Bass problem

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

Hi,

My BSR5EG that I bought just the other day has a small issue, the jack input has a connectivity problem. If I insert the cable all the way and seat it properly there is no sound, if I pull the cable out about 3-4mm (sorry I only know metric) the sound returns. The jack input was slightly loose when I brought it home, but I opened the back and very gently tightened the screw so it would not wiggle around anymore. But that has not solved the connectivity issue.

My questions is, should I take it back to the dealer I bought it from (chuck levins music in wheaton MD) and let them fix it? Would that void the warranty? Or should I go through KS shop?

Thanks,
Emre
www.productionpit.com

The Bass you bought was not brand new like from my hands to yours. It was in a store and was played at least enough for the internal Jack spring to be weakened and destroyed. Some Cable brands have slightly oversized tips and this will kill a Jack of this design fairly quick.

If the Bass was sold as new, then take it back to the store. They owe you a new jack with installation. If the bass was used, not brand new (first owner ever) then they should compensate you in some way. Still, the jack can be rendered useless by at least one of those famous cable companie's tip designs. I have seen it a thousand times yet they continue to use the type two plug which is not at all good for a new barrel jack such as yours.

This is a store issue as it was shipped from us to them at some point with a good jack when it was made. What is the serial number of your bass?

[Emre Tufekci]

The serial number is 5EG505105C and I am the first owner. I will take it back to the dealer to get it fixed.

What kinds (I dont know what a type two plug is) or brand of cables should we not use to damage the jacks?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

The serial number is 5EG505105C and I am the first owner. I will take it back to the dealer to get it fixed.

What kinds (I dont know what a type two plug is) or brand of cables should we not use to damage the jacks?

Based on the serial number, looks like an '05 model with Cocobolo. Makes me wonder. If this seller has had this bass that long, how many people have played it over the last 4 years and what cables were actually used. At any rate, an easy fix, so, nothing to worry about. The cable maker Ken is referencing is Monster cables.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

The serial number is 5EG505105C and I am the first owner. I will take it back to the dealer to get it fixed.

What kinds (I dont know what a type two plug is) or brand of cables should we not use to damage the jacks?

Also, once you get this bass fixed, you might want to consider an angled plug-end cable for your bass. This will help mitigate/eliminate any potential damage from unexpected 'hits' to the input jack area of your bass. The straight 1/4 plug-ends are obviously longer and more prone to this.

[Emre Tufekci]

Thanks Tim, I will definetly get the right angle jacks and not get Monster brand. Would you reccomend the models with the built in circuit breakers?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

Would you reccomend the models with the built in circuit breakers?

No; not necessary. I think if you get any good quality cable with the angled-end, you'll be good to go.

With the Monster cables, based on Kens experience, it's more about the plug being slightly larger in dimension, causing a tighter fit in the barrel jacks (input jack), thus, causing the barrel jacks to wear out quicker.

[Emre Tufekci]

Hi Tim,

I ordered new cables with right angles and the music shop repaired the worn out jack input. I have to say they were very professional and courteous. When I went back and told them the brand new bass I just purchased had a wornout jack input they took it to their onsite repair shop and replaced it in 15 minutes.

They explained to me the same things that was said earlier that a lot of players "test" the basses and that means a lot of plugging and unplugging over the years. They were adamant about making it right.

Great customer support, I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

Thanks for the help and information

Cheers,
Emre

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

Hi Tim,

I have to say they were very professional and courteous. When I went back and told them the brand new bass I just purchased had a wornout jack input they took it to their onsite repair shop and replaced it in 15 minutes.

They explained to me the same things that was said earlier that a lot of players "test" the basses and that means a lot of plugging and unplugging over the years. They were adamant about making it right.

That's great! Glad to hear you are up and running.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Emre Tufekci

Hi Tim,

I have to say they were very professional and courteous. When I went back and told them the brand new bass I just purchased had a wornout jack input they took it to their onsite repair shop and replaced it in 15 minutes.

BTW - do you know if they replaced the jack with the same barrel jack Ken uses? Just curious as I would be surprised to hear they had an extra barrel jack laying around given they fixed it in 15 minutes.

Replacing the barrel jacks in a Smith bass is very easy and would only take about 5 minutes (tops) or less to replace.