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ttc
Junior
Username: ttc

Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 2:55 pm:   Edit Post

I have an '86 Series I long scale four string which emits very loud cracks, crunches and shrieks when the cable is brushed this way or that. To stop it you have to move the cable again or turn off the amp, or unplug and replug the cable--something to shift it around.

It feels like a loose connection but everything looks OK on the back of the jack--solder seems fine. I have also tried different cables so the problem is definitely in the bass.

This is the second five pin jack I have had on the bass; I replaced it years ago for the same problem.

Anyone else encountered this?
lmiwa
Advanced Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 306
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Sunday, May 30, 2010 - 5:27 pm:   Edit Post

Sounds like the jack might be moving slightly in the bass. I would check the ground connections.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 1211
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 7:30 am:   Edit Post

Could be the cable itself, if it is old cable the screening & insulation may have broken down, they have a tendency to crack inside the main covering over time.
You could check for continuity on each pin with a battery at one end of the cable and a meter at the other.
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1148
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 7:51 am:   Edit Post

I recently went through a similar issue with my Series. The screw that holds the 5 pin jack on the bass was slightly loose and I thought that was the problem. After tightening and further diagnostics I found it to be the cable. I stripped an inch of cable and re-soldered... the same issue. Took off another inch or more and trapped the problem. After this re-solder the problem has completely gone away. I try and keep the input jack tightened and can tell when it starts to loosen by feeling it move slightly when I remove the cable (remove the cable and touch the pins on the input jack, they will move slightly inward if loose at all - time to tighten the internal screw).
ttc
Junior
Username: ttc

Post Number: 16
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 2:33 pm:   Edit Post

Many thanks for all this help.

Artswork99, is the screw you refer to the one on the inside of the bass that holds the pin assembly to the jack housing (i.e. not the two screws holding the housing to the body of the bass)?

If so, it seems to me that the way to keep the pins snug in the housing is to LOOSEN the screw so it sticks out into the hole made for it in the side of the housing. Is this wrong?

Thanks again,

TTC
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1152
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 2:35 pm:   Edit Post

That is correct TTC. Though it does tighten against the housing when turning in the counter-clockwise direction.

(Message edited by artswork99 on June 02, 2010)
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6779
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 6:28 pm:   Edit Post

Did the crackling change when you adjusted the set screw inside the bass?
ttc
Junior
Username: ttc

Post Number: 17
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 11:56 am:   Edit Post

The problem does seem to be at least partly due to the pins shifting within the housing.

The pins moved slightly within the housing so I tightened the set screw as hard as I could, but simply plugging in the cord loosened the pins almost immediately, and the crackling went on as before.

The cord does not seem to be the problem because it does not crackle when plugged into my other Series I.

Should I try to get a new set screw? or a new pin/housing assembly?

Thanks for all your help.

TTC
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6787
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 11:14 am:   Edit Post

Sounds like you have the connection in the jack as an ITT Canon and the housing is Switchcraft. They almost fit together, and it does seem that the mating between them has worn.

I'm not in the office today, but you can call me tomorrow to discuss some details.

Do check that the 1/4" jack nut is fully tightened. It can interfere with the grounding if it is not.
ttc
Junior
Username: ttc

Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 1:33 pm:   Edit Post

Many thanks, Mica--housing is definitely Switchcraft; I will check the make of the pin assembly, which is not original to the bass. After I check that and the 1/4" jack nut I will call.

Best

TTC
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6790
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 1:44 pm:   Edit Post

Unless you're following the election day thread, you might not know I was only here for a couple of hours today. I'll be back again tomorrow, so please try and reach me then, or email me your phone number and I'll call you then.
ttc
Junior
Username: ttc

Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 1:55 pm:   Edit Post

Mica,

Sorry--have not had a chance to look at the bass yet. I will call as soon as I can.

Best

TTC

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