Author Topic: Output jack replacement issues (Read 208 times)

jeramaya · « **on:** May 01, 2012, 05:09:04 PM »

Hello,
My Epic started crackling and cutting out while I was playing. After figuring out that it was not the cables, I thought I'd replace the output jack. I bought a stereo Switchcraft output jack and put it in. I may not have soldered it correctly or something, because now that I have a signal (after a couple times soldering and not getting a signal at all), the signal is incredibly low. Can anyone please tell me what way the output is supposed to be wired? Meaning, which wire to which terminal... Thanks

PS...I swear I remembered it correctly, but I may have just forgot. Oops.

JuancarlinBass · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2012, 08:04:40 PM »

I am not sure if it has changed over time, YMMV they say, BUT... My Epic is a 96' and the output jack is not by any chance similar to a normal Switchcraft stereo jack. Mine has some kind of interruptor with a plastic tip that moves on when the plug is in. I got my Epic from a previous owner who managed to break one of the little tips inside the jack, and it was very difficult to manage to keep it sounding without cutting off. I opened the control cavity and found this problem. Were it not for a very cheapo active preamp circuit I had bought on EvilBay that was unusable, BUT used the same kind of modular output jack, I wouldn't be able to get the offending piece off the other jack and into the Epic's, and that's how I got mine up and running smoothly again. A shame I don't know the exact model name of the jack used here, but I am sure maybe Dave or Mica can help you out identifying or even supplying you the appropriate part.

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2012, 01:50:07 PM »

I just posted in the Epic FAQ details about replacing the output jack. Hope it helps!

jeramaya · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2012, 06:49:39 PM »

Thanks Mica! I have to say that I'm more confused than before after seeing the picture, though. See, I had my input replaced a long time ago--probably in 2001. Thus, I don't have the original input from the Epic.

It appears to me that the previous replacement was just a basic stereo jack from Switchcraft. The wires that were connected to it included the black wire from the battery, another black wire (I presume this is the volume referred to in the picture), and the purple wire. None of those other wires were attached to anything. The new replacement Switchcraft jack looks identical to the previous one.

I will take pictures and see if I can post them.

jeramaya · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2012, 07:50:53 PM »

I did it! I have normal output/volume. The black wire from the battery (negative) needed to go to the sleeve. The other black wire (ground, I'm guessing?) had to be wired to the ring. Then the purple (volume) went to the tip. Clearly, I'm not an electrician. Ha ha. Thanks for the patience.

(Message edited by Jeramaya on May 02, 2012)

jzstephan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2012, 09:19:09 AM »

Here's a little song that will help you keep the connections straight!

marcschilp · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2013, 10:21:11 AM »

jeremaya (or anybody), where does the red/white wire go to then when you use a straight stereo plug? Same problem here..?

(Message edited by marcschilp on February 16, 2013)