I did find continuity on the ground, but did not check the hot or neutral. I believe Enzo is right and that will be no quick and easy, for me, fix for the Crate.
I went ahead and popped the top on the Fender box. It sounds so much better than the Crate, even with the Crate's cord positioned to minimize hum, that fixing the Crate is no longer an issue. Returning the Crate, selling my Peavey Vypyr 15 on Craigslist, and saving the shipping cost to return the Fender will recapture more than half the cost of the new Fender. I think it's worth it, and probably the best decision in the long run.
So, thank you JMFahey, nosaj, and Enzo! I appreciate your help and advice!
I went ahead and popped the top on the Fender box. It sounds so much better than the Crate, even with the Crate's cord positioned to minimize hum, that fixing the Crate is no longer an issue. Returning the Crate, selling my Peavey Vypyr 15 on Craigslist, and saving the shipping cost to return the Fender will recapture more than half the cost of the new Fender. I think it's worth it, and probably the best decision in the long run.
So, thank you JMFahey, nosaj, and Enzo! I appreciate your help and advice!