Author: JW Date Posted:3 September 2026
A loose output jack is a common and frustrating guitar problem, whether you're on stage or practising at home. Crackling when the cable moves or an intermittent signal is often caused by a loose mounting nut.
The fix is usually quick and simple, but it’s important to hold the jack securely while tightening to avoid twisting and damaging the internal solder connections. Here’s how to secure your output jack safely and correctly.
Unplug your guitar cable to prevent strain on the jack and avoid loud amplifier noise. Lay a soft cloth over the body to protect the finish from metal tools.
Depending on your guitar, remove the jack plate or access cover so you can reach the back of the output jack. Hold the jack securely from the inside while using the correctly sized socket or spanner to tighten the mounting nut from the outside.
Crucial step: Hold the output jack firmly in place while turning the nut. Do not allow the jack to rotate, as this can twist and stress the internal wires and soldered connections.
Tighten the nut until it is snug, and the jack is secure. Do not overtighten, as excessive force can damage the jack and mounting hardware
If the signal cuts out or crackles after tightening, open the access panel and check the solder joints. If a wire has snapped off, it will need to be resoldered.
Reattach any covers, plug in your guitar, and gently wiggle the cable. The connection should feel solid, with clear audio and no crackling or signal loss.
If the internal wiring is damaged, access is tricky, or you’re unsure about completing the repair yourself, reach out to our friendly customer service team. We're always happy to offer advice and help guide you toward the best solution for your instrument.
Thanks for reading this blog! For even more great content, check out these pages:
I hope this article has helped. if you need any assistance please email:
sales@artistguitars.com.au or call us on 1300 489 816
© Artist Guitars 2026
We started Artist Guitars with a simple belief: quality instruments shouldn't cost the earth. By working directly with our manufacturing partners and selling straight to you, we skip the traditional retail markups that inflate prices. Need expert advice? We’ve got you covered. Our team of musicians is here to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Read what the Artist Community have to say.
Need more info? You can find it here.
In stock products are dispatched from our warehouse just outside of Yennora within one business day of purchase. To get an estimate for shipping to your post code please use the Shipping Time Estimator on the product listing.
Drop us an email with your order number and a short explanation for why you'd like to return your purchase. We'll organise a return label for you to print and attach to the box then either drop into your local post office or we can arrange a courier collection if necessary.
If your item arrives damaged we have you covered! Just contact our Customer Happiness team at sales@artistguitars.com.au and we'll arrange a return and replacement for you as soon as possible.
All orders placed on our Australian website are dispatched directly from our local warehouse in Yennora, Sydney (NSW). This ensures fast, reliable delivery right across Australia.
You should receive an order confirmation shortly after you've placed your order. If you haven't received one, please contact us at sales@artistguitars.com.au and we'll look into it for you.
We sell direct to consumer! This helps us keep the cost of our products as low as possible and we pass those savings into our customers which is why our guitars are unbeatable value.
New Zealand
United Kingdom
