No output from P Bass with new scratchplate

[Jono Bolton]

I've just put a new scratchplate on my P Bass but there's no output coming from the jack socket. When I take the scratchplate off with all the wiring in place and plug in my tuner I get a signal, but once the plate's in place again there's nothing.

The control cavity and the rear of the scratchplate are shielded with copper tape, but I can't imagine that has anything to do with it (unless it works so well that it eliminates all noise!). With this P Bass I've always found that I have to force the scratchplate down, it doesn't just slot into place, and it arcs up where the pots are until I screw the plate down. Is it possible that the jack socket is touching the side of the cavity and causing it to cut out?

[gary mac]

I have had that before, try moving the input socket around so that it's not touching the sides. Worked for me.

Edited October 30, 2014 by gary mac

[HowieBass]

That sounds like that to me as well in that the signal's going to ground. Could you wrap some gaffa tape around the jack socket to prevent metal (jack socket) to metal (copper tape) contact?

[Jono Bolton]

Thanks guys, I did think that the jack socket must be touching the tape and grounding the signal, I tried moving the socket but it must still be making contact with it. I'll have another go when I get home this evening.

[KiOgon]

Almost certainly as above the jack socket but look out for the outer tags of both volume & tone where the white wire is also the legs of the cap, anything on the live side will kill the signal if it's in contact with the earthed shielding.

If all else fails - send me a picture of the pots/wiring & I'll have a looksee

Cheerz, John

[Jono Bolton]

Problem solved - I stuck a few wee bits of electrical tape on the wall of the cavity where the jack socket sit and the output is back!

Also thanks for the offer John but you did the wiring on this so I knew that was never going to be an issue!

[HowieBass]

Back of the net!