Weird crackling issue

[Wolfenstein666]

This is a weird one. I have a RIC4003 which I love. Whenever I plug up at home (ampeg BA115) my Ricky will crackle like the bridge pup isn't connecting well. I'll twist the input cable and it'll crackle for a few more seconds and then it disappears completely for the remainder of the session.

Now, the weird part is that it ONLY happens at home. It has never happened at a gig or at practice ever. I can twist the input cable around a zillion times and no whisper of a crackle.

This doesn't happen with any of my other basses. Could it possibly be the surge protector or something really random and weird? I sit next to my entertainment center when I practice (don't know how relevant that is) but I'm at a loss and I don't want to take it to a tech if it only does it at home for a few seconds.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Carrots?

Thanks!

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Also- cable is not the issue. Tried multiple, still happens. Another thing, it only happens when I haven't played for a few hours. I could play, unplug, plug back in an hour later and no crackle.

This is weird.

 

[bassbenj]

Also- cable is not the issue. Tried multiple, still happens. Another thing, it only happens when I haven't played for a few hours. I could play, unplug, plug back in an hour later and no crackle.

This is weird.

I've got a Ken Smith that ever since I modded it to run with a TRS cable and phantom power instead of batteries does the same thing! I wish I could just puff myself up and tell you the simple thing I've found to be the answer, but unfortunately I have NOT found the problem with mine either. Same identical cable, amp and setup does NOT do this with any of my other basses. Only the Ken Smith. I suspect it's some kind of static electricity thing but I haven't spent a lot of time yet searching for answers. My Smith uses a barrel jack which are notorious for problems and my plan is to replace it first before I start a big project to find the noise. So I wish I could tell you the answer but all I can do right now is sympathize.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I read somewhere that playing near other electronics might affect the sound or something (can't remember exactly what it said or where I read it). But it only happens at home, nowhere else. Very bizzare. Thanks for the response!

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Check the switch contacts on the standard (mono) jack as that could be the problem (not making positive contact). Also, it is possible for the jack's contacts to rub up against the hole it is installed through in the body; if it is a bit tight you could ream/sand/ whittle the hole a tad bigger to allow more room for the jack.

Does the bass work fine using the ROS jack (and appropriate cable)?

In all honesty Jeff I couldn't tell you. I've never had the appropriate cord or opportunity to try the ROS. I'll tear out the input jack when I get a chance and check it out.