dirty parts/Amp input jack problems!

[Bobcat102122]

Hey folks,


I have a Peavey studio pro 112 combo amp, and it's been giving me trouble for a while. Every time I use the amplifier I get this popping in and out, heavy noise (possibly grounding noise) and loss of signal. Im not sure why this happens but I believe it could be a problem with my in and out jacks on either my amp or my guitar (Dean Strat Look-Alike). How can I check either of these for problems or shorts? I also think it could be cause my guitar is verydusty....there may be corrosion on the inside but I am not sure, all I know is i gett humm and more shorting when I move my toggle switch.I have to tap the area of the pickgaurd right next to the switch. How can I clean the inside of my guitar? thanks for whatever help you can give me,

~Bobcat

 

[Hard2Hear]

First thing, try some electronics contact cleaner. It's in a little bottle like compressed air. Spray the heck out of everything. It is mainly alcohol and won't hurt any electronics, but it will clean the dirt from everything. Open up your guitar and soak it, then get in your amp and spray the input jack down, too.

This is the first step, and should clean everything well. If that doesn't help anything, you have other issues and come back and post them.

H2H

 

[twist]

Bobcat,

I agree with H2H. It sounds from your description, that the pickup selector is especially suspect. I had the same problem once with a guitar that sat unused for an extended period.

Take off the pickguard, and spray the switch contacts with electronic contact cleaner. You might as well clean the pots while you're at it. After you spray them, exercise them vigorously for a minute or so. Oh, and you might as well hit the 1/4 in. output jack too. It's an easy job.

Before you start this project, make sure you read the label on the contact cleaner you get. some are harmful to plastics, and more than once I have used a product that instantly destroyed the device I was trying to clean. Be sure it says "Safe for most plastics." at the very least.

Some products are actually "degreasers", and will strip any crud off the control. I prefer the ones that are labeled as cleaner/ lubricant, as they also leave a protective lube on your pots. degreasers just strip them and leave them very dry. Most products use a silicone lube which is safe and clean. I wouldn't use WD-40. Although it will work, it is messy because it doesn't readily evaporate.

Whatever you use, protect your guitars finish as a precaution. There are many products out there, and some are very nasty. You should be able to find something at your local Radio Shack.

You seem also to suspect your amp. Try running it for a while with nothing plugged into it. Now does it make any popping sounds? If so, you've got another problem that will need to be looked at by a technician. If you suspect the input jacks on the amp, you can safely spray your cleaner in the hole, and then work a plug in and out a few times to clean them.


Good luck,
Twist

 

[Hard2Hear]

I got some stuff at MARS that says it is especially for guitars and amps. It didn't hurt anythign on my trat when I used it.

H2H

 

[JoanisT23]

I think i am positive what your problem is. Its happend to every guitar ive ever owned except for my american fat strat. Open up the input plate on your guitar. In there, there will problably be a half un-attached wire or loose wire somewhere. . . .and fix it.