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I've recently had problems (usually in small enclosures like the 1590a) where I have a metal part of a jack accidentally bump the enclosure or a component. It got me thinking.... Why do people typically not use enclosed jacks. Why do some many DIY pedal builders use regular jacks instead of enclosed jacks? Thoughts?

I have found that the quality open frame jacks, like Switchcraft and Neutrik, have a strong positive click when the plug is inserted. I haven't tried many enclosed jacks, but all of the ones I have tried just don't have that solid action. The metal contacts are not as thick, and they don't feel like they will last as long.

For me, with excellent quality Neutrik NYS229 for only 89 cents at Mouser, it is hard to justify a more expensive part that might not stand the test of time.

Mike

Sweet thanks. With enclosed jacks, I once had a boss dd3 that had an output jack that refused to hold a pug tightly :/ so that might be another reason.

Not a fan of them personally, though I do see the appeal. They can be nice for tight spaces, as the mentioned 1590a, but otherwise, meh. I've had some fall apart.

price mainly...saving some cents

They really just take up space in different ways. I've found it's easier to get pots under open jacks since just the plug has to clear the pot, and not the body of the jack.

If you get them get Switchcraft enclosed jacks. The ones from mammoth have failed me NUMEROUS times where the tip contact just catches the plug and bends thus rendering it broken. They feel smoother but aren't as tight as open frame.

Let's take that a step further Dan.

Only order enclosures, knobs and things that can't fail from Mammoth because God's knows if they fail, they mostly like came from them. Fuck. Only components I've had fuck up, be it resistors, jacks...etc. Came from fucking Mammoth.

I'll probably continue to use open jacks then. I was just curious!

jwar wrote:Let's take that a step further Dan.

Only order enclosures, knobs and things that can't fail from Mammoth because God's knows if they fail, they mostly like came from them. Fuck. Only components I've had fuck up, be it resistors, jacks...etc. Came from fucking Mammoth.

On numerous occasions I've had knobs strip almost instantaneously from them Their cheap-ass open frames will literally fall apart if you tighten them where they should be.

DannDubbleEwe wrote:

jwar wrote:Let's take that a step further Dan.

Only order enclosures, knobs and things that can't fail from Mammoth because God's knows if they fail, they mostly like came from them. Fuck. Only components I've had fuck up, be it resistors, jacks...etc. Came from fucking Mammoth.

On numerous occasions I've had knobs strip almost instantaneously from them Their cheap-ass open frames will literally fall apart if you tighten them where they should be.

Yea some of them are seriously cheap feeling, which sucks because they are the opposite...not cheap at all.

I've been trying to find a good source for knobs. At least aluminum ones.

DannDubbleEwe wrote:

jwar wrote:Let's take that a step further Dan.

Only order enclosures, knobs and things that can't fail from Mammoth because God's knows if they fail, they mostly like came from them. Fuck. Only components I've had fuck up, be it resistors, jacks...etc. Came from fucking Mammoth.

On numerous occasions I've had knobs strip almost instantaneously from them Their cheap-ass open frames will literally fall apart if you tighten them where they should be.

Their knobs can be spotty (some in my experience, they range from awful to fantastic), but I've never had one of the open frame jacks fall apart. Maybe I just don't tighten them enough?

The aluminum knobs I use right now from them have been great. I haven't had a single issue, and usually there's at least occasionally a dud.

I find the enclosed ones can be good for forming a battery cage in slightly larger boxes, but they are slightly larger. The Switchcraft ones aren't as forceful as open, but good quality.