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You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. How to clean input jacks?

• Thread starter buzzp
• Start date Oct 16, 2012
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buzzp

Member

Joined Sep 14, 2011 Messages 7,447 Reaction score 1,476 I've google searched how to clean input jacks on guitars and the 1/4" connectors on cables and haven't really found a solid answer. I feel like I have some scratchiness and things coming from my input jack (I hope its not my new pick-ups). What works best for you guys?

nrandall85

Member

Joined Jan 8, 2009 Messages 2,597 Reaction score 1,187 Location Buffalo, NY What I do: 1. Get a used plug, straight works best. "Chew" at it with a pair of needle nosed pliers until it gets a little gritty and textured. Make sure ALL of the plating or material you scratch off of the plug in the process gets cleaned off before the next step. 2. Get a big bottle of contact cleaner from Lowes or Home Depot. The right stuff should be about $8-10 for a can that will last you a decade at least. Don't buy Deoxit at radio shack because it's a pretty big scam for the amount you get. 3. Spray down the plug and use it as a cleaning tool for your input jack. The old in out in out. Cleaning plugs? Just use a rag and contact cleaner.

Shovelhead

Member

Joined Apr 9, 2003 Messages 1,640 Reaction score 84 Location Denver, CO You can buy a patchbay cleaner. It's basically a 1/4" jack with diamond grit on it. I use it all the time.

Honk

Member

Joined Feb 16, 2012 Messages 308 Reaction score 52 I would probably open the cavity (or undo the jack plate) and get right at the contacts with a cotton swab and something like alcohol. Rather than dirt, though, your scratchy jack may have had the contacts gradually bent out of the way through years of plugging and unplugging, leaving it loose, which just takes a little gentle bending to fix, making a nice solid connection again. B

buzzp

Member

Joined Sep 14, 2011 Messages 7,447 Reaction score 1,476 hmm ok; Things to get: -patchbay cleaner -contact cleaner Missing anything?

NyteOwl

Member

Joined Aug 19, 2003 Messages 2,644 Reaction score 23 Location Sunny South Florida - Hurricane Central Google gave me this: "1/4 inch jack cleaner"

elcidd

Member

Joined Mar 10, 2008 Messages 128 Reaction score 11 Location NM desert Another option to clean jacks is to get a brass bristled brush used to clean a .22 rifle. Probably under $5 at most gun shops.

CowTipton

Member

Joined Apr 18, 2011 Messages 9,340 Reaction score 4,627 Location Haunting Mid-west +1 for contact cleaner You'll use it for a lot more than just your 1/4" guitar jacks too. B

buzzp

Member

Joined Sep 14, 2011 Messages 7,447 Reaction score 1,476

elcidd said: Another option to clean jacks is to get a brass bristled brush used to clean a .22 rifle. Probably under $5 at most gun shops. Click to expand...

Try saying that 3 times fast outloud, without sounding like Sean Connery by the 3rd time but my friend actually has a .22 so I'll give him a call You must log in or register to reply here. Share: Facebook X (Twitter) Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link

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