Knackered Barrel Jack Sockets - A Prevention Tip

[xilddx]

I have come to the realisation that one should never use straight jacks, always use an angle jack.

[LiamPodmore]

I stopped using straight jacks 4 years ago, and am yet to damage a barrel style jack socket. I always use angled jacks, it just makes more sense (Unless using something like a Strat or an Ibanez S series as that would just be wrong).

Liam

[lettsguitars]

Or, to protect from possible trade disputes, always use the union jack.

[Gust0o]

I'm inclined to agree.

[neepheid]

Also, I would steer clear of these sprung loaded jack plugs. The regular ones are fine and designed for the socket. The spring loaded ones apply extra pressure which really isn't necessary.

[Big_Stu]

I saw someone on here write recently that they stand their bass up "leaning against the jack plug" when not in use.
I've seen two Teles have their sockets ripped out when they fall over doing that.

Yup, all my leads have an angled jack at one end.

[BigRedX]

Ugh. I can never get a proper hold on the unlocking mechanism once I've got sweaty gig hands which means swapping basses with one of these on mid-gig too much hard work for me. I wouldn't knowingly have another instrument with one fitted.

[xilddx]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1339067475' post='1683104']
Ugh. I can never get a proper hold on the unlocking mechanism once I've got sweaty gig hands which means swapping basses with one of these on mid-gig too much hard work for me. I wouldn't knowingly have another instrument with one fitted.
[/quote]
Yeah, locking shouldn't be necessary.

[BigRedX]

Upward-pointing jack sockets and/or wrapping the lead around the strap should be all you need.

[tm486]

Hey,

I just logged on to ask a question about this very topic. I had one fitted probably a year and a half ago and it's already broken, is that about normal cos it seems a bit short to me. I'll give the right angled jacks a go, but I have an angled jack socket and wrap the lead around the strap so I can't see it helping much?

Cheers

Tom

[Dad3353]

Our eldest switches guitars, and uses a magnetic jack. Held firmly in place for playing, it's simple, quick, robust and noiseless when swapping. On bass, one would perhaps swap less, but just thought I'd mention it.
+1 for angled jacks for bass.

[xilddx]

[quote name='tm486' timestamp='1339068447' post='1683121']
Hey,

I just logged on to ask a question about this very topic. I had one fitted probably a year and a half ago and it's already broken, is that about normal cos it seems a bit short to me. I'll give the right angled jacks a go, but I have an angled jack socket and wrap the lead around the strap so I can't see it helping much?

Cheers

Tom
[/quote]

And I was just going to reply to BRX that an up-angled barrel socket pretty much forces the need for straight jacks, and therefore an engineering design stupidity in most cases.

[tm486]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1339068673' post='1683130']
And I was just going to reply to BRX that an up-angled barrel socket pretty much forces the need for straight jacks, and therefore an engineering design stupidity in most cases.
[/quote]

With regards to how long they last, how long do your's normally last before you have to change them?

[xilddx]

[quote name='tm486' timestamp='1339069011' post='1683139']
With regards to how long they last, how long do your's normally last before you have to change them?
[/quote]

I never have to (so far), as I use angle jacks

However, I had to swap the barrel socket on my current (s/h) Warwick Streamer, it was f***ed. Probably due to straight jacks being used.

[tm486]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1339069183' post='1683145']
I never have to (so far), as I use angle jacks

However, I had to swap the barrel socket on my current (s/h) Warwick Streamer, it was f***ed. Probably due to straight jacks being used.
[/quote]

Lol, fair enough. I guess I'll have to just repair it as and when then.

Cheers,

Tom

[stingrayPete1977]

I though it was going to be "don't use planet waves cables" , and I don't. I swapped all mine to angled at one end when I purchased the pre EB ray, I hate seeing a straight jack sticking out of the front of a 2 band Ray!

[warwickhunt]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1339069183' post='1683145']
However, I had to swap the barrel socket on my current (s/h) Warwick Streamer, it was f***ed. Probably due to straight jacks being used.
[/quote]

That's actually a well documented design features of Warwick basses (I love Warwicks to bits but lord knows how many jack sockets I've had to replace over the years... reflects badly on how many have passed through my hands ).

[xgsjx]

I can't use an angled jack plug on my bass as the wire would stick slightly upwards & away from the body & the minute you bump it, it pops out (Yes, I did actually try it. But not at a gig).

[The Bass Doc]

[quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1339086361' post='1683463']
always use the angled end when I can just makes more sense.
Thinking of changing them to the oval plates or the tele style electro socket .
[/quote]

Beware the Electrosocket doesn't allow yer average right-angle jack plug to fit in flush.

Edited June 7, 2012 by The Bass Doc

[yorks5stringer]

[quote name='silddx' timestamp='1339064705' post='1683030']
I have come to the realisation that one should never use straight jacks, always use an angle jack.
[/quote]

Not sure what your rationale is for using an angle jack, could you explain why please? This is a genuine query as I've "been straight" for 40 years and never had a knackered barrell!

[BassTractor]

[quote name='yorks5stringer' timestamp='1339113962' post='1684059']
Not sure what your rationale is for using an angle jack, could you explain why please? This is a genuine query as I've "been straight" for 40 years and never had a knackered barrell!
[/quote]

Not only that, but one can't play fast with angle jacks. There's a reason that T5 data lines never have a sharp angle, and always make slow turns with a radius of at least 1 meter.

[Chris2112]

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1339083530' post='1683405']
That's actually a well documented design features of Warwick basses (I love Warwicks to bits but lord knows how many jack sockets I've had to replace over the years... reflects badly on how many have passed through my hands ).
[/quote]

My one still works fine, touch wood! That said, I use straight ended jacks but I always loop the cable through my strap to take the weight off the end and stop me damaging the socket by treading on the cable. I should get some angled jack cables as I mostly play sitting down now, even live (what a joy that is).

[KingBollock]

About 18 years ago I had the bright idea of installing a jack plug on my lead that screwed onto a supplied nut that you had to fit to the Bass. I'm not quite sure why I did it, I had been in a band where the lead Guitarist had the habit of standing on my leads and pulling them out, but only of the amp, not my Bass... Of course, when I sold that Bass guess who forgot to remove the special nut...? One useless lead left.

As people are talking about jack plates too... I know these are incredibly cheesy but I am thinking about a BC Rich Warlock here... I have seen these Jack socket plates and Truss Rod covers, they have skulls and bones and stuff on 'em! But I'm not keen on ordering from the US and was wondering if anyone knew of anywhere in the UK that might sell something similar?

http://guitarheads.net/products/hardware/plates/plates.html (about 1/3rd down the page)

[warwickhunt]

[quote name='Chris2112' timestamp='1339186651' post='1685213']
My one still works fine, touch wood!
[/quote]

That's because I changed it before I sold you it Chris!

[Chris2112]

[quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1339189464' post='1685279']
That's because I changed it before I sold you it Chris!
[/quote]

Quite the handy man! I willbe recieving a bass in a few days with the neck off, would you be able to lend your skills in putting it together/setting it up? You'll get first go!