No "clunk" in output jack

Xandeeno

New member
I have just changed the output jack on my Washburn to a switchcraft jack. I have one problem, no matter how hard I push the cable into the output jack, it never clunks into place, it just gets pushed back out half way, what is causing this? Whenever I play I need to wrap the cable around my strap so it doesent fall out. Thanks
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

I'm not familiar with the switchcraft but it sounds like there isn't enough room for your plug to go all the way into the jack. Take the jack out of the guitar (but don't unsolder) and plug your cable back into it. If it connects you know it's not your new jack. I would then drill the hole a little deeper. It doesn't have to be the same size all the way through, just go deeper with about a 1/2 inch drill bit, only about a quarter inch should do.
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

You could probably rotate your jack 180 degrees and then it would have enough room to engage the plug.
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

Yes, just loosen off the nut rotate the jack and try again, it sounds like the hot prong is not clicking into place, this is usually because of interference with the tunnel it is mounted into.
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

This has happened to me, and usually the fix is a simple rotation (the 'spring' is hitting something). I've had a few occasions where I had to enlarge the cavity for the new jack (if it was a different style than the old one).
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

Okay, I'll lessen and rotate, if that fails I will drill deeper

Deeper is usually NOT the problem. Hole diameter is usually the problem, make some room around the jack.
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

I've taken the jack out and had a good look and fiddle, baically the problem is that the lead isn't making proper contact with the "metal bit" and it was pushing the lead back. I'm still not quite able to fix this becuase I can't bed the metal but into the right position (the top needs to be bent down) so I'm a little stuck I'll keep trying though
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

Needle nose pliers and twist

Or take the palm of your hand
And bend it from the base
The whole thing
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

That's a good idea but then surely it won't pop into place as the end will be in the wrong place, it's almost as if the metal bit is too long but I dont know how it can be, I just need to bend it. I'll try your way ehdwud
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

image.jpg I have bent it so that it fits in now, but it loose and goes in and out way too easily, so loose that it cuts out when playing
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

No, no ,no ! It should look like this, as far as the centre tip connector is concerned.
You've got that all wrong.

dscn2410.jpg
 
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Re: No "clunk" in output jack

Jack's are cheap
If you can't make this one work
And it looks like it won't
Get another
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

That may be salvageable but I've never seen one so fubar that the plug slid underneath the tip contact. That thing must have either been so tight up against the wall of the recess hole that it forced the plug in at that angle. Or, the OP bent it that way thinking the tip of the plug was supposed to slide under the contact like in the photo.

One other thing ... it's hard to tell from the photo but from the looks of it, I wouldn't be surprised if wire strands from the frayed shield and center conductors are in contact, or will come into contact, and cause a short. Those wires need to be cleaned up and resoldered (or at least cleaned up).

I would order a new jack but I'm betting that one will work, at least for the time being, with some bending to form it back to how it should make contact.
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

That is one of those cheap crap Asian jacks. Get an American made Switchcraft (like the one in Strat) and be done with it.
 
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Re: No "clunk" in output jack

Thanks for all the help, I feel like a real dimbo now ahah, I'll try and fix it. If it doesent work does anyone have any recommendations?
 
Re: No "clunk" in output jack

See if the contact can be bent so that it connects properly with the plug. If it can, clean up those wires so that there are no stray strands and it will work. Just rotate it inside the hole so there is some breathing room for the contacts. There isn't much to those jacks, obviously. I would also order a new jack (Switchraft) even if you get that one working ... just in case.
 
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