Lock out a 1/4" input jack?

[David Sutkin]

Hey all,

I'll be working with a project that has a shared rehearsal space with 3 other bands ... Everyone leaves their gear there as they trust each other.

I for one, am not as trusting and so I'd like to leave my 412 cabinet and head there and buy some kind lock(s) to prevent both the head and the cabinet from being used.

The amp has 1/4" input jacks and the cabinet has speakon jacks

I am having a difficult time finding something online and so I'm wondering if any of you have advice on what would work?

Thanks

 

[Crater]

Put one of these over the power plug. Yes, it's plastic and could be defeated, but that would be evidence that's it's been tampered with.
CONDOR Plug Lockout, Plastic, 110 Voltage, 1/2" Max. Cord Dia. - 48KV17|48KV17 - Grainger

You could cover the Speakon connector on your cabinet with a thermostat cover. Again, it's flimsy plastic that could be easily broken, so it's more of a deterrent than security. OR, just screw a big metal lock hasp across the opening where the Speakon plugs in....

At one time Ampeg made guitar amplifiers with a key switch for exactly this purpose.

 

[tedious1]

Road cases with locking latches for both cab and head.

Frankly, my concern would less be someone using the stuff than someone damaging it just because it was in the room, unprotected from someone say doing Stephen Tyler mic stand tricks at rehearsal...

Road cases are going to secure them, and protect from damage other than illicit playing, and frankly, I'd suggest the former is more likely than the latter.

Take the time to apply a second sealant to any top side joins, we all know the most likely issue is from someone using your gear as a cocktail table.

 

[ninefingerbass]

This will take time but you can always put a kill switch inline with the power plug and inside the cab. Only you will know where to find it. Example, place the switch under the cab or near the bottom, that's a black pushbutton maybe, something inconspicuous. With your amp head, you can do the same. Like I said, it will take time but it's a though. But like tedious1 said, a locking road case will do the trick.

 

[seamonkey]

Theaters have locking switch/outlet covers that you may be able to retrofit.
I'm sure they are cheap, they look heavy duty.

 

[Redbrangus]

I think you'd be surprised how effective taking the 1/4"-to-Speakon speaker cable with you could be. Also, if the amp has an IEC cable, take that with you too. Not a bulletproof solution, but it IS zero cost, and I think the chance of a band having extras of both of those things with them would be pretty low.

Depending on how integrated the power switch is with the PCB (rather than the chassis), replacing it with a key switch might not be all that difficult. Or one could be fitted on the back panel, in series with the regular on-off switch. I like the idea of big hasp locks that swing over the output connector on the amp and over the input connector of the cab. However, if you're the type that's that concerned about unauthorized use of your gear, you're probably not going to go for that sort of extreme and gnarly mod. It would be fairly tamper-proof though.

In the old days, you could take the fuse and fuse cap with you.

 

[mikeswals]

In the old days, you could take the fuse and fuse cap with you.

That seems like the most effective thing to do!

 

[seamonkey]

Here's an idea. Put a PowerCon connector on the head.

Nobody will figure it out. At least not for a few more years.

 

[mwbassace]

Every lock out option still leaves the head open to an A-hole who mess with the knobs, hits it or jostles it around out of spite for you having dared to not allow said idiot to use it.

So the absolute safest option is to take it with you. Sucks I know.

The best "leave it there" option is a true road/flight case that locks & offers protection.

Beyond that the simpliest option is the plug lock-out mentioned by Crater in post #2.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Locks are intended to keep honest people out. Those aren’t the ones that you have to worry about.

Unfortunately, lockouts are normally intended to make equipment inop for safety purposes. As a security device, they are all easily defeated by anyone who is determined.

Some practice spaces have secure lockers. It’s a good compromise but I’ve had lockers broken into.