Adding an input jack to an acoustic archtop, without drilling

[vdub6127]

My solution for adding an input jack to an archtop. I hate drilling new holes in old guitars so I designed and 3d-printed a mount that clips right on to the trapezoidal tailpiece. Not winning any beauty contests, but gets the job done and I can remove the pickup/jack (DeArmond FHC w/ "monkey-on-a-stick") when I need to.



Details:
Archtop tailpiece mount for 1/4? input jacks | Panique Jazz Archtop tailpiece mount for 1/4? input jacks | Guitarist Vic Wong – Music and Projects

[neatomic]

clever...good job..but wouldn't that be an output jack??

hah

cheers

[vdub6127]

clever...good job..but wouldn't that be an output jack??

hah

cheers

Yes, you're right, sorry! Hopefully I didn't cause any blown-up guitars

[icr]

Does the printer come with software to make the design?

Since you controls look to be shielded, you can also get a shielded output jack from Switchcraft that would also cover up your wire connections to the jack.

[nikotro]

I've just got an 1941 Gibson L-4 and want to electrify it. The seller had an original monkey stick from the old days (50s?) and bought a DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1000 reissue. I am thinking of having thumbwheels for volume and tone control, but do not have a solution for output jack. Like you, I don't want to drill holes in an old guitar.

I think your idea looks acceptable and would be interested in buying one. Do you have one spare to sell?

Regards,
Trond

[ccroft]

Nice one vdub!! I checked your site. If you haven't already you should make a post about your Quilter/projector-speaker hybrid. There's several folks here who'd be interested. There's been a few posts about Quilters made into combo amps in older speaker cabs. Love the grill on yours.

(I'm a recent Quilter convert, enjoying ToneBlock 202 in Dock12, and Aviator8 before that)

[Doctor Jeff]

Great job!

I would just point out another no-drill alternative. The Tapastring vintage endpin jack—fits in with friction, no drilling. I used one on my Harmony Brilliant Cutaway, along with Schatten thumbwheel controls and an RC 1000 RI.

Tapastring Guitar Care Products | The "Vintage Jack" | End Pin Jack No Drilling Required

It’s very robust, and I have no concerns with the 1/8 plug—I use a 1/8 to 1/4” adapter and use a regular cord.

[pcjazz]

Yet another no-drill alternative: Schatten jack mounted to tailpiece of my Stromberg — thanks Tony Duggan-Smith!

[sgosnell]

If you have the hole for the endpin, you can add a regular endpin jack without drilling, just use a reamer to enlarge the existing hole.

[Littlemark]

Ugh I'm going through the same problem right now with my fhc. I have the ten ft cord tied to the tailpiece. It looks stupid. Neat idea. Would you send the send the file. I could print it at my library or school.

[stevus]

I prefer this elegant solution by Shiro Tsuji. Wonderful guitar too.