mono/stereo output problems with my 620

[brianeharmonjr]

I just got a new-to-me 620 and am confused with the output. First, let me say that I have a 360/12 with the same circuitry and it works perfectly. The problem is, when I plug into the "standard" jack I get just the neck pickup and when I plug into the "rick-o-sound" input I get just the bridge pickup. I checked the jacks and none of the connections seem to be faulty or touching one another. What's the deal? I only ever use the mono output on my other Ric's, so would it just be easier to swap the jack assembly out for a double mono assembly, or does somebody have a quick fix? Help me out.

[jps]

I checked the jacks and none of the connections seem to be faulty or touching one another.

Did you check to see if the harness is wired correctly, or just that nothing was shorting, etc.? Is the guitar new or second hand? If the latter, perhaps the previous owner wired it so the two pickups go to individual output jacks, which is how it seems given your description.

[brianeharmonjr]

Yes, it looks to be wired correctly. I was just messing around with it some more and I think it's just not making a good connection. If I put pressure on the plug while it is plugged in, it works perfectly well. I don't know if this is common, but I don't have the same problem any other Ric's. I've seen some discussion about better cables, such as planet waves, that make a better connection, but it seems like I should be able to use a regular cable like I do on my other Ric's. Do I need to change the jack or is the cable thing common?

[jps]

Check the contacts on the two jacks and clean them if neccesary. John Hall has mentioned that not all 1/4" plugs are created equal. PW cables have been a high recommendation around here, so you may want to try those.

[brianeharmonjr]

Problem solved! The second prong on the jack just wasn't making good contact with the plug pushed in all the way. I bent it towards the plug a little and it took care of it. I went ahead and did the same my 4001 (which cuts out from time to time) and it solved it's problems as well. Also, I purchased a Planet Waves Circuit Breaker cable, just to make sure, and I am super-pleased with it.

[jps]