Amp Jack Replacement Nuts and Washers?

[reddesert]

I had to replace a bad input jack on a Peavey Microbass that was a similar type with legs that solder directly to the PC board. I think the part is still available, but it strikes me as a weak point of the design. It presumably simplifies assembly, but with the constant plugging and unplugging, there is mechanical strain between the panel mount and those little legs, especially if the user lets the nut get loose. So I just replaced it with a standard 1/4 panel jack and ran wire leads to the PC board. It was a little more annoying to solder, but I think it will last longer. There may be some downside, but I haven't found it yet.

 

[Chris 'Wighat' Jordan]

I had to replace a bad input jack on a Peavey Microbass that was a similar type with legs that solder directly to the PC board. I think the part is still available, but it strikes me as a weak point of the design. It presumably simplifies assembly, but with the constant plugging and unplugging, there is mechanical strain between the panel mount and those little legs, especially if the user lets the nut get loose. So I just replaced it with a standard 1/4 panel jack and ran wire leads to the PC board. It was a little more annoying to solder, but I think it will last longer. There may be some downside, but I haven't found it yet.

This is a pet peeve of mine. UGH what a bad concept. I've done the same mod you did. Maybe that would work for the OP.

 

[agedhorse]

There are some unbelievably robust PCB mount jacks, and if the PCB is designed properly, result in a bullet proof product. The (real) pro audio consoles have been doing this for years, and I have some 20 year old consoles that have had no problems with jacks in spite of touring and thousands of shows. It's all in the choice of the jack and the attention to detail in the execution.

This is generally a good example of getting what you pay for, though there are some exceptions.

 

[reddesert]

It's all in the choice of the jack and the attention to detail in the execution.

This is generally a good example of getting what you pay for, though there are some exceptions.

This I can certainly believe, and I'm not complaining that a $100 practice amp (in my case) is made to a price point. I am not a product engineer, but assume that everything's a tradeoff where one has to decide what N% of failures are acceptable, and N is pretty small. For me, the calculus changes once I'm repairing my gear: hand soldering a panel jack in is only slightly more time (sometimes maybe less) and the part is easier to get, while the production advantages of the PC mount jack don't benefit the repair.

 

[agedhorse]

Usually, the right choice in PC mount jacks is more reliable (or at least as reliable as) than hard wired jacks. Often easier to change (if you have the equipment and experience) as well. If it's so reliable that you don't ever have to repair it, then the point is totally moot anyway.

Yes, all of these factors are taken into account when developing products. IME, it's almost always better in the long run using the highest quality (reliability) parts available.