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Post subject: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:43 am
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Hi...
I got my fender standard stratocaster 3 years ago, it came with noiseless pickups, it's the best guitar that one may have, I had the best experience with it, I play heavy metal, and the pickups were just amazing and supporting the style that I play, lately, I had to pause playing like for 3-4 days, preparing for an exam, after that, I picked my strat and plugged it, it gave very low output!

There was no problem with the:
- Caple
- Rig
- And the amp

They all were functioning well, the reduction seems to be in all the 5 picking up positions; from the bridge to the neck, the volume and tone knobs were on 10, and I have no idea what's the source of the problem!

Could it be:
- The volume knob? As the output I got equals that when the the volume knob is set on level 4 or 5...
- Or was it from all the pickups (which I doubt it)?
- Or could it be the output jack?

I'd like to add that there is no noise at all, just low output. There are no guitar techs near me, and I have to solve the problem all alone! So what can I do in this situation?

Thank you in advance.


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Post subject: Re: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 12:09 pm
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You say no problem with the 'cable, rig, amp' - how did you test those, and what exactly is the signal chain?
(I mean, a Standard Strat with Noiseless pickups is a bit oddish, and if there is a computer involved, those do funny things...)

But if you're sure the problem with the guitar, my first guess is the output jack - and as a bonus, it's easiest to check. Shake the plug gently, any improvement? Or take the jack off, check if the wires & solder joints look OK and that the nut is properly tight. Resolder if necessary.

After the jack is ruled out, I'd suspect a grounding issue somewhere - could be the pot, but also anywhere else under the 'hood.
All three pickups won't go bad at the same time. (Unless you have a malicious kid brother/sister with a powerful magnet.)

I have no idea on how experienced you are doing guitar repairs, but it's never a bad idea to take the guitar to a pro. Especially if you've had it three years and it's never been professionally set up.

BTW, the late answer is because you had the new member lag with your first post publishing.


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Post subject: Re: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 1:17 pm
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jmattis wrote:
But if you're sure the problem with the guitar, my first guess is the output jack - and as a bonus, it's easiest to check. Shake the plug gently, any improvement? Or take the jack off, check if the wires & solder joints look OK and that the nut is properly tight. Resolder if necessary.


+1

Given the symptoms, that's usually the culprit.

Follow the recommendations, including the suggestion of having a pro luthier inspect the guitar and set it up. Done properly, you'll be amazed at the results.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:23 am
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Thanks jmattis & Retroverbial, I really appreciate your help, I thought my post will never get published, so I tried to go more invasive with guitar, I opened the jack and the wires were too loose, I've resoldered them and the issue is solved, probably putting the cable in and out the jack causes it to move a little bit and the wires were affected somehow...

@jmattis I tested the cable, the rig and the amp, with another guitar, they were functioning well, and no computer is involved at all... is really odd to have the noiseless pickups in a strat?! I thought I was lucky! Thanks again for your answers :)


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Post subject: Re: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 9:06 am
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Odd for a "Standard" Strat.
Likely changed at some point.

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Post subject: Re: Sudden Reduction of Output
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 10:10 am
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@Owtlaw, glad it turned out fine. Play on, play LOUD.


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