KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Replacing a bass guitar output jack is a common type of guitar repair.
- A bad output jack occurs through loose electrical connections, creating a crackling or scratchy sound when plugging in your instrument.
- To replace a jack, you need a basic understanding of guitar electronics and a soldering iron.
Once you’ve purchased the best bass guitar you can find, a good next step is to educate yourself on how to care for it. A standard measure for knowing how to fix a bass guitar is repairing electrical connections. So if this is something you want to learn, read on as we show you how to fix a bass guitar input jack.
If you’re still in the process of purchasing equipment and are wondering how to choose a bass amp, you can read our extensive guide on the best bass practice amps.
Repair a Bass Guitar Input Jack
Replacing a broken jack requires knowing how to wire a bass guitar, but don’t let that scare you. The process isn’t too complicated, unlike knowing how to build a bass guitar. So with the right gear and understanding of the electrical basics, you can have a shiny new output jack in no time.
Another helpful thing for musicians to know once they’ve finished making repairs is how to clean a bass guitar. And if you bought your bass for sound engineering projects, read up on how to mix bass guitar tracks.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time Required: 45 minutes
- Total Steps: 6
- Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Soldering Iron, Soldering Station, New Output Jack, Solder
Step 1 – Remove strings and unscrew the pickguard. Or, for some models, loosen the jack plate.
Step 2 – Loosen the nut around the audio jack and take the jack socket out of the pickguard or jack plate.
Step 3 – Use the soldering iron to undo the two connections holding the two wires that connect to the jack. Then remove the old jack and set it aside.
Step 4 – Apply some melted solder around each lug before reattaching the wires on your jack replacement. This process is called “tinning.”
Step 5 – Solder each loose wire back on. The hot wire (white) goes to the tip lug, and the ground wire (black) goes to the ground lug (also called the sleeve lug).
Step 6 – Screw the jack plug back into the pickguard or plate. Then, replace all the screws.
How to Fix a Bass Guitar Input Jack FAQs
What does a guitar output jack repair cost?
To buy a new output jack yourself, it’ll cost about $20-$40. However, taking it to a professional will likely be closer to $100 to have it replaced.
Why is my amp humming whenever I plug in my guitar?
The problem here is likely coming from bad grounding connections. However, this also can come from the guitar pickups picking up outside noise interference.
Why should I shield my guitar cavity?
Shielding the electronic areas of your guitar is supposed to reduce the amount of interference or unwanted noise. It’s a good idea to do this because it can also significantly improve your guitar’s tone.
Tip: Always clean the tip of your soldering iron before beginning a new project.
STAT: The standard size for a bass input jack is ¼”. (Source)
Warning: Before repairing an output jack, check that it’s not a problem with your bass cable first.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bjmwdH_Gvc&t=164s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH36cfPMha4
https://www.artisanluthiers.com/repair/output-input-jack-repair.html
https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/fixing-a-loose-instrument-jack
https://yeabig.com/how-to-fix-guitar-amp-input-jack/
https://guitarskillsplanet.com/guitar-jack-types/
