Stereo Jack or Mono Jack?

[Balltongue]

Hi, I need some advice on whether to get a mono or stereo jack for my build. It'll have just one active humbucker pickup and just a volume knob.

P.S. This is what I got :headbang:

 

[swarfrat]

Nice! You only need a mono jack. A stereo will work, just don't use the ring lug. Stereo jacks are used for running separate signals (ie, another pickup, etc...) or for balanced output (needs a preamp). Your bog standard guitar uses a mono unbalanced output.

 

[Balltongue]

Thanks man, that was really confusing me :icon_thumright:

 

[SustainerPlayer]

You could also use the stereo jack as an on/off switch for the battery for your active humbucker. 

 

[Jumble Jumble]

If you're using an active pickup (ie one that uses a battery) then you MUST use a stereo jack to switch the battery off when no cable is connected. Otherwise the battery will go flat even when you're not playing the guitar.

 

[AndyG]

If you're using an active pickup (ie one that uses a battery) then you MUST use a stereo jack to switch the battery off when no cable is connected. Otherwise the battery will go flat even when you're not playing the guitar.

Absolutely correct.

And, the correct nomenclature for the jack you need is a female TRS (Tip - Ring - Sleeve), although the term stereo jack ... where the tip would be the left channel, the ring the right channel, and the sleeve the common, is probably much more widely used.

 

[Balltongue]

So this then?

 

[swarfrat]

Oops, my bad. I totally missed "active".

 

[AndyG]

So this then?

That's the one.
The output of your pickup (volume knob) gets wired to the tip connector, the battery to the ring connector, and the ground to the sleeve connector.
When you insert a standard guitar jack in there, the ring and sleeve will both be touching the sleeve of the plug and complete the circuit for the active pickup.

 

[Balltongue]

Thanks guys! That helped a lot :icon_thumright:

 

[line6man]

Nice! You only need a mono jack. A stereo will work, just don't use the ring lug. Stereo jacks are used for running separate signals (ie, another pickup, etc...) or for balanced output (needs a preamp). Your bog standard guitar uses a mono unbalanced output.

I've never heard of anyone using a TRS connection for a balanced output from a guitar. XLR is usually chosen for balanced outputs.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

The Planet Waves jack that Warmoth sells is perfect for this, the most solid jack I've used other than the deep panel jack.

 

[DslDwg]

You didn't mention which pickup you're using but in many cases (i.e. Seymour Duncan/ EMG) will come with Potentiometers and a jack. With most new EMG's you will get a quick connect system as well. So depending what you're purchasing you may not need to buy these pieces.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

So this then?

That's the one.
The output of your pickup (volume knob) gets wired to the tip connector, the battery to the ring connector, and the ground to the sleeve connector.
When you insert a standard guitar jack in there, the ring and sleeve will both be touching the sleeve of the plug and complete the circuit for the active pickup.

Even if you're using passive pickups and therefore not using the 3rd lug, it's just a good rock solid jack.  I have it on my Baritone Tele and that cable is firmly set in there, not flopping around, no jiggle, it's just really well made.

 

[Balltongue]

You didn't mention which pickup you're using but in many cases (i.e. Seymour Duncan/ EMG) will come with Potentiometers and a jack. With most new EMG's you will get a quick connect system as well. So depending what you're purchasing you may not need to buy these pieces.

I'll be using the Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-3 Mick Thomson EMTY. According to the official site "All versions come with all necessary mounting hardware, including pots, jack, and a battery clip" So, I guess that's all I'll need then?

 

[DslDwg]

Yes - I've got a pair of these myself and if I recall you get enough pots to do a (2) volume (2) tone setup a stereo jack and a battery clip.

You just need to supply the wire / solder etc.