Let's build a GK-3 break out cable

41

Yes, all the grounds are connected to the 13-pin DIN plug case ground.

Why your final pic shows that you use two 9v power adapters? And you connect them in parallel or serial?

So the GK3 needs +7V and -7V, Pin 12 and Pin 13 on the DIN.

The Op amps inside the GK3 are safe up to +/- 30V so running two 9V adapters is not a problem.

It’s like a “serial connection” but I would not choose that wording.

You take the Positive from the first adapter and connect it to the Negative of the second adapter and this joint becomes your ground. The other two single leads become your +9V and -9V. Note it’s important to get this right, if you are not 100% sure you understand what I said shoot back with questions.

Soldering a 13 pin connector is the biggest challenge, make sure you have a good soldering iron with a very small tip. Hopefully one that you can control it’s temperature. I would get two or more 13 pin connectors and would practice a little.

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42

Thanks man! I will give it a try.

43

not that i’ve tried it, but soldering a 13 pin jack is a pretty big challenge.

the website is not working but there is a guy called gumbo who makes pre-wired gk13 jacks.

i think he is in australia or new zealand, and who knows what things might be like with the tariffs etc.

this should be a good email if you want to explore that option:

Info@synth-linx.com

44

Got it done!

The 13pins soldering is ok, but took me lots of time.

Gathering all grounded cables to the ground case was big challenge to me….

Btw, the power adapters will arrive later. I tested gk3 in passive mode, it works surprisingly well.

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45

Nice, individual heat shrink on each.

This was my plan too but in the end I gave up on it and just used hot glue to “Freeze and stabilize” the cables instead.

46

Hi Everyone,

Here’s the latest mini breakout cable. If you already have a GK hex 13-pin pickup/preamp, the easy hardware route to separate strings is a cost-effective breakout cable.

breakoutcable2026
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CABLE SPECIFICATIONS

• Length: 20 inches / 50.8 CMS. Custom breakout cable lengths are an option.

• Separate String Connector Options: 1/4 inch jacks, XLRs, Phonos etc.

• Cable core resistance: Inline 13-pin socket to jack tip 0.04 Ohms.

• Ground/Screen to jack sleeve resistance: 0.03 Ohms.

• Cable Capacitance core to screen: 154pF with very low cable colouration (you will not hear it).

Thanks for viewing,

Bill Bax

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47

Hi @Seperate-Strings, do you now sell these cables in EU countries as well?

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Hi anjo, I am UK based and have the disease of Brexit EU export rules. Can ship to Norway and Switzerland, and of course US, Canada and Australia etc. Thanks for the question. Bill Bax

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49

Yeah, I’d also love to be able to buy one (or two​:sweat_smile:) and have them sent to the EU! :grin::+1:

@Separate-Strings I imagine it is the insane paperwork, post-Brexit, one is forced to fill out as a seller that prevents you from selling these to the EU?

50

Just as I suspected! :sweat_smile:

51

Hi Yadrichik, Brexit has proven to be incredibly damaging for the UK, and a really stupid thing to do. You also have to be VAT registered exporting to the EU. Shipping elsewhere is ok.

breakoutcable2026
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52

Hi @Seperate-StringsSeperate-Strings, is there a store in Switzerland where you can easily deliver your cables? Then I could buy them from that store online in Switzerland.

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53

@Anjo I’m seriously considering using this service: https://myswissmailaddress.com/en/

54

Hi @Yadrichik_Chaya, I’m curious to see if it works smoothly.

I would be delighted if you could report back here in the forum :slightly_smiling_face:

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55

If you are in the market for a breakout cable like this, I can’t recommend Separate Strings enough. Extremely well built and they work wonderfully.

Gil

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56

Hi anjo, I am sorry, there is no store or shop in Switzerland for a breakout cable purchase.

57

Hi Gil, Thank you for your kind comments. Btw, I am still interested in making a custom breakout cable, but didn’t hear back from you, And didn’t want to pester - a bit like overturning a screw :worried: Thanks, Bill