[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1348327042' post='1812391']
Crackling is suggestive of an intermittent contact somewhere. Could be that the conductors were OK when tested but become intermittent when the cable is used in a different position and moving about.
Alternatively, could be a poor/dirty contact within the bass and/or amp sockets. Sometimes the socket contacts that press against the jack contacts lose their 'spring' and make a loose connection and/or don't rub off any tarnishing on the plug contacts when inserted. This can also cause a poor, crackly connection. Might be worth giving the jack plugs a good clean with a clean cloth.
Have you tried a different cable?
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I have done, it is definitely this cable. I have too much random guitar stuff, hance the various threads on here lately