• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Lead Input Problem

P

pgtiips

Jul 3, 2011
5
0
#1
I have a problem with the lead input on my electric bass guitar. Pretty much, the lead only connects to the amp from the bass if the lead it out slightly from the input i.e. it can't be all the way in or it doesn't work.

I've had the bass guitar (a Schecter Omen 4) for around a year now, and although overall I am very pleased with it, this is a major problem as it effectively stops me playing it (I have to pull the lead out slightly ever two minutes or so).

Anyone know how to fix this problem? I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance.
 
#2
Does the problem occur with different cables? (Always good to rule out cable issues when troubleshooting.)

If you've isolated the problem to your bass's output jack: the jack is fairly simple component; take it out and eyeball it as you plug and unplug the instrument cable -- you might see a bent tab preventing the jack and cable tip from connecting appropriately.

The cable's tip is the "hot" lead, while the sleeve is the ground.
 
#3
FWIW, it's an output jack.

If I remember correctly, it's a regular jack mounted on a metal plate on this bass. Pretty easy to replace it if required, and even a quality jack is only a few dollars.
 
#4
The mechanism of retention is a contact flat spring that makes contact with the indentation of the male plug. If the retention unit has lost it's "spring" it may be bent back into place. Open the unit, look at the plug as you insert it: you will clearly see the appropriate bend needed.
 
#5
john grey said:
The mechanism of retention is a contact flat spring that makes contact with the indentation of the male plug. If the retention unit has lost it's "spring" it may be bent back into place. Open the unit, look at the plug as you insert it: you will clearly see the appropriate bend needed.
Click to expand...

This is probably the problem. Especially if it does it with several different cables. Note that the "true" fix is to buy a switchcraft jack for the bass and install it. For some reason Chinese and various "cheap" brands of jacks have a bad tendency to loose their "spring" in the contact strip. Switchcraft jacks do not. If you have one of those cheapo jacks even if you bend it and fix it eventually the problem will return and you'll have to bend it again.

On the other hand, if the problem only occurs with some "bargain" instrument cords but not with decent ones, the problem could be that the plugs are not quite made to proper sizes. I had a bunch of cords like that I picked up at Sam Ash for a song. You always had to pull the plug out just a bit to get them to work even though quality cords all worked fine. My solution was to go to the hardware store and buy these 1/4" rubber washers. You just slip one over the male plug shaft and it automatically provides the spacing to pull the plug out just a tad.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back