How to add 1/4" speaker jack to cab

[Gustopher]

Hey guys, sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I am reworking a cabinet and want to add a speaker jack to it. Currently, the speaker is wired to a 1/4" plug because it used to be a combo (Hartke 1415 to be exact). The plug works great and reaches my amp head just fine, but I want to clean things up and I don't like the plug and wires just hanging out of the box. I am handy enough with a soldering iron and was just wondering what parts I needed and how to wire it. Thanks!!!
EDIT: I think I may have found my answer but, I still need to find how to wire it. Which lead goes to which on the jack terminals? I know there are only 2 choices, but I don't want to fry anything, lol

 

[basscooker]

Trace the leads back to the speaker. When wiring the connector, positive goes to tip, negative to sleeve. If there is no clearly marked (+) and (-) on the speaker, look for a paint dot above one of the spades. That's positive.

Another way to confirm proper wiring is a battery test. Using a 1/4" plug, touch the tip of the connector to the positive terminal of a 9v battery, and the sleeve to the negative terminal. The speaker should move outward. If it moves inward, switch the leads.

 

[Gustopher]

Thank you! This is the exact information I was looking for. I found the proper jack and plate and ordered it, I will wire this up when it arrives. Muchos gracias!

 

[beans-on-toast]

It is good to use a metal jack dish

Dishes



Or smaller ones like below. Note that there are combination ¼” and speakon dishes if interested.

jack ferrule for speaker cabinet

 

[808State]

Technically it doesn't matter which wires go to the terminals on the jack.

But usually the tip is for the positive, and ground/negative will go to the sleeve.

Having the right polarity is more important if running more than one cabinet or if it is a bridged amplifier.

Either way, just as easy to follow conventional wiring.
Tip positive Ground sleeve

 

[Gustopher]

Excellent info, that’s why I love Talkbass. I bought a plate and jack (switch craft) from Amazon. Should be in on Friday, going to install it then. While I have anyone’s attention, would you recommend adding batting of some sort to the inside of the cabinet since it has none? It’s rear ported, probably a 2inch diameter port. It sounds good, but if I am going to be inside it I may as well tackle this at the same time if it’s recommended.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Excellent info, that’s why I love Talkbass. I bought a plate and jack (switch craft) from Amazon. Should be in on Friday, going to install it then. While I have anyone’s attention, would you recommend adding batting of some sort to the inside of the cabinet since it has none? It’s rear ported, probably a 2inch diameter port. It sounds good, but if I am going to be inside it I may as well tackle this at the same time if it’s recommended.

If the lower mids sound muddy, then lining the cab could help. If they are clear, no need to add damping material.