Connectors for Guitar Wiring

[soggybag]

I'm wiring a guitar. You know, pickups and switches and things. I had the idea that the whole process might benefit from some connectors! The question to you all is, what kind of connectors would you recommend.

Someone must have thought of this before. Does anyone know of any examples. I'd like to see what options others have used. There must be some good ideas ont he subject.

I have some connectors from Futurlec. But these are PCB mount types. I thought about adding a small PCB into the guitar. This might be overkill.

[JOHNO]

What if a connector fell off while you were smashing you guitar up against your amp, that would be a bit embarassing.

[petemoore]

  Good ones !
  I've seen 'em inside newer guitars before, my Epiphone has 'em. Not sayin' I like 'em, just haven't had any problem with 'em, they used clip types  that stay together.
  I used RCA connector on my 'quick-swap' guitar, I could flip pickups and only had to de-tune the A and E strings to do it !

[chi_boy]

I had similar thoughts and was going to try these:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&P=SM&I=LXKX41

They are difficult to solder, but very reliable.  I've used them for servo connectors in remote control planes and heli's.  that environment is much tougher than the inside of a guitar and those connectors are the preferred choice for weigh and durability.  I think they would work fine, but haven't tried them in a guitar yet. 

[andrew_k]

I use a 3.5mm mono jack and inline socket in my strat and its two pickguards. Works great

[soggybag]

Thanks for the replies.

I like the look of those connectors Chi Boy. I think it would be better if these had a wire type end, rather than a PCB solder type.

[stumper1]

I've used these before..

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCSX1&P=FR

Very secure but still easy to plug/un-plug.  EMG has been using them on there pickups up for years.  I've installed A LOT of EMG's and never had a problem with the plugs.

[soggybag]

I've used these before..

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCSX1&P=FR

Very secure but still easy to plug/un-plug.  EMG has been using them on there pickups up for years.  I've installed A LOT of EMG's and never had a problem with the plugs.

That's the kind of connector I'm thinking of. At $8 I think there must be a cheaper option.

I have trying to work out a connector system for some Stompbox projects. With connectors running from post to the PCB. I thought this would make it easy to disassemble. Got some connectors at a good price from futurlec. They are a little wider and a little taller than I would like. Futulrec doesn't seem to make an inline connector like the Futaba.

[chi_boy]

Thanks for the replies.

I like the look of those connectors Chi Boy. I think it would be better if these had a wire type end, rather than a PCB solder type.

Those are not PCB mounts.  They are used with fine wires that connect servo leads in the R/C applications.  The wires are very similar to pickup leads.  Deans also has a high amperage product that they sell for use with battery packs.  The application is different, but the soldering technique is similar.  These vids may help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHjgnbih3r8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkQE-zu0uWM&feature=related