Keeping Contacts clean - jack plug sockets.

[Spudmurphy]

I had to do some on the spot remedial work at a gig last night. Seemed to have a problem with the signal.

I cleaned the stereo output from my Albert Lee guitar also the inputs and outputs from my EB 6165 pedal - but had a slight problem towards the end of the gig.

I cleaned the sockets with electrical spray switch cleaner and pushed/pulled a jack plug in and out a few times.

I understand that there is a jack plug (jack plug burnisher) that has diamond particles on the tip and sleeve and this gets rid of any oxidation.

Another way I understand is to use a .30 caliber gun brush. I guess cotton buds would help to clean but has anybody else got any tips/practical advice on getting these contacts all nicely cleaned up?

Cheers
Spud

 

[Roubster]

I tried the cotton swabs to clean out the jacks on my Silo Special with piezo...that was a disaster!!! Took me an hour to get the cotton out of the jack. I read few suggestions where you roll up very fine sand paper the size of the jack and lightly twist it in there to clean the contacts. I personally have not tried it. I just used the contact cleaner on the cable jack and plugged it in and out many times and repeated.

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
yeah - that's what I did but I'm not 100% confident of the results.

This looks good but a tad pricey
"Studiospares" Burnisher Type A Jack at Studiospares

this looks good too
Midwayuk - Iosso Eliminator Rifle Bore Brush 30 Caliber, 7.62mm 8 x 32 Thread Nylon

 

[LawDaddy]

People may think I'm getting ready to snort lines of coke with sandpaper, but rolled up sandpaper does the trick for me.

 

[DR5Guy]

Isn't it easier just to replace the jack? Last time I checked you can get one for $3-$7. I bet this is cheaper than all the cleaning stuff you mentioned.

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
uhhhh but the piezo has two jack sockets which are connected onto a PCB in the pre amp - not the easiest thing in the world to replace - it's not like the run of the mill Tele/LP sockets.

I wouldn't have thought that the sockets would be easy to replace on the 6165 either - so rather than go the replacement route I'd rather go the cleaning route.

 

[Spudmurphy]

OK latest update.

I had a couple of hours yesterday with my guitar building buddy having some lessons on Nut making.

On the subject of cleaning jack sockets he said that he NEVER uses switch cleaner. He uses a piece of rolled up fine wet & Dry but he liked the idea of a .30 calib gun muzzle brush but would go for the brass bristles. They have one in a local gun shop - 10 mins away and 3 quid.... so I'll get one next week end when I get back from working away.

Bisley Phospher Bronze Cleaning Brush - Bisley Cleaning and Restoration - Arthur Bale and Sons