Stereo Output

[hazlewood]

can someone help me identify the "break terminal" of an output jack? is this just referring to where the hot signal is connected?

I've read that wiring the break terminal of a mono jack to the tip of a stereo jack, and vice versa, will achieve in a stereo only activated when two cables are plugged into the guitar. Sounds like an ideal stereo setup to me!

[oc disorder]

See if the attached makes sense

[hazlewood]

Hmm is the actual break terminal then just the base of the tip that connects with the jack? So by just soldering the tip to the opposite jack's base and vice versa, it should complete this breaking system? (and adding the ground of course)

Sorry I am so clueless...

[g1]

The picture shows exactly what the jack looks like. The break terminal is separate from the tip contact. Each of the jacks have 3 terminals. Sounds like maybe you have 2 terminal type? 2 terminal type will not work. You will need something like switchcraft 12A.

[hazlewood]

The picture shows exactly what the jack looks like. The break terminal is separate from the tip contact. Each of the jacks have 3 terminals. Sounds like maybe you have 2 terminal type? 2 terminal type will not work. You will need something like switchcraft 12A.

The two jacks I have are shown in this photo: http://www.guitarthai.com/picpost/lessonpost/A4280.jpg

Do I need to get a second one that is like the "stereo" jack on the right in the photo for this to work? the one that is numbered 4653.

[g1]

No. For the left jack the 4652 will work. For the right jack you need a 1/4 inch switching jack, like switchcraft 12A.

You will need to wire it up like in the drawing from post #2

[hazlewood]

Ok, so the jack you posted would be how I would wire it up for break terminals.

Is there any way I can use the two jacks I do have to make this work? Thanks for all your help g-one! and for the image os disorder!

[eschertron]

The "break" in the break contact is a switch that opens when the plug is inserted and bends the tip contact back. Pretty clever, actually. A Normal TRS "stereo" jack cannot do this. It can be used for other switching-type functions, but not what you want here. The Switchcraft 12A is a fairly common item in amps, for both inputs and outputs. Betcha can find one (or equivalent) at your local Radio Shack or Guitar Mart.


...and yes, I did a bass that way with the two pickups split with a second cord jacked in. Groovy!

[hazlewood]

ahh ok. I'll look for some then!

Would you have any advice on what I could do with what I have, just in case tho?

[eschertron]

ahh ok. I'll look for some then!

Would you have any advice on what I could do with what I have, just in case tho?

What's the ultimate design goal? Some way of getting stereo signals out of a guitar, but I'm not clear on what you have, and what kinds of things you're interested in doing. 'Fess up, and we'll brainstorm right along with you!

[hazlewood]

Cool!

it's for an electric 12 string I made.. fairly simple set up. I have a Danelectro lipstick for the neck pickup, and a Gretsch filtertron at the bridge. Volume and tone for each, with a DPDT on/on/on switch.

I was hoping to make it a stereo output, somewhat like the Rickenbacker design, but omitting the blend knob. Everything is working great at this point, but I wanting to see if installing that second output so that I could have the neck pickup go to one amp, and the bridge go to another would be possible. I can see the finish line! Any thoughts?

[52 Bill]

I was hoping to make it a stereo output, somewhat like the Rickenbacker design, but omitting the blend knob.

So are you looking to have one 2 conductor jack that will be mono with both pickups connected to the tip contact and a second 3 conductor jack that is stereo with one pickup connected to the tip and one connected to the ring just like a Rickenbacker?

[hazlewood]

I think so? if that seems like the best step from here.

[52 Bill]

I think so? if that seems like the best step from here.

You need to decide what you want and tell us so that we can help you get there.

If you have two mono jacks that only separate the two pickups when both jacks are used, you will need to have two cables running to the guitar, one for each pickup.

If you have a stereo jack and a mono jack, there will only be one cable at any given time, either a mono cable or a stereo cable. With the stereo cable you will need to have an adapter to separate the two mono outputs, like the Rick-O-Sound cable.

Or maybe there is something else that you want it to do?

[hazlewood]

I will be buying two of the switchcraft 12a output jacks. I want it to have two mono jacks that separate only when both jacks are being used. I do not want to not have to use the adaptor like the rick-o-sounds.

Thanks for the help!