Amp input jack noise - crackle and hum

[MotoSolo]

I've got a Vox VT50 which is a great little amp, but it has started pumping out that crappy 60-cycle hum and a noisy/crackly connection. Sometimes it even thins out my tone, which sucks. The cable seems good, and it does this with every guitar I own.

However, if I wiggle the cord in the input jack, I get a mix of noise and crackles, until it finally settles in on a clean spot—no hum, no crackle/noise. I rolled a tube of 600 grit sandpaper and spun it around in there to clean out any oxidation, and that helped a bit, but the connection is still inconsistent.

What do you think? A loose ground connection? Do I need to just clean the jack out more, or is it time to mess with just replacing the it?

 

[LukeCurd]

I've got a Vox VT50 which is a great little amp, but it has started pumping out that crappy 60-cycle hum and a noisy/crackly connection. Sometimes it even thins out my tone, which sucks. The cable seems good, and it does this with every guitar I own.

However, if I wiggle the cord in the input jack, I get a mix of noise and crackles, until it finally settles in on a clean spot—no hum, no crackle/noise. I rolled a tube of 600 grit sandpaper and spun it around in there to clean out any oxidation, and that helped a bit, but the connection is still inconsistent.

What do you think? A loose ground connection? Do I need to just clean the jack out more, or is it time to mess with just replacing the it?

I think its time for a visual inspection.

 

[MotoSolo]

Heh, yeah, I guess I was trying to avoid actually breaking out a screwdriver and wrench. Time to get off my lazy butt and open it up I suppose.

 

[guitarman967]

sandpapers probably not a great idea.
you probably have a bad solder connection. just re heat the connection and you'll be good to go.

 

[blackba]

The little contact arms in the jack are probably getting weak, either its probably a bad solder joint to the jack or you need a new input jack.

 

[LP Freak]

Sandpaper? Try contact cleaner. Sounds like a loose connection.

 

[glip22]

Sandpaper? Try contact cleaner. Sounds like a loose connection.

Don't you think a blow torch might clean the jack better.

 

[MotoSolo]

Sandpaper? Try contact cleaner. Sounds like a loose connection.

I know, I know. The sandpaper was a tip that I found on YouTube. Had me scratching my head too, sounded not too bright, but I thought it might be worth a shot if I was careful (which I was).

I'm going to open it up tomorrow and see how things look. I think you're right, there's gotta be a loose or weak solder connection.

 

[MotoSolo]

Well, I pulled the amp apart yesterday morning. Input jack looked okay, but I noticed one of the contacts was spaced a little farther than the other (see attached pic below).

So, I plugged in my cable, then gave the contact a little push with a screwdriver to help it fit a little more tightly. Screwed everything back together, closed up the back, plugged in and powered up. Nice clean signal, like new, so that seemed to do it (crossing my fingers). I might still see about ordering a replacement input board, just in case, but so far, so good!