What's your preferred jack location?

[Beej]

I'm wondering what location people like to have their output jacks. Please explain or share photos of your preferred location and why. Manufacturers and small builders use different locations with different reasonings, but really, what's your favorite and why?

Here are some examples of the items listed in the poll for reference - any others you can think of, or like to see?

Front Jack: Often on a pickguard, or mounted to the front. For this poll, this refers to the jack sticking straight out of the body. Could be 1/4" or locking styles.

Angled Front Jack: Jack mounted on the front of the body, but uses a mounting style to have it pitch the cord at an angle to the body. Examples:
Atlansia:

Ibanez SR:

Strat Jack:

Side Jack: often seen on guitars, but a classic on many basses as well.

Tail Jack: Dingwall is probably the best example, but I've seen other similar ones. In this case, the jack is at the tail of the bass, often pitched at an angle to let the cord hang over the strap.

Rear Jack: These are less commonly seen, but used by more than a few builders when you start looking.
Brian Moore:

Linc Luthier:

Yamaha:

Ritter:

Beej: ( )

 

[DeliriumTremens]

Carrots. I have no preference.

 

[bobyoung53]

I much prefer side jacks like on rics. I had my TF fretless converted to a side jack when I have a luthier put in another volume control. I got sick of broken Fender pickguards.

What's that Fender P bass in your top photo? Beautiful wood.

 

[Fresh Eddie]

I voted for front because I am clumsy and my edge mount jacks always take more abuse than they should (user error).

I do have a Brian Moore bass with the angled jack in the back which works amazingly well... I just forget it is back there when it is time to unplug it. Haha.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Last month we only had two options

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I always felt that the top loading jacks cause stress (and therefore wear) on the cable where the wire meets the 1/4" plug.

 

[CallMeAl]

Front/ P bass. I like being able to see it when I plug it. I use right angle jacks and tuck behind the strap button so it lies neat and flat against the body. I always push down on the nut with my thumb when I remove, to minimize stress on the PG/ screws. Plus, it’s easier to use a Vox Amplug!

I’ve only ever had side jacks on other basses, and some of those issues are mitigated with a side jack. But I still prefer front jack (and P basses in general )

I always felt that the top loading jacks cause stress (and therefore wear) on the cable where the wire meets the 1/4" plug.

That’s why I buy right angle cables!

 

[StereoPlayer]

 

[Dr. Keebs]

I own that model Yamaha (BBNE2) pictured above. I do like that location. Overall, I don't mind any location as long as everything functions and I don't step on my cord with too little slack. Surprised no one has mounted the jack to the headstock. I'd try that.

 

[Beej]

Last month we only had two options

View attachment 4058961

. Well, technically it was back in May. And yes, the two limited options were not enough, hence this poll!

 

[Beej]

I much prefer side jacks like on rics. I had my TF fretless converted to a side jack when I have a luthier put in another volume control. I got sick of broken Fender pickguards.

What's that Fender P bass in your top photo? Beautiful wood.

Full disclosure, no idea, as I stole the pics from google, but most were actually from TB.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

. Well, technically it was back in May. And yes, the two limited options were not enough, hence this poll!

The one I screengrabbed was started in October - I included the date, see? - but it didn't come up in your search because it didnt use the word 'jack'

 

[India_Sierra]

Front or side for me. I really like the 'no fuss' aspect of a front jack. Once you're plugged in, you'll never whack the jack end of the cable by accident. A side mounted jack is also just fine, particularly if it is recessed slightly.

The cable is very important too, I have separate cables with right angle ends for use where appropriate as they are great for playing when seated as they keep the cable out of the way and also mitigate any accidents.

 

[tzohn]

The output jack orientation in the last two bolt-on-single-cut style basses is ideal for left-hand players that play right-hand basses.

 

[Ronzo]

The location which will automatically eject the plug in an active bass.

 

[Anatosuchus]

Angled front. I can see where it's going, and it keeps a relatively sleek out-of-the-way line. I guess front with a 90° jack is pretty good. I'm forever fumbling to find the tail socket on my Dingwall.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

I use a wireless unit, so front works best for me.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

absolutely indifferent. I use a right angled (L shaped) plug so it doesn't matter

 

[Killing Floor]

Hmmmm, Reported to moderators.

 

[Killing Floor]

Most of my basses and guitars connect at the lower side. I can't say it is a deciding factor in a purchase but in a custom build that would be my preference. I have Fenders P, J, Strat that are top/plate. I like the Strat slant. I have an older acoustic electric guitar with the jack built into the back strap button and that is my least favorite. Here's a sexy jack for the late crowd.