A few problems

[bradc1988]

Ok I'll just get straight to it;

1) My input jack always comes loose due to the shotty work when it was put together. I've tried plugs but they pop out as well. What should I do? Glue the plugs in? Oh and for some reason theres a little thing, a hexagonal ring/washer around where the jack goes in, that keeps coming loose as well from taking the jack in/out, what's the deal there? I guess I should get a new jack and glue some plugs in?

2) Is there anyway to fix the thread on my locking nut? The screw can't screw in properly as the nuts thread (not the screws thread) is fooked, do I need to replace it? Oh and can I replace mine with any other 43mm bottom mounting locking nut? Bottom locking is when the screws screw from behind the neck right? As that's the way me Ibanez RG is.

3) I currently have a new pickup sitting in my draw that I havn't installed as I'm waiting 'til I have the money to buy a bridge pickup to accompany it, so I was wondering if replacing them myself is that hard? I'm actually about to do some welding as part of my degree this friday so I'll have some experience in welding soon, and my dad's an electrician so he can help. So I just follow the schematics on the DiMarzio site?

Thanks :thumb:

[semi]

soldering?
the thread on the jack might be worn so the nut won't tighten properly.i think by what you say that means a new input jack but that shouldn't be a problem.
You cant fix the screw thread if that's what you mean you need a new thread for the screw to go on. maybe try a slightly thicker screw or you can put on a new nut yes. Shouldn't be too hard to replace pickups if you can solder no.

[bradc1988]

Hm soldering welding, same thing. Isn't one just like metal to metal and the other is using another thing to put 2 things together? I always get confused.

I think it'd just be easier to replace the nut, hopefully I'll have some money soon so I'll get one off ebay. Reckon I could replace it myself? The nut that is?

[semi]

soldering is wetting the metals with a with solder. you are meant to have it all mechanically holding properly first then solder melts on both and holds them together while conducting. im sure welding is more like actually heating up the two metal pieces so they fuse together and melting another metal to hold them. much bigger scale and far hotter. solvering is just with an iron that has a point for the heat to be transferred. welding uses a flame i think and you get sparks.
anyway i'm not sure but i think you could probably do it pretty easily if there is no drilling and such required. the internet is always here if you have any trouble.

edit: here a simpler explanation but i think i got it kinda right jsut long winded.
Soldering joins two objects by using a joint made from metal that melts at a lower temperature than either of the two objects being joined. Welding actually melts part of the objects being joined and fuses them together, sometimes with additional filler material having a similar melting point.

[bradc1988]

Ahh ok makes sense. Soldering's with wires and stuff, I guess if I learn how to weld then I basically know how to solder, but I'll get my dad to help.

Ooo that means I'll be using those big flames then, sounds like fun.

Yeah I'm pretty sure for the nut it's just unscrew the current one, then just screw on the new one. I hope the current one isn't glued on, then I'll have some problems, it looks to be on there quite tightly.

[semi]

for this you will be using soldering and not welding. it's little wires not big pipes. id imagine it's slightly different but you should work it out. read up on it first or get your dad to help.