Connector for old electric (not a jack) ?

[snakehips]

Hi there !

I wonder if anyone can help ?

Perhaps Mr Messer might know ?

I've got a circa 1940/41 National archtop electric guitar that does not have a jack socket on it. It has an older type connector.

It looks very similar (and may well be the same) as the connectors found on old Shure bullet mics (harmonica players use them). The mic/guitar cord screws onto the guitar connector and has a centre bit that contacts to carry the "hot" signal. (Amphenol connector ? Screw-on connector ? Shure make perhaps ?)

Mr Messer ! Did the National archtop you are pictured with, on your CD cover (Memphis Minnie guitar) have this connector or did it have a regular jack socket ?

Hoping someone can help me locate the correct connection. Otherwise I will replace it with a regular jack socket - I'd just prefer to keep all original !
Plus, the connector doesn't look easy to remove - it doesn't seem to be held the same way jack sockets are held with a screw threaded nut inside and out.

Thanks in advance anyone !

[Colin McCubbin]

Yes, the National archtop Michael was playing has an Amphenol conector as do most of their electric instruments up to and including those made in the 50's.

You should have no problem buying a new one, I'm in Canada so can't help from here but try your local branch of Maplin Electronics or if you have a friendly radio repair place ask them to look one up in the 'RS catalogue (Radio Spares). Also try your local ham radio society, they will have an old guy with boxes of the things in his 'shed' <smile>

These plugs were also in use on many cheap microphones with unbalanced outputs. I have just glanced at ebay where several mikes with suitable plugs/cables are for sale.

There is a fairly 'non invasive' way of geting a 1/4" jack on your guitar. Leave the amphenol where it is and get a good guitar tech to rewire the picup(s) and insert a strap knob with a 1/4" socket 'up the middle of it' . These are made for use when elecrifying accoustic instruments. You will find several here for example:

www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Jacks.html

Hope this helps.

Aloha

Colin McCubbin
www.notecannons.com

[snakehips]

Hi there !

Very helpful !

Many thanks !!

[snakehips]

Hi again !

Having spent hours on the net looking for this type of connector, then another hour on your suggestion of "Amphenol" - I'm still nowhere !

It seems "Amphenol" is a brand like Shure or similar - and that Amphenol is not a type or model of connector. Amphenol do a wide range of connectors.

The best I have found is a vintage microphone website that sells vintage mics and cables. They do brand new cables with this type of connector on it - just what I'm after (but will cost $ 29.95 I think) but unfortunately they have none in stock.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhhh !

Help someone !

[Michael Messer]

Snakehips, Colin is correct. Maplin probably sell them. I have one that I bought here in the UK, I think maybe from Tandy 15 or 20 years ago. Mine is an adaptor and takes a regular guitar jack and is an extremely useful piece of kit. I have no idea what they are called. If Maplin don't sell them you will just have to search old electrical shops. Places that sell second-hand mics & hi-fi maybe..??


This is a scan of my adaptor. It screws on and the jack plugs into it.

One possibility is Amp Dr John in Maidenhead. I have sent you his phone number as a private message through this forum. Log in and you will find the message.

Shine On & good luck,
Michael.

[Colin McCubbin]

HERE THEY ARE! IN STOCK. (or so they say)

Amphenol part number "75-MC1F"

www.childhoodradios.shoppingcartsplus.com/catalog/item/334536/81068.htm

I'm ordering 4 for my stock since I have been asked for them at notecannons occasionally.

If ordering from the USA is a pain, I could post one to Michael Messer and, in return for a beer or two I expect he could get it to you.

Colin

[Colin McCubbin]

Michael, does your Amphenol to 1/4" jack adaptor have a part number on it?

[MM]

Hi Colin,

No mine does not have a part number. It just has JAPAN stamped into it!

If you can get these I would really appreciate a couple for the kit because they are really hard to find here in the UK.

Well done & thank you!!!

Shine On
Michael.

[Colin McCubbin]

I now have some of the 'solder on to the end of a cable' type, brand new, & will send a couple to Michael in the UK.

I have however totally failed to find any of the Amphenol to 1/4" jack convertors.. Keep your eye on ebay !

[Russ Young]

I think you can find the adaptors for $18 at www.angela.com

Follow the "Microphones" link and scroll down to #8.

[Colin McCubbin]

;D

Thanks Russ,

I've just taken a look and WOW there they are! I'm going to grab a couple while they still have them.

What a great site too, all sorts of interesting stuff and information.

Colin