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Input jack on 400rb

JTreehorn

JTreehorn

Jun 1, 2006
234
0
Rochester, NY
#1
hi -

I recently picked up an older GK 400rb - lovin the tone from it! However, the input jack cuts in and out. At practice last night it seemed to cut out more in the begginning, as the night went on it happened less and less, but if I moved my bass too much it would happen, and I would have to wiggle the cable by the jack to get mt signal back. I tried a brand new cord, so I know that's not it. Tried two basses, thats not it either.

I think I remember someone talking about a spray connection cleaner that they used to help this - can I use this w/o taking anything apart? Or should I take it in to an amp tech?

Thanks everyone!
 
#2
Two things:
1) replace the jack (this is cheap and easy, I would expect you could get it done at an amp shop for 20-40 bucks, or do it yourself if you have th skeelz).
2) Buy a monster cable.

Any time I get used gear with input jack cable problems the first thing I try is my monster cable. Not because it's better, but because it seems like everyone uses them, and they seem SLIGHTLY oversized -- like they stretch out the input jack or something. I've had this on multiple used basses and amps, and it's fixed the issue the majority of the time. Or at least bought me a lot of time before having to replace a jack :).
 
#4
Ok.....so more observations....

I took the cover off the 400rb, everything looks to be in working order. The clips on the input jack appear ok, as don't appear to be worn out.

When I play at home, I'm not getting any of the cutting out. The differences are that at practice I play much much louder, through a hartke VX215, and had a brand new cable....vs home I'm playing with a monster cable and my ampeg 15. I doubt the cab would make a difference, but would volume make a difference?

Pretty exciting stuff I know....but thanks for any ideas....
 
#7
look at the pin connections on the jack itself and trace those back to the PCB.. you might have a cracked solder joint..

if that isn't it, re-tension the contacts on the jack itself.. i.e. bend them so that they make constant contact with the jack..

don't overtighten the lock nut on the jack, it might split (if it's plastic).. just finger tighten it, then 1/4 turn to tighten..

you might want to get some DeOxit and spray out the contacts.. also, you can use a bore brush (bronze brush for cleaning guns) and run that through the jacks to clean any corrosion/dirt from them..

other than that.. you need to take it to a competent tech..
 
#8
nope, I haven't had time to take it in yet. I did tighten the nut on the jack, and as I've been playing it tonight I've been wiggling the cord listening for any cutting out or static-y type sounds, but nothing. i guess thats good! - I'll wait and see, and if it does it again, I'll take it right in.
 
#9
JTreehorn said:
nope, I haven't had time to take it in yet. I did tighten the nut on the jack, and as I've been playing it tonight I've been wiggling the cord listening for any cutting out or static-y type sounds, but nothing. i guess thats good! - I'll wait and see, and if it does it again, I'll take it right in.
Click to expand...

What version 400 is it and what is the serial number?
 

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