have a 95 MiK ATK300.

The jack has been a problem for its durration, haha. I replaced it, finally, a few years ago. It helped for a bit, but still got a bit wonky. I bent some things to create better contact, and it's been working splendidly (knock on wood) for the past year and a half.
 
#7
lethargytartare said:
Whenever you have a "signal cuts out, jiggle chord helps" problem, don't forget to try different cables -- cables are the problem as often, or moreso, than jacks, but jacks seem to get most of the blame.

But jacks can get loose and become a problem. If bending the tip in to make it grab the plug better doesn't help, I usually replace the jack. They're pretty cheap and easy to replace.

The switch issue -- I'd check to see if the wire to that lug on the switch is nearly disconnected -- so only a very weak signal is getting to it. You can also try moving that wire directly to the output jack -- so, wire that pickup directly to the output jack -- to see if the pickup itself is putting out the right volume.

If this has an active preamp, and the switch is directly connected to a board or bit of circuitry, it might be much trickier to resolve.
Click to expand...

I bought a new chord recently, no difference.

Anyway, the wiring is to complicated for me to find the issue myself, so getting it professionally looked at is what i'm gonna do. I'll try tightening the jack, thanks for the help guys!
 
#8
First- it is the OUTPUT jack. The sounds come OUT of the bass. The input is on your amp.

It is either a cold solder joint on the jack, or that the contact for the tip is bent and not making good contact . It may be as simple as just removing the jack and bending the tip in a little.

For the switch - if it works only when the pot is all the way up - it seems that the pot is defective or dirty.
Either way - your bass needs some tech work.

Good Luck
 

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