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Input Help!

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by beelzelboss, Jul 20, 2009.

  1. Jul 20, 2009 #1
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    So yesterday I made the mistake of tripping over my cord. Now my input on my bass (Ibanez srx 400) is messed up. Let me elaborate.

    The input is still tight on the guitar, but when it is plugged in, it is not tight in there. It will click in and there will be a little a 1-2mm space that it can move. Thus making it connect disconnect and get all garbled up. Any suggestions on how to fix?
     
  2. Jul 20, 2009 #2
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    That's a fairly easy one. Pull out the jack, and bend the contact springs back in to their original position so they securely connect with the plug. Reinstall the jack.
     
  3. Jul 20, 2009 #3
    dmrogers

    dmrogers Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2005
    Eastman, GA
    When you tripped over the cord, you probably bent the contact of the 1/4" input. Probably all you need to do is gain access to it, and carefully bend it back into position to create a tight connection.

    Reference this link to get a visual

    Good luck!
     
  4. Jul 20, 2009 #4
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    okay, thanks guys. Now the only question... How to get it apart? I'll start peeking around at it, but the nut on the inside isn't really easily accessible.
    Thanks I'll post back in a few to tell you how it goes.
     
  5. Jul 20, 2009 #5
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    dang. time to break out the sautering set. heres my problem. Its totally encased in metal. I have no way to actually get inside to the contact. Any suggestions on how I go about this?
    it looks like this
    Picture3.jpg
     
  6. Jul 20, 2009 #6
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    You may be able to unscrew that metal housing into two sections. If not, you may be able to bend the spring back into place using a segment of bent coathanger wire. If neither of those works, you may be hosed, and need to get a new jack.
     
  7. Jul 20, 2009 #7
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    won't come apart. I remember my cousin doing this before on this bass and all he did was play around with a flat head in it.

    How would I go about placing the spring back into place?
     
  8. Jul 20, 2009 #8
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    Cut a section of a wire coathanger, maybe about 10" long. Use pliers to bend a very short 90 degree angle in the tip. You really only need like 1/8" inch of bent tip. Then reach in with it and try to get that bent tip around the "back" of the spring, and pull it toward you.
     
  9. Jul 20, 2009 #9
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    gahhh. I'm totally missing the part about this elusive spring. Is it a real spring? If so there is not one of those. There are three metal strips spaced evenly down each side. Two of them have indents, while one is straight. Maybe that can help you further elaborate?
     
  10. Jul 20, 2009 #10
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    The three metal strips are springs. Some springs are flat, not all springs are coils. :)
     
  11. Jul 21, 2009 #11
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    Well, since I could not get into it, I just bought a new one and am having my local guitar shop (NOT GC :angry: ) fix it as I do not know how to solder correctly. Thanks for the help!