Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hi,
I bought several Spring Reverb kits a few months ago and am just getting around to building them up.

I am finding the the kit supplied Tip/Sleeve input jacks, the style that is similar to the Switchcraft S11 open frame jacks, seem to be very resistant to accepting a 1/4" TS plug. I have to shove the plugs in with great force and I imagine that anyone having a first encounter with the jacks on the pedals I have built would feel unsure that the plug would actually go in and might give up while assuming that something was broken.

I expect that the fit may break in over time, but for now the difference between the mono jack and the "switching" Tip/Ring/Sleeve jacks is remarkable. The TRS jack feels solid but familiar. The TS jack feels rock solid, like the plug is being squeezed in a vise.

I have inspected for clearance issues with the idea that the tip contact arm may be getting pressed against the PCB or something. The spacing looks really close but I do not think that is what is happening... but I could be wrong.

I am not writing to complain, I really appreciate the availability of the kits, and I think they sound great. I am writing to ask if I am crazy, and if there are any suggestions that may be helpful.

Thank you very much!

Open frame jacks will usually have a tighter clamp on the plug than enclosed simply because the prongs are usually made from a thicker gage. You can try bending the prongs out a little to make them less tight.

_________________
*patience is a virtue*

Please do not PM me. email is prefered. keith@buildyourownclone.com

^ Yep.

Might also be worth removing them from the enclosure and trying the cable just to make absolutely sure it's not related to how it's installed.

_________________
Scott

My band, Austin Hollow

Hi,
Thanks very much for the suggestions.

I just mounted the jack in a wide open panel to test it and learned that it is not inherently difficult to insert the plug, then I viewed it after reinstalling it in the Spring Reverb enclosure and determined that it does indeed press against the PCB when the tip is inserted, so I rotated the orientation of the jack and now everything feels normal and familiar.

Thank you.

Ah, great to hear you got that sorted out. Putting that pressure on the PCB could have led to problems in the long run.

_________________
Scott

My band, Austin Hollow