Endpin jack problem on abg

[sln]

The endpin jack on my JBPlayer acoustic bass has recently been causing
me grief, typically with momentary disconnects. Last night it failed
completely on me when I jacked in, in the middle of a set (I simply went
back to my other bass).

Here's the part:
http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/JK42-21/Acoustic_14_Endpin_Stereo_Jack_with_3_Exterior_Screw_Holes__Gold.html

The guitar is only a year old, and sees most of its use unplugged, so
this shouldn't be a wear issue. I pulled it out for a look and the
connecting wires are fine. As you can see from the picture, it's a
sealed barrel jack, so I can't inspect the contacts inside.

Is this a common problem? I can easily replace it with another of the
same kind, but I'd rather not end up with the same problem if this is
common with these parts. Perhaps there's a better jack to be used?

Thanks,
sln
--
======================================================================
Mr. Shannon Nelson Parents can't afford to be squeamish.
sln - at - onemain dot com

[Toby Gray]

Fairly common problem especially if players don't support their cord
(through strap usually) before plugging in. It's a lot of stress on
the jack. After you replace it, try a light weight cable and let the
strap support the weight and movement. A right angle connector may
help, too.

T.

[js]

> The endpin jack on my JBPlayer acoustic bass has recently been causing
> me grief, typically with momentary disconnects. Last night it failed
> completely on me when I jacked in, in the middle of a set

Did you try jacking off?

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

"sln" <s...@onemain.com> wrote in message
news:7cydnT-6i_BlcKPW...@earthlink.com...

[Gary Rosen]

"js" <not...@nothing.com> wrote in message
news:hhodbd$qfe$1...@news.eternal-september.org...

>> The endpin jack on my JBPlayer acoustic bass has recently been causing
>> me grief, typically with momentary disconnects. Last night it failed
>> completely on me when I jacked in, in the middle of a set
>
> Did you try jacking off?

John, I think anyone who posts to agb is
jacking off (rimshot, cymbal).

- Gary Rosen

[sln]

js wrote:
>> The endpin jack on my JBPlayer acoustic bass has recently been causing
>> me grief, typically with momentary disconnects. Last night it failed
>> completely on me when I jacked in, in the middle of a set
>
> Did you try jacking off?
>
> (Sorry, I couldn't resist)

And a happy new year to you, too, John. Oh, and isn't "jack" a familiar
form of "john"? :-)

Cheers,

[Benj]

On Jan 2, 1:54 am, sln <s...@onemain.com> wrote:

> Here's the part:http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/JK42-21/Acoustic_14_Endpin_S...

>
> The guitar is only a year old, and sees most of its use unplugged, so
> this shouldn't be a wear issue.  I pulled it out for a look and the
> connecting wires are fine.  As you can see from the picture, it's a
> sealed barrel jack, so I can't inspect the contacts inside.
>
> Is this a common problem?  I can easily replace it with another of the
> same kind, but I'd rather not end up with the same problem if this is
> common with these parts.  Perhaps there's a better jack to be used?

Yep, common. It is an especially common problem with made in China
jacks. What happens is that the metal they use for contacts is soft
and looses it spring after a few plug insertions. This is why some of
the better bass makers will only use Switchcraft jacks that retain
their springyness. With open jacks at least you can take pliars and
give the tip contact a good bend to fix it. With a barrel jack you
can't fix it. I've often had the same problem with phone plug adapters
that are basically barrel jacks. I don't think switchcraft makes
these, but you might try the ones sold by Stew-mac as they've probably
picked out one of the better ones to sell. If you need the flange-
mount three screw model, then I guess all you can do without a big
luthier hassle is to keep replacing them when they go bad. A thin
layer of white lithium grease on the cord plug shaft will help relieve
some of the insertion forces and make the contact springs last
longer.

[sln]

Hmmm - yep, guess what I haven't been doing. I know better, but didn't
realize it might be a problem this quickly.

[sln]

Thanks. I'll probably start off with the direct replacement and simply
try to treat it better, e.g. support the cable with the strap. I may
have to experiment with other options if that doesn't work long enough.