Author Topic: Jack Problem? (Read 138 times)

bassment · « **on:** April 20, 2005, 09:10:14 PM »

I've got a problem, whenever I play through some amps here at school, I get an annoying clicking sound. I thought it was the input jacks on the amps, but it doesn't do that for anyone else that uses the amps. Then I thought it was the cord, but it does just fine on some other amps. So I'm thinking the jack on my Series 1 may have some dust on it. How would I go about cleaning it?

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2005, 10:37:37 PM »

Does the noise happen when the plug shifts in the jack, or is the sound a rhythmic one coming every second or so you only hear while not playing?
If it's the former, I suspect worn or dusty connections. If the latter, welcome to the world of dirty power and ultra-sensitive instruments.

gregbump · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2005, 12:47:39 PM »

I had a similar problem with my Europa a few months back. If the cable going into the bass got bumped or wiggled just right, I'd hear a brief pop/crack.

Usually, I'd chalk that up to a soldering problem in the cable. Fix that up and keep on going. In this case, however, my cable was fine. Turned out I had a worn-out input jack on the Europa.

I couldn't get at the pins that touch the cable inside the jack. I'd hoped to just pry them out a bit to make better contact with the cable. I called Alembic and they recommended simply replacing the jack ($30, I think). Fortunately, Alembic makes this process very simple with the quick disconnect connectors they use in their electronics. No soldering, yahoo!

To test for this on your bass, just strike a note and wiggle your cable near the input jack. If you hear pops and cracks, I'd first check your cable. If that's OK, you might consider replacing the input jack.

Good luck!

dfung60 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2005, 04:24:48 PM »

I concur with the earlier messages here - since it looks like the amp and cable are not the source of the problem, you should look at the jack to see if you hear this only when the plug is putting pressure on the jack in certain directions. If that's the problem, you can probably confirm it by loosening the nut that holds it on and rotating it a bit. But if that makes the problem go away, you REALLY want to replace the jack.

One other random thought. Cell phones that are searching for a connection can often produce transients that are picked up in amps (this happens more with old analog phones than modern digital ones). So, if you set your phone on the amp when playing, I'd try putting your phone off in your case and see if that doesn't solve the problem.

malthumb · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2005, 08:44:06 PM »

Here's an even stranger random thought. I once spent waaaay too much time troubleshooting a clicking sound coming through my amp. Turned out to be the ticking of my watch.

Peace,

James

dannobasso · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2005, 10:41:36 PM »

I had a jack go on my 7 fretless. Mica sent me a replacement set of guts and I swapped them out. It does happen. I'm having problems with new high end cables. The ends pop out of the jack due to the tangs that are supposed to keep the ends in the instrument.
Danno

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2005, 05:14:47 AM »

James; I love it! Fortunately I don't wear a watch or I'm sure I'ld be looking for that sound too!

bassment · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2005, 09:26:08 AM »

THanks guys, I'm gonna try all these suggestions and se what happens, if it turns out I have to replace the jack, oh well. That costs about the same as a good Monster Cable anyway.