Neutrik Locking Output (Ibanez BTB)

[Quinn Roberts]

After a years of ignorant use and abuse, my trusty ol' BTB's output is starting to go. I know they're easily purchased online, and replacements are simple. For a number of reasons, however, I'm not sure if I really want to stick with the locking output going forward. The idea is great, but what saves your ears and possibly speakers also destroys cables (at least if you're clumsy like me!).

Anyone know if there are any (non-locking) alternatives to replace my output with that wouldn't require adjustments upon remounting.

 

[walterw]

hate those stupid things. aside from your well-taken point about a mishap resulting in a busted cable or a pulled-over amp, they tend to wear out pretty fast.

IIRC, good news is you can just get a direct replacement (it's a Invalid Link Removed) and remove the locking mechanism entirely so it works like a regular jack.

 

[FingerDub]

hate those stupid things. aside from your well-taken point about a mishap resulting in a busted cable or a pulled-over amp, they tend to wear out pretty fast.

IIRC, good news is you can just get a direct replacement (it's a Invalid Link Removed) and remove the locking mechanism entirely so it works like a regular jack.

Yep, I'd rather have it pull out from the instrument first

 

[RobbieK]

IIRC, good news is you can just get a direct replacement (it's a Invalid Link Removed) and remove the locking mechanism entirely so it works like a regular jack.

You do recall correctly, Walter. Yep, I've done this. Works great. And the jack you are left with is really sturdy.

 

[40Hz]

Neutrik jacks make sense on a high current connection where accidentally unplugging something can result in damage. Using one on an instrument attempts to solve a nonexistent problem while creating a new one.

 

[Quinn Roberts]

Thanks for the idea on dismantling the lock! Amazing how such simple ideas can dumbfound me!

I'm ordering the part from Musician's Friend, so hopefully I'll get it installed this weekend!

 

[two fingers]

If you guys are thrashing about to the point of yanking heads off of bass rigs, you should go wireless!

 

[Quinn Roberts]

If you guys are thrashing about to the point of yanking heads off of bass rigs, you should go wireless!

I wondered where there ODs and Compressors were?

 

[bobsax]

Even though this is an old thread, it sure is refreshing to hear some hate, and really good reasons why these
Neutrik Jacks
are such a pita. In another thread I was asking about getting Strong sturdy cables that allow you to pull the dang things out without ruining your cable. The recommendation was to get a cable with a Neutrik plug .

 

[fig]

...get a cable with a Neutrik plug

For those that don't know, the tip of common instrument cable plugs consist of two pieces of metal. The actual tip piece is swaged (pressed) against the solder connection metal tab that the hot wire is soldered to. That two-piece construction had caused me occasional static-y and intermittent issues over the years as the metal to metal contact eventually wears and loosens.

The Neutrik's tip is one piece of metal from solder cup to the tip. When I discovered that, I never bought another common plug again.

 

[ctmullins]

Neutrik is a top-notch company that makes professional grade products. Anyone using SpeakOn cables to connect heads to cabinets should only ever use genuine Neutrik connectors.

The issue here isn’t “Neutrik”. The issue here is product designers specifying a locking jack where it’s not needed.

 

[fig]

The issue here isn’t “Neutrik”. The issue here is product designers specifying a locking jack where it’s not needed.

Yeah, I didn't mean to divert from the subject regarding locking jacks. My bad.

Since the plug was mentioned, just thought I'd throw out that nugget of knowledge about the, in my opinion, better construction of Neutrik's jacks for folk still learning this stuff. That goodness applies to all of their products I've used.

Back on topic, I owned a bass that had a locking jack. Seemed like a good idea, 'cause I've pulled cords out. But the alternative of pulling my bass over, stressing the instrument cord, etc, didn't appeal to me. Didn't know at the time you could defeat the locking mechanism.

 

[WayneP]

Resurrecting an old thread yet again.

I recently got a fretless 1999 BTB Prestige 1005 and also hated the locking jack. I tried “disarming” the locking mechanism – must have done it wrong, because afterwards I had an intermittent connection.

I ended up replacing the whole thing. Found a forum somewhere that noted the Switchcraft E11PKG plate would bolt right up, and it did. I replaced the substandard jack it came with with a standard barrel female jack that most other guitars come with. I did have to enlarge the hole in the E11PKG plate a bit with a step drill bit so the barrel jack could fit. Works like a charm.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
Pedulla Club #45

 

[John Pierpoint]

I've just bought an old BTB with this socket fitted. I should have realised that it was something special, but I just popped a cable in as normal. then pulled it out as normal. I hope I haven't bust it! After reading this, I tried fiddling about, trying the red lever to see if it made a difference to how easily it went in or out. No difference at all!

 

[WayneP]

Sounds like you got one with a jack that’s already been neutered. Lucky you!

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Official Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Make Your Own Cables: A How-To Guide
Administrator, Official Heartfield Club #36
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Official Pre-Gibson Tobias Owners Club
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
Official Pedulla Club #45

 

[el murdoque]

I've just bought an old BTB with this socket fitted. I should have realised that it was something special, but I just popped a cable in as normal. then pulled it out as normal. I hope I haven't bust it! After reading this, I tried fiddling about, trying the red lever to see if it made a difference to how easily it went in or out. No difference at all!

What you're describing is an old Neutrik socket. The locking mechanism is the first thing to go. I've owned a BTB where that became an issue after about 4 years. I also have a Bassline from the nineties where that locking thing went wonky about a decade ago, sometimes it grips like a vice and sometimes you can just pull the plug with little effort. And I've had a Washburn from the 80s where the lock went long before I got it. As long as it passes signal and holds the plug, it's fine.