Normalled 1/4" sockets...DOH!

[brad]

I've been using the same style mono sockets for 18 months and never realised that they were normalled.  The tip and ring lugs are connected how they usually are, but the 3rd lug is connected to a small contact point that touches the tip when there's no jack in the socket, and breaks contact with the tip when there is a jack in the socket...

I always thought the mysterious 3rd lug was just another lug connected to the tip!  I don't wanna know how many times I must've given up a circuit, thinking it didn't work, when all that was wrong was the hot lead being connected to the 3rd lug instead of the proper tip lug.

crud.

[NaBo]

you're not alone, i bought a bunch of those my first time by accident, and just broke off the extra lug.  Then I realized that I actually need them for multi-effects boxes.  :?

Keep them on hand, cuz they're not only perfect for multi-effects boxes without using a bunch of patch cords (and still being able to change the order if you want), but they're more or less essential for amps to keep the incredible-hum-of-death from killing your ears, if your patch cord is ever disconnected there.  it's same principal as switch wiring in stompers - ground the input on high gain circuits when there's no signal going through the effect or you'll get lots of noise