Guitar phono sockets

[Bruce Varley]

Most guitarists I know seem to just accept that the phono socket on their
guitar will be a bit dicky, even if it's a quality instrument. That's
certainly true of my (genuine) Strat, even with the cord looped back through
the shoulder strap there's the occasional annoying crackling, which can be
seriously loud at performance volume.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a quality 1/4" phono socket that will
fit in the typical guitar housing, and which will give a reliable, noise
free connection?

 

[christofire]

"Bruce Varley" <bxvarley@weastnet.com.au> wrote in message
news7WdndDhfsdWnInXnZ2dnUVZ8uqdnZ2d@westnet.com.au...

Most guitarists I know seem to just accept that the phono socket on their
guitar will be a bit dicky, even if it's a quality instrument. That's
certainly true of my (genuine) Strat, even with the cord looped back
through the shoulder strap there's the occasional annoying crackling,
which can be seriously loud at performance volume.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a quality 1/4" phono socket that will
fit in the typical guitar housing, and which will give a reliable, noise
free connection?

Switchcraft (http://www.switchcraft.com/products/jack-85.html) 1/4" phone
jacks are used by some US guitar manufacturers and appear to have a good
reputation. The term 'phono' is usually reserved for 'RCA phono' type
sockets, not jack sockets.

Chris

 

[Phil Allison]

"christofire"

The term 'phono' is usually reserved for 'RCA phono' type sockets, not
jack sockets.

** Mazing how many folk confuse " phone" with " phono.

"phone " = telephone

"phono " = phonograph = record player

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_connector

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_jack


...... Phil

 

[Eeyore]

Bruce Varley wrote:

Most guitarists I know seem to just accept that the phono socket on their
guitar will be a bit dicky

It's NOT a 'phono' / RCA / Cinch socket.

It's what most of the world call a 1/4" ( 6.3 mm) 'jack'.

'Phonos' and their ilk tend to be used on 'hi-fi' equipment. One of the weakest
links in the chain.

Very decent quality 1/4" jacks are available.

Graham

 

[John Whorfin]

Bruce Varley wrote:

there's the occasional annoying crackling

Make sure everything is clean and check the quality of the
actual (soldered) connections to the plug on the leads you're
using, they're about the weakest link and often appear to be
okay when they're really not. The actual sockets in guitars
are usually fine.

 

[Phil Allison]

"Bruce Varley"

Most guitarists I know seem to just accept that the phono socket on their
guitar will be a bit dicky, even if it's a quality instrument. That's
certainly true of my (genuine) Strat, even with the cord looped back
through the shoulder strap there's the occasional annoying crackling,
which can be seriously loud at performance volume.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a quality 1/4" phono socket that will
fit in the typical guitar housing, and which will give a reliable, noise
free connection?

** This is the sort of 1/4 inch socket that is best for guitars:

http://www.1powershop.com/images/products_images/400/1pobj91op.jpg

Loud noises from the connection on the guitar are mostly due to a loose
fitting plug or corrosion of the plating on the inside surface of the
tubular part of the socket.

In the latter case, fit a new socket like the one above.

A 1/4 inch plug is meant to be an easy fit into the socket - then, as you
push it home, the tip contact lever acts to push it off centre forcing the
shaft of the plug into contact with the sides of the socket. There needs to
be significant pressure on the tip for a reliable ground connection as well
as reliable signal connection.

Avoid using solid brass plugs entirely as they soon tarnish and fail to
connect at signal voltages.

Avoid using plugs where the nickel plating has worn off, for the same reason
as above.


..... Phil

 

[glenbadd]

On May 21, 8:00 am, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail.com>
wrote:

Bruce Varley wrote:
Most guitarists I know seem to just accept that the phono socket on their
guitar will be a bit dicky

It's NOT a 'phono' /  RCA / Cinch socket.

It's what most of the world call a 1/4" ( 6.3 mm) 'jack'.

'Phonos' and their ilk tend to be used on 'hi-fi' equipment. One of the weakest
links in the chain.

Very decent quality 1/4" jacks are available.

Graham

1/4" aka 6.3mm jacks are also known as "phone" jacks because they were
used extensively in manually operated telephone exchanges (most of
these disappeared more than 50 years ago).

Glenn.