Changing input jacks on a cable

[Jono Bolton]

Background: I've got a cable with a right angled jack that I used to have running from my pedals to my bass for gigs, but I don't use any pedals now and the lead isa bit too short to run directly into the amp. I've got a Planet Waves cable that's longer, but has two straight jacks, and I prefer a right angled jack as the input on a P Bass is front mounted.

Question: Rather than buying another cable, is it straightforward enough to buy a new right angled jack for a couple of quid, take the old jack off the Planet Waves one and stick on the new one? Do I need anything specialist to strip the cable or remove the old jack? I know the hot end of a soldering iron from the cold one and I've replaced jack sockets, pots and pickups myself with varying degrees of success.

[HowieBass]

From what you've said about what you've already soldered you ought to find it an easy job to fit a new jack plug.

[ras52]

Aren't the Planet Waves plugs all-in-one moulded/sealed affairs? If so, you'll need to chop it off and strip back the cable. Similarly, if your right-angled jack is sealed you're probably better off replacing it with a new one.

[Jono Bolton]

[quote name='ras52' timestamp='1441637890' post='2860460']
Aren't the Planet Waves plugs all-in-one moulded/sealed affairs? If so, you'll need to chop it off and strip back the cable. Similarly, if your right-angled jack is sealed you're probably better off replacing it with a new one.
[/quote]

From memory, yes, it's a sealed one. It didn't cost me anything so I'm happy to take a blade to it and cut off the jack and strip the cable. I'll be getting a Neutrik jack off the internet to replace it rather than swapping over the jacks between the two leads. It's the stripping I'm mostly concerned about as the cable it obviously a lot thicker than the wires I've stripped previously.

[discreet]

I'd just by a new cable from our own obbm on here - worth it for the 100% peace of mind.

[rmorris]

You can strip the cable with a sharp craft knife / scalpel and a steady hand.
To avoid nicking the screen I'd suggest scoring round the outer insulation but not cutting through completely - then flexing it until it breaks such that you can see some of the screen through it. Then use finger power to flex it further pull away the outer insulation completely. If it's too thick then score deeper or 'carve' some of it away.
You'll then need to seperate and twist the screen away from the inner core and strip this as required. This can again be done with a knife but would be easier with a wire stripping tool.
There should be a 'noise reducing screen' over the insulation of the centre core - probably a dark / black colour and like rubber. This needs to be cut/stripped back such that it doesn't touch the centre signal wire.

Back to the initial stripping of the outer insulation - this can be made easier if you can get hold of a 'Cyclops' cable stripper or similar as used for stripping Coaxial cables. See TLC electrical catalogue etc.

[gelfin]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1441639231' post='2860471']
I'd just by a new cable from our own obbm on here - worth it for the 100% peace of mind.
[/quote]

This, Quality cable and connectors with no fuss.