PRS P22 Stoptail - No output on "D" string in piezo mode...any suggestions?

[SinglecutGuy]

Title says it all...I have a P22 Stoptail that has no output on the D string. I replaced the battery, even though it was unlikely that this was the culprit, and still no change. Any thoughts or suggestions? The string is properly and fully seated in the saddle slot, and tapping on the slot does not produce anything either.

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated, thank you!

 

[JSanta585]

You could have a loose wire or even a bad piezo crystal.

 

[ElrytNamrogo]

I actually have the exact same issue. Mine came about, however, after a refinish...odd that it's the same string, though. I've noticed that if I finagle with the ribbon cable, I can get the sound to come through again. It's very touchy and moving the guitar in different positions will have an effect on whether the signal comes through, and what level it comes through at.

I had replaced the bridge and that didn't fix the issue. I contacted the PTC and we have both agreed that it's most likely an issue within either the ribbon cable that runs from the bridge to the piezo pre-amp or the piezo board itself. Since the piezo preamps come pre-assembled from L.R. Baggs, the only option (in this case) is to replace the entire unit.

It may be a good idea to contact the PTC to see if they have any other recommendations for you.

 

[Fuku]

^^^ This. Fiddle with the piezo ribbon as Elyrt said. That fixed mine. I didn’t seem to have any issues after that.

 

[SinglecutGuy]

I actually have the exact same issue. Mine came about, however, after a refinish...odd that it's the same string, though. I've noticed that if I finagle with the ribbon cable, I can get the sound to come through again. It's very touchy and moving the guitar in different positions will have an effect on whether the signal comes through, and what level it comes through at.

I had replaced the bridge and that didn't fix the issue. I contacted the PTC and we have both agreed that it's most likely an issue within either the ribbon cable that runs from the bridge to the piezo pre-amp or the piezo board itself. Since the piezo preamps come pre-assembled from L.R. Baggs, the only option (in this case) is to replace the entire unit.

It may be a good idea to contact the PTC to see if they have any other recommendations for you.

Did you get any pricing on replacing the entire unit?

I did email prs customer service, hoping they have a good recommendation.

 

[SinglecutGuy]

^^^ This. Fiddle with the piezo ribbon as Elyrt said. That fixed mine. I didn’t seem to have any issues after that.

I assume this is from inside the guitar under the cavity plate?

 

[ElrytNamrogo]

Did you get any pricing on replacing the entire unit?

I did email prs customer service, hoping they have a good recommendation.

I did....but because pricing can fluctuate over time (my quote was months ago), I'd prefer to just let PRS quote you the price. I will say, it wasn't quite as expensive as I expected, but I still opted to ride it as long as I can before it completely stops working.

Hopefully, they can get back with you soon and get you some information. I know it sucks....it bothers the hell outta me when it goes out. Luckily, I have managed a temporary remedy that keeps it going.

 

[SinglecutGuy]

I did....but because pricing can fluctuate over time (my quote was months ago), I'd prefer to just let PRS quote you the price. I will say, it wasn't quite as expensive as I expected, but I still opted to ride it as long as I can before it completely stops working.

Hopefully, they can get back with you soon and get you some information. I know it sucks....it bothers the hell outta me when it goes out. Luckily, I have managed a temporary remedy that keeps it going.

Just heard back from Shawn, he recommended wiggling the cabling also, and quoted me on a new board. I'm with you, pricing wasn't as bad as it could be. Just a bummer that it happened. I rarely play this guitar, and it's never seen any abuse. It's shocking that this happened, but such is life.

 

[shinksma]

I'm not sure if you can unplug the ribbon cable completely, but a shot of Contact Cleaner on both pins and plug might help.

 

[SinglecutGuy]

I'm not sure if you can unplug the ribbon cable completely, but a shot of Contact Cleaner on both pins and plug might help.

Good call.

 

[ElrytNamrogo]

Good call.

Just a heads up...these ribbon cables are VERY sensitive where they plug in, so be very, very careful and cautious with them. Also, the plug on the bottom of the bridge is also sensitive and if you’re not careful trying to disconnect the cable from the bridge, the pins can break off the bridge pretty easily.

Simply put, just be absolutely sure you’re using an abundance of caution and handling it all with kiddy gloves...speaking from a bit of personal experience.

 

[SinglecutGuy]

Just a heads up...these ribbon cables are VERY sensitive where they plug in, so be very, very careful and cautious with them. Also, the plug on the bottom of the bridge is also sensitive and if you’re not careful trying to disconnect the cable from the bridge, the pins can break off the bridge pretty easily.

Simply put, just be absolutely sure you’re using an abundance of caution and handling it all with kiddy gloves...speaking from a bit of personal experience.

Thanks for the tip.


UPDATE: I pressed both ends of the connector to ensure proper seating, wiggled the cabling, and the sound came back. Wiggled more, sound didn't go away. Maybe it was the cable, maybe it was a loose connection? Either way, It's working again, and further messing with the cable doesn't seem to effect it, so I'm leaning toward loose connection.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions.

 

[pzhang]

Title says it all...I have a P22 Stoptail that has no output on the D string. I replaced the battery, even though it was unlikely that this was the culprit, and still no change. Any thoughts or suggestions? The string is properly and fully seated in the saddle slot, and tapping on the slot does not produce anything either.

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated, thank you!

Problem solved. My solution is open the jack part, carefully pull out the cables and PCB board, clean them with some cleaning spray and the uneven piezo sound of d string is fixed.