What can i do instead of soldering?

[JackP9284]

Hi guys,
I recently bought a Squire Affinity P-Bass. Absolutely thrilled with it. Then, I go to play it, turn on the amp and get a loud buzzing. Open up the bass and notice a loose wire going from the tone pot to the input jack.

I don't have a soldering iron currently and have no way to get to a guitar shop for a considerable amount of time. Can anybody suggest what I can do?

Thanks
Jack

P.S. If I've posted this in the wrong place I apologise (still quite new)

[eMGee]

That wire probably made a ground connection to the ring lug of the output jack. If it made a connection to the positive side of the circuit (the tip lug of the jack) it could cause the buzzing sound. But the tone pot is probably already grounded through the foil strip on the pickguard and the wire is unnecessary.

Plug the bass into the amp with the pickguard off the guitar, as in your picture -- if there is no buzz, clip the loose wire and call it good.

[JackP9284]

Originally Posted by eMGee

That wire probably made a ground connection to the ring lug of the output jack. If it made a connection to the positive side of the circuit (the tip lug of the jack) it could cause the buzzing sound. But the tone pot is probably already grounded through the foil strip on the pickguard and the wire is unnecessary.

Plug the bass into the amp with the pickguard off the guitar, as in your picture -- if there is no buzz, clip the loose wire and call it good.

I plugged it into the amp with the pick guard off, the buzzing was still there.

Do you think it would be possible to just remove the tone pot? I rarely use it on the bass

[Gunny]

nope. the output jack must have a ground or else you get buzz. The foil isn't good enough. If you have solid wire, you can twist several turns around the existing wire using pliers and squeeze/crimp that tight. This should look like the twist on a candle. Both wires should be intertwined. Then loop the other end of the (added wire) around the ground terminal on the output jack; again squeeze the connection tight as possible. That could hold you until you or a friend can solder it properly.

[trev333]

it doesn't have to be a guitar shop...

swing by an auto electrician or any electrical repair place with your guitar and some obliging soul might help you out with a quick solder job... ;)

someone nearby must have a soldering iron..

[jefrs]

The cold/earth connection is off the jack. You will find a pre-soldered tag on the jack.
Did you tighten the jack nut and spin the jack? - that can tear the wire off.

a) Goto B&Q/tool store and pick up a cheap 25W soldering iron and some (tin/lead*) solder. Practice a bit and repair it. Signal voltage is very, very small, it has to be soldered.

b) Ask neighbours/friends/relatives if they have a smouldering iron, then ask whoever to put the wire back on. The logic being that if they have an iron, they know how to use it.

* tin/lead works, even a numptie can use it, lead-free doesn't, pita.

[Manolete]

If you lived closer I would do it for you man. Weller soldering irons are quite cheap, as is resin-core solder. They run at such a low wattage that you don't really risk damaging anything and learning to solder is always useful.

[JackP9284]

Thanks for all the help guys! I've gotten a soldering iron now! You guys are right, it's easier to just get one now and save time/money in the future if I have to do stuff like this again. I'll fix it up tomorrow (I've done a bit of soldering before, so I should manage it)

Once again, big thanks!

- Jack

[trev333]

Awesome... that's the style....

you'll be a soldering whizz in no time...;)

[ThreePlyGuy]

Moving in the right direction, go for it.