How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar

Introduction

This guide will teach you how to fix the problem of an unusable output jack on your Sterling by Music Man Stingray bass guitar using a 3mm screwdriver, a soldering station, a flat surface, and a 1/4" Enclosed Mono Jack as a replacement.

There is a vast list of potential reasons for a bass guitar to need repairs. Standard wear and tear from use can cause some parts of your bass to stop working properly, and there is also a risk of causing further damage to your instrument on accident through dropping, bumping, or hitting it.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of removing and replacing the damaged output jack in the safest and most eco-friendly way possible, reducing waste production and saving money in the process.

⚠WARNING: Soldering irons can reach very high temperatures. Use extreme caution to avoid fires and severe burns.

⚠Caution: Remove the battery from the bass before coming into contact with wires to avoid shock.

What you need

Step 1 Output Jack

How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar, Output Jack: step 1, image 1 of 2

How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar, Output Jack: step 1, image 2 of 2

Locate the battery box on the back of the bass, pulling down on the latch to open it.
Carefully detach the 9-volt battery from its connector, remove it from the slot, and close the hatch.
Caution: Ensure the battery is removed before coming into contact with the wires to avoid electric shock.

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Step 2

Locate the control plate, and fully remove each screw using a 3 mm screwdriver.
Remove the plate and place it upside down to reveal the wiring underneath.
Make sure to place the screws somewhere safe so they do not get lost.

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Step 3

How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar: step 3, image 3 of 3

Prepare your soldering station by plugging it into a power source, pressing the power button, and setting the temperature to 700 degrees Fahrenheit or 375 degrees Celsius.
Wet your sponge so that you can clean the soldering iron periodically.
To prevent corrosion, melt some of the solder onto the iron to coat the tip.
Gently wipe off the tip of the iron on the steel wool, then on the damp sponge.
WARNING: Soldering irons reach extremely high temperatures. To prevent fires and severe burns, use extreme caution when handling your soldering iron. Do not touch the tip of the soldering iron at any point.

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Step 4

Take note of which lead each wire connects to for future use.
Touch the hot soldering iron to the original soldering of one of the 3 wires attached to the jack.
Gently pull the wire out from the hole of the lead.
Repeat for each of the other 2 wires.

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Step 5

How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar: step 5, image 3 of 3

Unscrew the lug from the front of the control plate and remove the old output jack.
Insert the new output jack into the control plate.
Screw the lug on to the jack on the outside of the control plate.

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Step 6

How to Replace the Output Jack on a Sterling By Music Man StingRay Electric Bass Guitar: step 6, image 3 of 3

Insert the end of the first wire into the hole of the corresponding lead.
Touch the soldering iron to the end of the wire.
Melt the solder into the cross section of the iron and the wire to secure the wire to the lead.
Repeat this process with the next two wires.
The wires can be connected in any order as long as they are attached to the correct lead.

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Step 7

Power off your soldering station by placing the soldering iron in the holder, and holding down the power button until the screen goes dark.
Unplug your soldering station from the power source to ensure it is fully off.
WARNING: Do not place the soldering iron anywhere other than the designated heat-resistant holder.