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Input Jack works on and off and scratches

S

SheriffJWPepper

Nov 24, 2011
11
1
New York
www.youtube.com
#1
Hi all,

Having a problem with my Input Jack.
When I plug the cord in and turn on the amp, it usually gets no sound.
But if I turn the plug in the jack or even move it a bit, it works.
Then I have to be careful not to move or it will go out again,
or it makes horrible scratching sounds.

I checked the wires and they seems to be soldered well.
I even bended the metal "hook" piece (see pic) to give it more grab :

http://www.amazon.com/Switchcraft-Mono-2-Conductor-Input-Circuit/dp/B0049BKIF8

Why is it still doing this? There is no play movement in the jack and plug. Should I buy a new jack?
Any ideas? Thanks
 
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#2
Check to make sure your cable is ok first (try another cable), if it's still doing it with a different one try cleaning the jack with some contact cleaner. Deoxit d5 is recommended by many techs, bu others will work too, just make sure it doesn't interact with guitars finish or plastic.
 
#3
+1 on the cable. Try moving the cable gently around the input side... if it's cutting out, swap the cable for an other and repeat. if you only have one to hand try reversing the cable. If there is no cutting out it might be just damage towards one end of the cable.

The problem could of course be the contact on the amp / combo or the bass jack. Try eliminating factors as well as you can. Reproducing the fault is a great 1st step to troubleshooting.
 
#7
+1 to contact cleaner. One of my basses was horrific, there were times where it wouldn't make a noise, or where the noise would cut in and out. I actually thought my speakers or amp where toast with that one, it sounded like a rattling noise. But anyways, contact cleaner totally stopped that, but it still has some issues.

I do have a question, and I hope the OP doesn't mind. I have three Fenders style basses, two of them are 12 years old, and no matter how much I clean them or bend the clip in, they still make a popping noise when I put pressure on the end of the cable. They don't scratch when I twist the plug, just when I put pressure on it. Sort of like when I take off/put on my bass and grab the bottom of it and grab the cable at the same time. Because it happens with the two 12 year old basses, and not nearly as much with the 2 year old bass, I know that it isn't normal. But what could be the issue? Could the older clips just not have a good spring to them anymore an should be replaced?
 
#9
Matthew_84 said:
+1 to contact cleaner. One of my basses was horrific, there were times where it wouldn't make a noise, or where the noise would cut in and out. I actually thought my speakers or amp where toast with that one, it sounded like a rattling noise. But anyways, contact cleaner totally stopped that, but it still has some issues.

I do have a question, and I hope the OP doesn't mind. I have three Fenders style basses, two of them are 12 years old, and no matter how much I clean them or bend the clip in, they still make a popping noise when I put pressure on the end of the cable. They don't scratch when I twist the plug, just when I put pressure on it. Sort of like when I take off/put on my bass and grab the bottom of it and grab the cable at the same time. Because it happens with the two 12 year old basses, and not nearly as much with the 2 year old bass, I know that it isn't normal. But what could be the issue? Could the older clips just not have a good spring to them anymore an should be replaced?
Click to expand...

Some (actually many) jacks are slightly out of spec. A short or long tip connection or slightly oversized sleeve barrel can make a quality, tight connection a challenge!

If you have some jacks that arent 'behaving', consider changing them out with Switchcraft jacks (should be within spec!).

Another option would be to try Planet Waves newer "American Stage" cables. The tip of the cable has a new, unique shape that is engineered to compensate for out-of-spec jacks. It really works!
 
#13
Just got my bass back this afternoon from a local Nashville shop. They just removed EVERYTHING, laid it out on a table, and went from item to item. Either cleaned with Q-tip or spray. Checked solders and put everything back in. $38 for all that. Sounds like new. I know I could do it, but this guy does several every day so I wanted his experience. Only other advice I can think of is to push the 1/4 plug just a little harder. When I got this bass I pushed it until it clicked once, like all my other basses. But this one needed two clicks to make a full contact. Won't hurt to try it.
 

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