Help! JP6 pickup problems

[Discordance]

Greetings all,

A JP6 BFR that I recently purchased second hand appears to have a few problems.

The first problem is the piezo pickup. It all sounds fine apart from when I play the low E string. The output is about half the volume of what it is on the other strings and there is a fuzzy kind of crackle along with the note. This is only when I play any fret on the low E String. I have tried replacing the battery but it did not solve the problem.

I also seem to have a problem with my magnetic pickups. Sometimes, My signal will splutter and fizzle out into nothing. Usually, switching to another pickup and then back again will solve the problem. It can happen with either pickup selected. I also found that, say for example: I am using the bridge pickup and it starts to splutter out, that pushing pressure down on the pickup switch without switching pickups can also solve the problem.. until it happens again

I know that it is not a problem elsewhere in my setup because it all sounds fine with the other guitars i have.

I really hope somebody can help, I'm in love with this guitar and would love to get it sorted. I tried to find a way of emailing support but i could not find a way to contact then. Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mark-NL]

No offense, but did you try looking at the ernieball website? It takes litterally one click to get to the emails.

But here you go: [email protected]. and I hope you get things sorted!! keep us posted.

 

[Discordance]

I tried the 'contact us' link at the bottom of this forum but it was a bad link. Thankyou for the support address.

 

[DrKev]

I tried the 'contact us' link at the bottom of this forum but it was a bad link. Thankyou for the support address.

Thanks for the heads up!

Do contact customer service, they are not only the best people to help you solve the issue, they are also the best customer service in the business.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Another UK'er - where are you situated?

A call to Strings n Things in Shoreham on sea (The Ernie Ball distributors) may be the first port of call - they may refer you to CS in the US, but it's worth an initial try. I'm happy to give you some pointers as I had to resolve issues with a "road dog" JP6 I picked up (see link to my JP 6 in my sig) - but try S & T first.

Their number is 01793 461650

 

[DrKev]

As he is indeed UK. Thanks Spud.

 

[Discordance]

Thanks guys,

Spudmurphy - Thanks! I am located in Lancashire.

Well I sent a message to Customer Service yesterday and am still awaiting a reply. I called Strings and Things and was given a support email who I have also just emailed. Hopefully they will be able to help. A local guitar tech who I spoke to seems to think that the problem with the magnetic pickups is just a dirty switch, However he said that it sounds like I will need a new saddle for my Piezo on the Low E string which he MAY be able to do, I'll just need to track the part.

The best news of all this soo far is that the company who I purchased the guitar from seems willing to contribute to any repair costs or will also refund the guitar. (Not something I am too happy doing since i just got the guitar all the way from the US.

I'll keep this post updated either way!

 

[Gnumarco]

Concerning the saddle, it is very easy to do, I am actually replacing my JP6 BFR low E saddle myself. Not a bit deal, just do it the right way and all goes well.

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
On a piezo saddle it means you have to unsolder the piezo lead from saddle to the PCB. Then resolder the new one - it's a tricky soldering job. The factory solder job is very neat and "flat". wheras when you do a DIY solder job it's difficult to get a factory finish, and you could have problems with the pcb shorting against the trem block. I dunno but when I had a tour of the Marshall factory the pcb's floated in a bath of solder giving a small, low soldered joint. So treat the repair with respect.

I had to replace the switch and I used all new saddles on my JP6 - click on the link in my sig for further info on my JP 6 resto job.

 

[Gnumarco]

I just finished yesterday to replace the saddle. The soldering job is indeed very flat and neat, but I had no problem to do almost the same when replacing the cable. All when smooth and works like new. Really, that's no big deal. If you want more info, I made a facebook photo album withall the steps.