Building an external tone control box, hiccup!

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 6 Jan 2009 8:18 pm

I've gathered most of the parts I need for an external tone control; the one thing that is stumping me is with the 1/4" plug. I'd like to be able to plug the little project box right into my Bud to minimize cables. I'm having a hard time locating a plug that will easily mount to the box.

Anyone have any suggestions? I seem to remember someone else attempting such an endeavor here recently...

Thanks!

George McLellan · Post by **George McLellan** » 7 Jan 2009 3:54 am

This is what I had to do, I couldn't find a "factory made" one.

Geo

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=146016

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 7 Jan 2009 5:17 am

What I've done in the past is to use the standard metal phone plug, and cut the end off the screw-on barrel (just tighten it with pliers).

Jerry Hayes R.I.P. · Post by **Jerry Hayes R.I.P.** » 7 Jan 2009 8:24 am

I just use the Goodrich Matchbox with the tone control on top..........JH in Va.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 7 Jan 2009 8:57 am

A friend made me this tone box,he got the box at an electronics store,It's a project box with a pot and a bypass switch,it fits in most guitars.I also glued some rubber on the back so it won't scratch anything.

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 7 Jan 2009 9:48 am

Stu, any idea how that plug is mounted? Another sawed-off cover?

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 7 Jan 2009 11:29 am

Marc,The plug is built into the box,It comes that way.I'll see if I can find one today...If my car starts it's 22 below zero.Stu

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 7 Jan 2009 12:14 pm

Marc,Here's some better pics,Notice it's frozen.The black strips are that rubber shelf liner.I put them on with rubber cement.

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 7 Jan 2009 12:26 pm

I've built a couple of boxes like this and I have yet to find a good solution to the plug mount. I've used Rat Shack plugs with extra wide barrel/flange and used extra material or a large washer to spread the mount-load but in the end it is still too fragile. The process of plugging and unplugging the unit---especially when the plug is a tight fit in the guitar jack---is pretty stressful to the plug/body assembly. While it holds up ok if I am super careful with it, it is quite unacceptable if I were to build something for anyone else (or if I had commercial aspirations).
What is needed, what I would like to find, is a plug with a large enough base with deep enough threading to create a strong support surface against the body and enough threading to be able to tighten it up real good, something that the R-Shack plug (similar to THIS) lacks.
Maybe somebody here can source the part that is used in units like the Bosstone. Bill Lawrence successfully uses something in the IQ 1200 box.

Hey Stu---love them professional graphix.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 7 Jan 2009 12:41 pm

John,My friend who made the box did the "Custom"graphix...Give a boy a sharpie and look out.Stu

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 10 Jan 2009 12:20 pm

I just finished building my plug-in tone control box. The parts were pretty cheap, and it took maybe 45 minutes to build, including the obviously perfect soldering job... Thanks for all who helped! After I finished building, I heard from Chris at Mahoney who said I could buy 1/4" plugs like he uses in the Buzz Tone reissue from him.

It works exactly as I had hoped; when I have to play 6 string and steel through the same amp, I can tone down my Sho~Bud and keep the bite the Gretsch needs. When it's just steel, I have more control with the amp. It sounds much better than my Matchbox, too.

Ken Fox posted this wiring diagram over a year ago when I was first thinking of making one, although I used a 1 meg pot.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 10 Jan 2009 2:46 pm

I just did a net search, and couldn't find any. But somebody makes 'em I'm sure. Doesn't the Orange Squeezer use them? Armstrong still makes those.

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 11 Jan 2009 11:54 am

John, Chris from Mahoney said he'd sell me plugs directly from his stock.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 11 Jan 2009 11:59 am

Excellent. When you do get them, it would be nice if you'd come back to this thread and post the manufacturer and the part number.

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 11 Jan 2009 12:37 pm

Might be a while, John; my tone box is working great as is...

John Groover McDuffie · Post by **John Groover McDuffie** » 14 Jan 2009 10:05 am

Hey Marc, is that hex flange on the male 1/4" (on the outside of the box) an extra nut that you added? What thread size is it, and where did you get it? If that's what I'm seeing it's the near perfect solution. If it's an integral part of the plug I want to know where to get them!

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 14 Jan 2009 10:29 am

John, apparently it's a decoy! It's a standard hex nut, and it's basically being used as a washer. I would use it again, as it keeps the box a little off the steel's end plate.

John Groover McDuffie · Post by **John Groover McDuffie** » 14 Jan 2009 10:38 am

I have in the interim emailed Switchcraft to see if they make a panel-mount 1/4" phone plug. I'll post info on the forum if I find a source.

Marc Jenkins · Post by **Marc Jenkins** » 14 Jan 2009 11:25 am

Maybe if enough of us bug Chris at Mahoney he'll tell us what part he puts in the Boss Tone reissue...

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 14 Jan 2009 12:16 pm

Marc,Nice work,looks great,Stu

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 14 Jan 2009 12:17 pm

Wooops! I hear an echo.