Stereo-ify a mono guitar

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:10 am

Thanks again for the input. Hopefully others will find this useful! I know I do.

The reason I'm doing this is as follows: I'm starting a new band, and one of our goals is to establish for the first time (for us anyway) a fresh, identifiable sound. This will be tricky since there are only two of us! My friend is playing drums, and I have chosen to sculpt with stereo Ricks and a set of old Crumar bass pedals. I got a 620 JG a few weeks ago and have fallen in love with it. Just put an Accent on it this week and got the ric-o-box too.

I want to have a twelve string too, but don't want to go from two amps to one amp mid-show, hence the stereo 660/12. I still have a 330/12 and 450/12 if I want mono at home. But yes, I am sacrificing the mono output on the 660/12.

If anyone in Tampa is interested, they can check out www.casualfrog.com for event info! The band is called Full Liquor Dancers and we're playing for an American Cancer Society benefit. Ironic since we both smoke about a pack a day.

-Jason aka the dog

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:16 am

Here is a link to the jack that is used. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Jacks/Special_9-pin_Switching_Stereo_Output_Jack.html As you can see you would also need to hog out some wood. If you want to go ahead with this project I would get a standard Switchcraft stereo jack and leave it full time stereo or add a push-pull pot to switch it. This would be reversible with no damage to the instrument.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 11:02 am

Or, add a switch to the pickguard. Guards are easy to re-make.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 4:09 am

UPDATE: So yesterday was a glorious day of drinking and soldering. Opened up the 330/12, loosened the jackplate, loosened the rusty old hi-gains. Decided to open up my 620 for visual reference. Replaced the old mono jack with the stereo harness, using masking tape to hold the mono portion in place in the cavity. Put in some brand new toasters, wired it all up, re-attached the guard, plugged it in, and NO SOUND. Then I remembered a mental note I made while comparing the mono and stereo wirings... there is a little wire going from bass tone to treble tone. Went back in and clipped that off. Plugged it in, and it sounds awesome! Pics soon. In the meantime, just imagine a '00 330/12 with gold guards/trc, oven knobs, and toasters. Pretty sweet indeed. Thanks to everyone who shared info/advice. -Jason

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 4:26 am

Congratulations! Sounds like you're jazzed...

As I understand it, you've kept the mono jack, but just tucked it back into the cavity and taped it into place to prevent rattles?

Masking tape's adhesive hardens in a matter of months, and then that jack is gonna cut loose, Jack. I'd use a dab of bathtub caulk, judiciously placed, to secure the harness. This must cure overnight, and can be peeled out easily should you decide to go back to stock.

notviceversa · Post by **notviceversa** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:58 am

Cool, good work.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:06 am

The drummer I'm playing with has been working on his house and has some bathroom caulk. How much is the right amount, Paul? I am something of a caulk virgin.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:56 am

A little dab'll do ya.

A marble-sized frothy dollop is about right. Squeeze it into the control cavity, and press the wires of the jack into it, near where they attach in the jack. Don't press the jack into it, as it will gum up the threads.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 9:06 am

>>>A little dab'll do ya.

Oh, like Brill Cream?

rick36 · Post by **rick36** » Wed Mar 15, 2006 10:06 pm

The Horror - The Horror (sorry Marlon...)

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:52 am

???? Tate you lost me. Good movie reference though. -J

rick36 · Post by **rick36** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:09 am

Sorry, it's just the idea of a "Franken-Ric" 450/12 (or 330). Like the guy in Europe who was cutting up the 362's. I had to lie down and put a cold cloth on my forehead. Anyway, good luck with your project.