Tragic power cord failure on my Fender Acoustasonic 40

[davismanLV]

So I've had this amp for about 7-8 years. It's served me well. If I had to buy over again, I'd probably buy something else... BUT it's what I have. And over the years the power cord (3 prongs) has been yanked and jerked and now it's failing. Used to be I could just lift the cord up and it would connect. Then I had to lift and support. Now, no matter what I do it just squawks and makes horrible noises!! I've tried shimming the power cord but it's just DONE. Any help, or do I take it to someone. Please know I'm good at making your furniture look good or creating wall art out of a sawed up table.... but electronics and electrical stuff is beyond me. Take it to a pro? Dear GOD how do I find one of those here in VEGAS?? HELP!! Thanks friends......

 

[GAD]

The minute a power cord requires manipulation to function it needs to go. Assuming it's just the cord and not something more sinister, that's a very simple fix.

 

[davismanLV]

The minute a power cord requires manipulation to function it needs to go. Assuming it's just the cord and not something more sinister, that's a very simple fix.

So I'll Google guitar amp repair in my hood. Holy crap. I use this to play sometimes, but mostly to sing. I sing a lot. Tonight was the first night that I've been ampless. It's a word.... I think.

 

[Nuuska]

Tom

If the wall end is giving grief - then you just need to cut few inches off and install new plug - or have someone do that. Simple.

If the problem is at where the cable goes into the amp - the cable needs to be replaced - or cut shorter at that end. Requires opening the amp - bit more work but nothing outrageous.

Any repair shop who repairs electric appliances will do - instrument amps are nothing special for them.


Meanwhile - DO NOT TRY TO USE IT !!! - we do not want to read the news that you burned your home.

I have seen some cables catch fire because of whacky or broken contacts. If you catch it quickly, it is easy to extiguish. But let's assume that you had managed to support the cable so you could play and have some drinks - then forget about it and go to sleep . . .

 

[SFIV1967]

So I'll Google guitar amp repair in my hood.

Ampmedic Amp Repair, Advanced Guitar & Amp Repair, Audio Xpert just to name a few should be all able to quickly change the power cord.
Good luck!

Ralf

 

[davismanLV]

Thanks, all. It's not the wall end at all. It's the connection between the power cord where it plugs into the amp. I can't use it cause it makes an awful racket. So thanks for the advice. I'll get this taken care of soon!!

 

[Nuuska]

So not a fixed cord ? Same problem with another cord ?

 

[davismanLV]

I only have the one amp power cord. And the trouble is either at the amp end of the cord, or the plug into the amp itself. If I had another cord I could test it and find out. I found two places here that I can go to. The one in Henderson seems like the best bet, but there's one right down the street.

 

[GAD]

Is this a removable cord? Does it look like a computer cord?



if so, they’re inexpensive and available anywhere that sells computers and probably even electronics. They’re on Amazon. Should be $10 or less and come in different lengths.

 

[davismanLV]

Yes!! That's exactly it!! So if I get one at Best Buy or someplace, it'll work on the amplifier? For that cost, it's worth a shot. Then I'll know if it's the cord plug or the pronged one in the amp, right? If it's the same as my computer power cord, I already have one I can use!! Thanks, G!!

 

[Brad Little]

Yes!! That's exactly it!! So if I get one at Best Buy or someplace, it'll work on the amplifier? For that cost, it's worth a shot. Then I'll know if it's the cord plug or the pronged one in the amp, right? If it's the same as my computer power cord, I already have one I can use!! Thanks, G!!

Yes, it will. I was going to post the same thing, Here's an image of the back (may not be the same model ,but the connection will be the same.:

 

[GAD]

Yes!! That's exactly it!! So if I get one at Best Buy or someplace, it'll work on the amplifier? For that cost, it's worth a shot. Then I'll know if it's the cord plug or the pronged one in the amp, right? If it's the same as my computer power cord, I already have one I can use!! Thanks, G!!

Absolutely - those cords are a standard for a reason.

 

[Canard]

Any computer repair shop, small or large, will have those cords in stock, too.

Any long term obsessive-compulsive computer nerd with hoarding tenancies with a history dating back to XTs, Trash 80s, Sinclairs and such will probably have multiple large boxes of them in an attic, crawl space, or garage, many of them still in their original plastic bags.

 

[davismanLV]

Oh I've got them. I moved stuff around I think they're out in the garage. I'll get them in a bit and then do a test. Thanks, all!!

 

[dwasifar]

All this is assuming the problem is the cord and not the jack.

 

[davismanLV]

All this is assuming the problem is the cord and not the jack.

Yes, but this test will help determine that. For some reason, I think it's the pronged amp side that's the problem, but I can't tell you why that is. Either way, later today, I'll have an answer to that question. If it's the amp side, I'll take it to someone.

 

[Canard]

If the socket/jack is loose in the back panel, sometimes a weak solder joint will come loose. It can be re-soldered. Or sometimes, its just a loose press on lug. Press it on tight again and crimp it a bit.

if the socket/jack is broken, these are fairly standard. An electronics shop would have a selection of them. They can be a pain to get out if all you have at your disposal are channel locks and screwdrivers but it can be done - they are designed to snap in with a bit of force and then never snap out. My brother had cool tool for removing them easily.

 

[Nuuska]

Any computer repair shop, small or large, will have those cords in stock, too.

Any long term obsessive-compulsive computer nerd with hoarding tenancies with a history dating back to XTs, Trash 80s, Sinclairs and such will probably have multiple large boxes of them in an attic, crawl space, or garage, many of them still in their original plastic bags.

Not too long ago - I cleared some of my stuff and brought about 30 such cords to my favourite computer shop - for free - they keep multiplying like rabbits somehow

I keep the ones with straight plugs in wall end and get rid of the 90 degree angle ones.

 

[GAD]

Not too long ago - I cleared some of my stuff and brought about 30 such cords to my favourite computer shop - for free - they keep multiplying like rabbits somehow

I keep the ones with straight plugs in wall end and get rid of the 90 degree angle ones.

I have at least 60,000 of those cords - and I can never find one when I need it!

 

[dwasifar]

For those who have more money than sense, there are other power cable options. Google for "audiophile power cords." Or read this.