Electric Guitar Amp Output Problem

Baseballer · 06-27-2002, 02:00 PM

I purchased a cheap Kramer electric guitar about a year or so ago, and everything was working fine...until now. For some strange reason, I have to hold my guitar in awkward positions to get any sound output from the amp. If I try playing in the "natural" guitar position, the output is either muffled or (usually) totally inaudible. However, my tuner is able to pick up sound from my guitar easily. I'm not sure if the problem's my guitar or my amp, but I'm thinking it's my amp? Has anybody experienced similar problems? Thanks in advance. I guess I learned my lesson though...don't be stingy when you buy a guitar!

N.tm · 06-27-2002, 10:32 PM

If the way you stand affects the sound that implies a problem with the cable and/or the jack on your guitar.

The best way to narrow the problem down is to first try a new cable, then try your guitar with a different amp that is known to be working for other guitars, and finally (if necessary) try your amp with a different guitar that is known to be working.

N.™

nate95366 · 06-28-2002, 10:14 AM

The way above is the way to go. Of course, it's hard to do all that if you want to keep your rig inside your room at home and you don't have a second guitar or a second amp. So.......I'd add that most local music stores are quite alright with you bringing your rig down there for 20 minutes and troubleshooting your problem in their showroom - heck, it gives them an opportunity to try to sell you new gear.......while what you're really after is access to a different cable, a different amp, and a different guitar for testing purposes.....

Nate

pinkangelkitty · 06-28-2002, 12:49 PM

yeah, i have the same thing going on, but i know its my cable. my guitar will cut out every once in a while when i'm playing it, so just try getting a new cable.

bob39fender · 06-28-2002, 12:58 PM

N's advice was dead on - best case scenario is a new cable, but I had a Carvin custom Strat once that did the identical thing and it ended up being a ground on one of the pick-ups....good luck!!

nate95366 · 06-28-2002, 05:09 PM

Even if it was a ground on one of the pickups, that would only require an experienced repair tech about 10 minutes behind the pickguard with a soldering iron to fix up good as new....

Nate

JaredR · 06-29-2002, 05:53 PM

is your cable jack into your guitar tight?

Baseballer · 07-01-2002, 11:53 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I tried using a different cable but had the same result...not good. I only have one guitar and one amp, so I'll probably end up making a trip down to the local music store (or my church) to see what's up. I appreciate everyone's help!