Output jack replace?

[1955]

Problem: if guitar cable plug is turned around in jack there is a point that sound cuts out. I took the jack out, cleaned it, resoldered, etc.

Different cables, same problem. If the plug is turned, at some point the sound goes out.

I usually buy a new one and install at this point, but it got me to thinking why this happens?

The points of contact on the output jack are clean, however, where the plug meets the jack, on the jack it is very shiny.

Just trying to understand what is happening here and why it happens if the cable is turned. Thanks for any feedback!

 

[66tele]

This may be a case of the jack tip contact having "sprung". The jack tip can lose tension over the years and not make good contact with the tip of the plug. I've seen this in guitars and amps. in the past I've tried to re-tension the jack tip, but have found the best solution is to simple replace the jack with a new one.

 

[24 track]

Yes a retention of the tip contact may work but if you retention too much the plug is harder to get in/out, Also if you have a solid state amp the jack will be a nylon isolated jack and harder to retention

 

[Tony Done]

Contact cleaner is often all that is needed. I bend the tip connector in when a socket does go bad. In order not to get it too stiff I test it before I re-install it.

 

[LutherBurger]

...Different cables, same problem. If the plug is turned, at some point the sound goes out...

Is the jack rotating along with the plug? That might put tension on the solder joints.

 

[jvin248]

.

...New switchcraft jack is $4 or so from the usual places. You might just do that. The other repairs will work for a while but the switchcraft could also be a big upgrade depending on what guitar model you have.

.

 

[The Ballzz]

Replace it with an "actual" Switchcraft jack, there is a difference! Most imported guitars (MIM, Chinesiawanorenampan) come with "clones" for their jacks. Do yourself a favor and get the L11 and install it without any washer on the jack side and you'll be able to use almost any right angle plug, except the dreaded flat #228. Even if you insist on using the serrated washer inside, you'll still be able to use many/most right angle plugs.

It's also not a bad idea to use a piece of shielded wire from the volume pot to the output jack!

https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/jack-switchcraft-14-mono-2-conductortype-l11

Just My $.02,
Gene

 

[1955]

I switch these out twice a year, my sweat gets them even though I will swab with Deoxit after gigs, I usually will use the switchcraft fender branded 0021956049, they all go bad after a lot of gigs, the jack isn't moving inside, it's just the contact shorts when a guitar plug rotates to a certain point.

 

[LutherBurger]

...New switchcraft jack is $4 or so from the usual places. You might just do that. The other repairs will work for a while but the switchcraft could also be a big upgrade depending on what guitar model you have.

Musicians Friend sells them for under $2 each.

 

[1955]

Think I figured it out finally.
2 different guitar cables were bad, plus the output jack was due to be replaced.

I kept thinking it was the just wires to the jack after replacing the jack because it would short when twisting the plug in the jack harness. So I kept cutting the wires closer and resoldering.

The dang cables went bad in the span of two shows, I didn't realize it until an hour ago.

Thanks for the help everyone!