Author Topic: Cymbal jack repair  (Read 4482 times)

Offline orion32

Cymbal jack repair
« on: June 25, 2018, 12:16:32 PM »
Hello AD community.  I've searched the DIY section and have not been able to find anything relating to a fix for a broken cymbal jack housing.

I have a cymbal that the 1/4" jack housing broke in several places on and the solder points have come loose from the pcb board.

I contacted Alesis support for a replacement pcb board/jack, and of course, they don't sell those.  They were happy to sell me a new cymbal for $79..... >:(

So the cymbal has sat waiting for me to come up with a way to repair it, which I haven't which is why I have come here in search if anyone has been able to come up with a DIY fix.
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline ironman187

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2018, 05:29:36 PM »
The broken solder joints is an easy fix. Just press the jack against the PCB and re-heat the joints. The trigger box is another thing. Is this a DM pad cymbal, or a Surge cymbal? A picture of the damage might be helpful as well.

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2018, 09:58:38 AM »
Thanks ironman, it is a DM pad cymbal.  I had pics but deleted them a while ago so I will retake.  The trigger box cracked in several placed and several pieces came off.  I'll get some pics tonight.
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline ironman187

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2018, 06:42:24 PM »
I was thinking about it, and honestly, as long as the points on the cymbal for mounting the PCB are still intact, the jack cover being broken is really just cosmetic. If it bugs you too much, you can get a cheap plastic welding kit from harbor freight or use a plastic glue/ epoxy to reconstruct it.

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2018, 10:06:43 PM »
All the solder points are in tact, however I forgot one important thing

A small piece of the internal metal contact broke off. 
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2018, 10:11:39 PM »
If you see the second pic I’m guessing it’s the lower right hand contact it came from.  But who knows.

I had tie wraps hold everything together on the outside but I think that missing piece has left the inside wobbly and the plug won’t insert completely.

Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline ironman187

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2018, 10:39:32 PM »
Wow, that suffered catastrophic damage. Is there a part number on the jack?

Offline Chaser

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2018, 02:38:12 AM »
They are 1/4" (6.35mm) Jack PCB Panel Mount Connectors...4 pin=stereo/dual zone .. 3 pin=mono/single zone

I don't know where you are located but you can check ebay..I think there were a couple types/sizes.The dimensions are listed.
I don't see resistors in your pic, was the jack just mounted to the plate so it could be attached cymbal? I have never had a DM Pad cymbal  apart.
The Medeli type drums there is a small PCB board with resistors on top and the jack slides into slots.That was removed a lot of the times when doing the mesh conversion.

1/4" 6.35mm Jack PCB Panel Mount
« Last Edit: June 27, 2018, 03:06:49 AM by Chaser »

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #8 on: June 27, 2018, 08:19:41 AM »
As I was thinking about this last night, the gears started to turn.  With that metal piece broken off I don't think that housing is salvageable.

However if removed I could possible cut/strip/solder the end of an adapter like below to the pcb and mount it on the underneath side of the cymbal.

Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #9 on: June 27, 2018, 08:22:43 AM »
Wow, that suffered catastrophic damage. Is there a part number on the jack?

Yes, I provided that do Alesis customer service.....

"We are sorry, that part is not available for sale.  We can sell you a new cymbal"
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #10 on: June 27, 2018, 02:30:59 PM »
They are 1/4" (6.35mm) Jack PCB Panel Mount Connectors...4 pin=stereo/dual zone .. 3 pin=mono/single zone

I don't know where you are located but you can check ebay..I think there were a couple types/sizes.The dimensions are listed.
I don't see resistors in your pic, was the jack just mounted to the plate so it could be attached cymbal? I have never had a DM Pad cymbal  apart.
The Medeli type drums there is a small PCB board with resistors on top and the jack slides into slots.That was removed a lot of the times when doing the mesh conversion.

1/4" 6.35mm Jack PCB Panel Mount

hey chaser, sorry I missed this earlier.....still getting used to the forum thread layout

this might work and if it did, I'll have spares.

i'm located in the Massachusetts US
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #11 on: June 27, 2018, 02:33:34 PM »
They are 1/4" (6.35mm) Jack PCB Panel Mount Connectors...4 pin=stereo/dual zone .. 3 pin=mono/single zone

I don't know where you are located but you can check ebay..I think there were a couple types/sizes.The dimensions are listed.
I don't see resistors in your pic, was the jack just mounted to the plate so it could be attached cymbal? I have never had a DM Pad cymbal  apart.
The Medeli type drums there is a small PCB board with resistors on top and the jack slides into slots.That was removed a lot of the times when doing the mesh conversion.

1/4" 6.35mm Jack PCB Panel Mount

forgot to answer your question......

the pcb board was attached to the cymbal with 3 screws.....you can see the holes in pic #1

if I could figure out if the pins lined up with the mounting holes on the board.....those might work
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline Chaser

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #12 on: June 27, 2018, 03:23:06 PM »
They are 1/4" (6.35mm) Jack PCB Panel Mount Connectors...4 pin=stereo/dual zone .. 3 pin=mono/single zone

I don't know where you are located but you can check ebay..I think there were a couple types/sizes.The dimensions are listed.
I don't see resistors in your pic, was the jack just mounted to the plate so it could be attached cymbal? I have never had a DM Pad cymbal  apart.
The Medeli type drums there is a small PCB board with resistors on top and the jack slides into slots.That was removed a lot of the times when doing the mesh conversion.

1/4" 6.35mm Jack PCB Panel Mount

hey chaser, sorry I missed this earlier.....still getting used to the forum thread layout

this might work and if it did, I'll have spares.

i'm located in the Massachusetts US

They should work,they are the typical ones used in many products including  Alesis RealHeads/Mesh/Medeli Drums.I haven't ever had a DM Pad apart.

There may be some available in the US instead of waiting on China orders.
I did find one US seller on ebay.. prices are higher US Ebay
Note: they are the 3-pin for mono/single zone...I don't know if your cymbal is single or dual zone.
They are also on Amazon etc..search for uxcell Audio 6.35mm 1/4 Inch Jack Panel Mount PCB Connectors.
The only other ones I have seen were red and had a different pin layout/type.
attached some pics including the DD602 from Hellfire
« Last Edit: June 27, 2018, 04:16:09 PM by Chaser »

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #13 on: June 28, 2018, 09:16:30 AM »
Thanks for the info @chaser

I was planning on taking pics, failed on that once again.

There are 4 pins that connect to the pcb.  Unfortunately, they are not symmetrical like the one's you've provided links to.

I've attached a crude diagram. so unless I can find a 4 pin jack with off-set lower pins, I'll have to try the cable mod

I appreciate everyone's help.
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #14 on: June 28, 2018, 09:19:04 AM »
The first jack pic is very close.  I think the side that have the pins that are 'closer' are too close but I might look at those a little more closely to see if I can get them to work.

Oh and the cymbal is a dual-zone so I think that would support the 4 vs 3 pin jack need
« Last Edit: June 28, 2018, 12:42:56 PM by orion32 »
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline Chaser

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #15 on: June 28, 2018, 11:24:07 AM »
Thanks for the info @chaser

I was planning on taking pics, failed on that once again.

There are 4 pins that connect to the pcb.  Unfortunately, they are not symmetrical like the one's you've provided links to.

I've attached a crude diagram. so unless I can find a 4 pin jack with off-set lower pins, I'll have to try the cable mod

I appreciate everyone's help.

Check here and see if anything matches up..link goes directly to page..There is about every configuration imagineable for 1/4" 6.35mm PCB mount.
Then you can contact for distributor/dealer/retailer info etc

1/4" 6.35mm PCB


02/13/2020
EDIT:
replaced link...manufacturer moved site and old address was taken over by porn site.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2021, 11:22:03 AM by Chaser »

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #16 on: June 28, 2018, 12:51:01 PM »
Thanks for the info @chaser

I was planning on taking pics, failed on that once again.

There are 4 pins that connect to the pcb.  Unfortunately, they are not symmetrical like the one's you've provided links to.

I've attached a crude diagram. so unless I can find a 4 pin jack with off-set lower pins, I'll have to try the cable mod

I appreciate everyone's help.

Check here and see if anything matches up..link goes directly to page..There is about every configuration imagineable for 1/4" 6.35mm PCB mount.
Then you can contact for distributor/dealer/retailer info etc
1/4" 6.35mm PCB

I'm going to take a closer look at the pin placement on the board and try to gauge if there is one that will be close.  If yes I'll probably just order them and if that doesn't work,  I'll probably just go with the other idea with the 1/4" TSR cable

Thank you for your help!  It is greatly appreciated
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #17 on: July 06, 2018, 08:13:16 AM »
They are 1/4" (6.35mm) Jack PCB Panel Mount Connectors...4 pin=stereo/dual zone .. 3 pin=mono/single zone

I don't know where you are located but you can check ebay..I think there were a couple types/sizes.The dimensions are listed.
I don't see resistors in your pic, was the jack just mounted to the plate so it could be attached cymbal? I have never had a DM Pad cymbal  apart.
The Medeli type drums there is a small PCB board with resistors on top and the jack slides into slots.That was removed a lot of the times when doing the mesh conversion.

1/4" 6.35mm Jack PCB Panel Mount

hey chaser, sorry I missed this earlier.....still getting used to the forum thread layout

this might work and if it did, I'll have spares.

i'm located in the Massachusetts US

They should work,they are the typical ones used in many products including  Alesis RealHeads/Mesh/Medeli Drums.I haven't ever had a DM Pad apart.

There may be some available in the US instead of waiting on China orders.
I did find one US seller on ebay.. prices are higher US Ebay
Note: they are the 3-pin for mono/single zone...I don't know if your cymbal is single or dual zone.
They are also on Amazon etc..search for uxcell Audio 6.35mm 1/4 Inch Jack Panel Mount PCB Connectors.
The only other ones I have seen were red and had a different pin layout/type.
attached some pics including the DD602 from Hellfire

@Chaser I just wanted to say thank you for your help.  After comparing the damaged jack the 4pin one in the ebay link looked to be correct one so I placed the order.  It will take a few weeks to get here but I'm in no hurry.  Once I've had a chance to get it on the board and test.  I'll update the thread
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline Chaser

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #18 on: July 07, 2018, 12:02:52 AM »
@Chaser I just wanted to say thank you for your help.  After comparing the damaged jack the 4pin one in the ebay link looked to be correct one so I placed the order.  It will take a few weeks to get here but I'm in no hurry.  Once I've had a chance to get it on the board and test.  I'll update the thread
Your Welcome..Happy to help..  :)
Hopefully it solves the problem and you get a few more years out of it..

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #19 on: July 24, 2018, 11:05:46 AM »
So the replace “jacks” came in.  10 for $2.58....just took Sometime for shipping.  They look like exact replacements

I just need to finish the soldering tonight in the jack and piezo and will be ready to test

Thanks a million @Chaser
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #20 on: July 24, 2018, 01:33:07 PM »
Here is the ebay link in case anyone is looking for these in the future (provided the link stays active)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pcs-6-35mm-Stereo-Socket-4-Pins-Headphones-Jack-PCB-Panel-Mount-Connectors/311318854440

If anyone needs one of these I have extra's I'll be happy to send to you.

Will just cost you shipping
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline ironman187

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #21 on: July 24, 2018, 07:50:58 PM »
Awesome, that's a kind gesture. I'm glad you got it fixed!

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #22 on: July 25, 2018, 08:42:19 AM »
Thank you ironman.  I'm grateful for the help you and Chaser provided and I like to give back......otherwise I wouldn't have found my answers if other's weren't willing to do the same.

It's not completely fixed yet.....I didn't resolder it back......hopefully tonight.

Then I can be 100% sure it's works
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china

Offline orion32

Re: Cymbal jack repair
« Reply #23 on: September 30, 2018, 08:42:47 PM »
Not quite 3 months later and I can confirm this jack is a suitable replacement that will work!  I'm sorry for the prolonged delay.  I bought a backup kit just for the cymbals and....well.....the need to fix this one wasn't a priority.  I FINALLY soldered the wires back to the PCB put the cymbal pad back together and ........crasssshhhhhh

Music to my ears!

P.S. I really hate soldering.  I'm all thumbs when I need to solder.  LOL

If anyone finds them self in the unfortunate position of with a broken PCB jack there is hope!  I have 9 more, I doubt I'll use them all.

Message me and I'll send you one.

And if for some reason I disappear from this forum......at least I've left a solution for those in need of repair.

I cannot say whether it will work on a cymbal with a choke (mine doesn't have one).  But if you are a DIY person and don't want to spend a lot on a replacement cymbal.  Here is a good solution for you.

Major kudos to @chaser  for pointing me on the right path.  Hopefully someone else can benefit from it as well.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2018, 08:46:32 PM by orion32 »
Alesis Strike Pro
A to E converted Zildjian L80 - 14" crash, 16" crash & china