Endpin Jacks

[Steve Farling]

I've got a fishman bridge pickup W/carpenter jack on my
F5-G, and don't like anything about this setup. To begin with, if I brush or touch the bridge it can be heard through the amp. I also don't like the looks of the carpenter jack on the mando. I'm thinking a McIntyre Feather W/Endpin jack would fix both these problems! I just cringe at the thought of enlarging the endpin hole in my expensive mandolin though. Has anyone else been through this?
Steve

[mandroid]

Reaming the end block, is ,unfortunately part of the process, about a 1/2" bore, for 1/4" plug.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop....ck.html
http://www.stewmac.com/shop....ack.htm
are 2 examples of your options
There is also a Neutrik TRS jack that will hold a strap also.
another source: http://www.allparts.com/

[Steve Farling]

mandroid, thanks for the links. I was looking at the threaded endpin jack earlier today. Won't it hold a strap too?

[Bradley]

Mandy-Man

I would try the Feather thru the soundhole first before drilling/reaming.

I had one a few years back on a Collings and absolutely hated it...dont drill then be disappointed is my advice.

[jim simpson]

I installed an endpin jack on a Washburn A-model so I could plug in with my rock band (hey it was the 80's!). It was a force fit deal and it held in quite well. The only problem that bugged me was I didn't get it square so the base didn't seat completely. It was functional and you didn't notice it too readily. I ran the wire up through the sound hole and back to my bridge where I had wedged a disc under the foot of the bridge. It was a home made one from a Radio Shack window alarm. Really inexpensive! You could actually cut the ceramic material into a thin strip and it would still function. I would glue or solder the strips to an alligator clip for use with a guitar tuner (pre-Intellitouch days!). I got the instructions from an article in Frets magazine.

[mandoJeremy]

I also installed one on my Bush model and it was a bit painful I guess but I did know what I was doing and what I wanted on it. It is a Switchcraft stereo endpin jack, which most actually are even though they may have a different name or supplier. It is worth the effort. I do wonder though if the McEntyre is the way to go because Carl doesn't live too far from me and I do know him and have had discussions with him that I totally don't agree with regarding pickups and the vibrations of the top of a mando. I won't say much more but I will say that you should look around at your options for a pickup, especially a piezo pickup!

[mandroid]

stewmac #4654 is the threaded one, the tap, to cut the thread is #1518. neednt be thread cut perfect, since jack gets glued into the wood, titebond, was what Lebeda used in fitting a jack in the mando I bought.[steaming is the common technique for any removal at some future date] other type clamps tailblock, hides nut under the strap mount bit.
he has some source for gold plated threaded ones, German ,Perhaps.
allparts also stocks the jack, but not the cutting tool.
probably need the reamer too. ream the hole in the tailpiece too.

[Lee]

You might just explore the world of electric mandolins too.