If a guitar hasn't been plugged in for a while or been left in a damp environment it can often develop electrical problems. Electrical component can oxidize and cause contacts to become intermittent or fail completely. The most common problem is with jack sockets.
The inside, ring part of the jack becomes 'dirty' with oxidization and no longer makes correct contact.The result is loud humming, crackling or cutting out.
The answer is very easy:
Take a rolled up piece of wet-n-dry paper (about 600 grade) and clean the jack with it.
You can see dirt that came out of this Les Paul's jack.
The process can be made a little easier by spraying contact cleaner into the jack as well to help dissolve the dirt.
Contact cleaner dissolves the 'poo' and then evaporates away so as not to attract dirt.
The job is quick and easy. I always keep some 600 grade in my gig bag just in case - it could save a lot of embarrassment on stage.
All guitars are susceptible to this problem - it doesn't matter if you play a vintage Strat, a new Les Paul or a real cheapie, eventually the jack will need a clean.
If symptoms persist get it checked out - the jack may need replacing or there could be another fault.
Cheers
Glyn
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