• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Monster Cables Are Destroying My Output Jack

HeyyyyyJoe

HeyyyyyJoe

Yahtzeeee
Nov 13, 2007
1,009
277
39
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Hey guys,

So I've been using Monster Cables for a wire and it's really starting to beat my P bass up. When I pull the cable out, it pulls my output jack up and ruining my bass. I've been looking into an alternative and found Mogami Gold cable, but are they generally the same thing as Monster? Will it pull my output jack out with such force because it's so large?

I've also looked into Canare GS6, but I'm not sure they have a lifetime warranty, can anyone advise?

Thanks!
 
#2
Is this a side mounted barrel jack? Perhaps the problem is the nut holding it inside has come loose.

Other than that, I can't imagine what you mean by pulling the jack "out". The jacks on P-basses might fall into the bass, but not out. Maybe post some pics.
 
#6
The older Monster cables had connectors that were slightly oversize. As far as I know the problem was corrected a few years ago but since there are so many other alternatives to Monster I've never gone back.

As far as your P-bass is concerned, you just need to remove the pickguard screws, lift up the pickguard and bend the prong on the output jack with your finger so it doesn't grip the cable connector so tightly. Problem solved.
 
#9
I second Planet Waves. I've been using them for a couple years now. They have a lifetime warranty, so no matter what happens i can just go into my local guitar shop and they'll replace the cable. I've only had a problem with one cable which i think i dropped my halfstack on.
 
#10
shaft311 said:
I'm trying to figure out how you are making that correlation.
Click to expand...

Well, a standard jack for a P-bass is too large to be pulled up through the hole it is mounted in and the nut attaches on the outside of the pickguard.

So, how can anything be pulling "out" of the bass when the plug is pulled out of the jack? Unless the pickguard screws have come loose or the pickguard itself is bending upward.
 
#11
Nev375 said:
Well, a standard jack for a P-bass is too large to be pulled up through the hole it is mounted in and the nut attaches on the outside of the pickguard.

So, how can anything be pulling "out" of the bass when the plug is pulled out of the jack? Unless the pickguard screws have come loose or the pickguard itself is bending upward.
Click to expand...

You nailed it, sorry I'm not too good at describing technical things lol. I thought even if I put longer screws in the pickguard, eventually the cable is going to continue to pull the jack up and the pickguard as well.

I just don't want to waste money on Mogami Gold cables if it's going to do the exact same thing, and I don't know if Cancare cables have a lifetime warranty...


Sorry for the confusion!
 
#12
I can think of 3 options off the top of my head.

1. Use a different cable, that's what you are seeking to do apparently.

2. Replace your plastic pickguard with a metal one that won't flex. This was one of the design improvements of the Jazz bass when it was invented.

if your screws have stripped out, I would fill them with little dowel plugs and redrill a pilot hole for the larger screws. More threads from a longer screw or deeper cutting threads equals more holding power.

3. you could consider modding your bass for a side jack or a strat style boat jack or something. But if you like your bass in near original spec, I wouldn't.

I have a strat style boat jack mounted IN the control plates of my jazz bass and my fretless jaguar, so not only can nothing flex, but pulling the plug out puts more sideways force against the screws than upward force.

edit...
Oh, and I own a monster cable from the mid-late 90's. Honestly, I can't tell a difference between it and any other run of the mill $10 - $20 cable other than I can resolder an ordinary cable if it starts going bad. My monster cable went bad years ago, never bothered taking it back to get a new one. I'm not saying that you can't tell a difference, maybe you can! But I can't and I'm happier with a more standard cable. (just thought i'd mention that since standard cables don't usually cause problems with other standard grade jacks)
 
#13
I see the pickguard pulled loose all the time. In addition to repairing the holes and maybe using larger screws, I would also add at least one more screw to withstand the pull.

I must say that I am a big fan of the jacks mounted to the solid edge of the body instead of the pick guard.
 
#14
I run a wireless with a 90degree adapter on it. No tripping over or stepping on cords and I can unplug at the adapter if desired. Otherwise the Pak is clipped onto the strap.Just gotta remember to flip the on/off switch when done to keep that 9volt going.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back