Bass Parts

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Kirk P Brosius

Hello all,

I replaced the jack on my circa 2000 BSR5MW (I'm the second owner) soon after purchase. The word on the street is that Monster Cables have a habit of ruining the OEM jacks and I can't say if this happened or not but the jack began to show signs on impending failure.

Regards, Kirk

Monster cables, huh? Wow, this is interesting as I've also heard the complaints about Monster Cables used in the Smith Input Jack's and why they are a supposedly a "problem". However, for me: I use Monster Cables and have for years and have never had an issue. The barrel jack's Ken uses are built well IMO.

It would be interesting to know how many Monster Cables used (in the pool of bad press) were straight vs. angled when these jacks failed. I can't help but think the answer would be 'straight' and the cause of the jack failure was due to the straight 1/4 plug taking too many good hits while plugged into the jack.

[Robert Kramer]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

It would be interesting to know how many Monster Cables used (in the pool of bad press) were straight vs. angled when these jacks failed. I can't help but think the answer would be 'straight' and the cause of the jack failure was due to the straight 1/4 plug taking too many good hits while plugged into the jack.

I use Monster Cable without issue. I think its more of a dimensional issue. the inside diameter (I.D.) of the jack and the outside diameter(O.D.) of the plug are too close in tolerance. Used carefully, no trouble but when the union is stressed that's where the problems occur.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Robert Kramer

I use Monster Cable without issue. I think its more of a dimensional issue. the inside diameter (I.D.) of the jack and the outside diameter(O.D.) of the plug are too close in tolerance. Used carefully, no trouble but when the union is stressed that's where the problems occur.

Yep; exactly.

[Michael Wilson]

Monster Cable has always been a problem with my Smith basses, not sure why but every Smith bass i have owned [10] has had a problem at some point with that cable. I think i will just go ahead and send it to ken and let him do a full blown work up while he has it. Get what i pay for

Mike

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Michael Wilson

Monster Cable has always been a problem with my Smith basses, not sure why but every Smith bass i have owned [10] has had a problem at some point with that cable. I think i will just go ahead and send it to ken and let him do a full blown work up while he has it. Get what i pay for

Mike

There is nothing I can do to fix the Monster Cable problem. By their own admission, they use what they call a type '2' plug. That seems to be the problem. Any normal cable is fine in my opinion. The Monster is only good when the jack is worn and needs a tighter fit. Using this cable early on will strip the inner spring of the barrel jack.

Remedy! But several extra Jacks from us and use any super duper claimed cable you like. It wont make you play better but you might feel good spending a lot of money on a cable with tons of advertising.

I have never used Monster other than once at a trade show and then they gave me a bunch for free for all the 100s of Jacks they killed. Still, I don't use one. I will use anything but a Monster unless it's all that's available. I take 2 cables with me and neither is a Monster.

[Tim Bishop]

I guess Robert and I are the fortunate few . Works for me .

[Michael Wilson]

Bravo Ken!!!

That cable is and always will be a input Killer!! i though it was the input jacks that were bad, but low and behold it was the monster. NEVER AGAIN in my Smith basses. Ken thanks for the new input jack, sooooooooooo easy to install, works great.

Mike

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I have never used Monster other than once at a trade show and then they gave me a bunch for free for all the 100s of Jacks they killed. Still, I don't use one. I will use anything but a Monster unless it's all that's available. I take 2 cables with me and neither is a Monster.

So, Ken, is it fair to assume you don't like Monster cables, lol, .

[Michael Wilson]

Hey Smith Brothers, check out this custom truss rod cover for my BTEG6.