On another note, has anyone swapped the barrel jack for a regular input jack? It looks like I would theoretically be able to without removing too much material, other than slightly enlarging the hole for the jack. The barrel jack is my only real gripe with this bass and I've had to replace 2 now already.
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Yes sir! Spectors and GK are a match made in heaven. I have a GK400RBII and a Legacy 500 that is my main gigging amp anymore. Oh yeah, I have a 700RBII that will be at my house in a couple more days (was missing the one I sold a couple years back). My favorite combo is at my bands practice space, the 400RBII through an old MESA RR115 cab with an Eminence 3015. I play any of my Spectors thru that and it is just unbeatable. I just picked up a GK NEO 115 III to try and replicate that with my Legacy head.
Yup. Been playing Spectors since the 80's and have had to do this 3 or 4 times. Drill the hole big enough for the standard stereo jack and use a (Les Paul or similar style) jack plate and you should be bulletproof for years.
I bought a 3/4" step bit specifically for this purpose. It works great, nice clean drill hole.
You can fold the solder tabs in a little before soldering so it fits better. I've had to use a Dremel sanding attachment to take off a little material up in the hole to allow the bent contacts on a Switchcraft to have enough movement. There are other styles of jack though.
Make sure theres enough room for whatever jackplate you want to use to sit and mount before you drill. Mods are permanent
If you're gonna do all that, get an electrosocket jack holder (not a jack plate). You'll never need to touch the jack again.
You're a Lull endorser and a Spector fan... are you secretly Queensryche's Eddie Jackson?!!?!?!?
Absolutely!!! Eddie is definitely one of my favorites!
Sorry, I lied... I meant to say 4p-60.
But like I said, it wouldn't surprise me if I try other pickups... it's all passive volume/tone so I can have a field day with that if need be.
Got to see him (with QR) open for Priest 4/2. Great set.
This.
You need to be really careful with the OD of the drill hole, I think its 7/8" with little to no room for error. I dont like them because I tend to use cables with right angle connectors and many of them dont fit. (The right angle portion is not long enough) But then I haven't tried every brand of cable with it either....
They are indeed a deadly combo, sounds great! This is just an iPhone recording of a NS-5XL (Wide5) into a GK MB500 through a GK cab, but I thought still sounded pretty good. (I'll take a number for your club as well!)
Thanks, guys. It's just hard for me to consider myself anything better than just average.
@dpaul -Even thru the iPhone camera you can hear the fullness and the articulation! That was a killer play through, my friend, well done!
I'm sure if I don't qualify for that club, NONE of you guys qualify for that club...
What kind of chord are you using? I used Monster cables for the longest time until I found out they are a little longer than standard and wreck barrel Jack's over time. I have replaced a bunch over the years.
Only use Nuetrik ends!
@Reedt2000 was probably taking bets on how long it would take for me to come back with actual numbers and photos...
The drill hole has to be 0.86", and the OD of the ElectroSocket flange is 0.991". So not much room for mistakes or chips.
If you set a standard Switchcraft 12b jack to the recommended depth...
...you cant plug in some right angle connectors. Like my old Monster Bass 500 cable here
If you back it out (not all that great looking IMO)
you can use right angle connectors.
Yes, I happened to have a 20 year old Electrosocket sitting here. And I know that's not a Switchcraft 12b pictured, but that's what you would use for an active bass.
Your jack problems probably start with your monster cable!
Try Xbass cables. Custom to your specs and Dave uses tol components.
Monster cables will wreck a barrel jack. On my barrel jack basses, I did the same. Replace it with Neutrik or Switchcraft.
Good info.
I bought a roll of Mogami wire and some good Switchcraft and Neutrik plugs for any new cable requirements. I still have a bunch of Monster Bass 500 that are perfectly fine. Plus, I enjoy soldering. I can just cut off a bad end and reterminate it.
