Neutrik NP2 X-B

When one of our bands leads goes wrong, I typically find that the problem is with the plug: either zero or poor quality strain relief for the cable, which permits constant flexing of the wires, so that in the end the wires break through fatigue. Often strain relief consists soley of relatively soft metal 'jaws' being crimped onto the cable. The soldering itself very rarely fails (though it will in the long run if the cable is repeatedly exposed to big temperature changes). I repair all cables these days using Neutrik plugs. Each plug comes with plastic inserts which effectively 'lock' the cable into the plug, and to which the outer shell casing screws. I don't even need to file the metal of the plug contacts to get a good solder joint anymore! Get some of these and look forward to not touching that lead again ...

Proper good quality mono jack connector. I bought a pair to replace basic ones on some hydrophones I own.
You might think there's not a lot to say about a connector that is a work horse but it is clear that this has been well designed for it's purpose. The barrel is solid metal and the threads are all clear and work well. The solder pots are just the right diameter for the shape of iron you'll be using to solder something this size. The conductive parts are thin to minimise capacitance and gold plated to stop corrosion. The strain relief works and will suit thin cables as well as thicker guitar leads.
All in, a great product and well worth investing a few extra Euros on. You do get what you pay for and these come highly recommended.

This is the updated version of the NP2C connector, which was unwieldy and too fat for most applications. This new NP2X is slimmer and more modern-looking, however it's still sturdy enough to withstand being run over by your car, or stepped on by the mother of the bride at your wedding disco. The -B suffix means that the connector shaft is gold-plated, which to be honest, is more for looks than anything else. They do look pretty great, but if you're choosing the gold plating because you're after the best electrical properties, then you've picked the wrong one - you should go with the silver-plated NP2X-BAG instead.

Neutrik's cable crimps are famously solid; once you've tightened the shell up against the strain relief, it's going nowhere.

This range features interchangeable coloured boots, which is nice. Just remember to change the boot before you start soldering... you can't swap them out whenever you like.

One other thing - as this connector is slimmer than its predecessor, you need to be careful to solder cables straight in from the back (along the line of the cable). If you solder them from the side, your wires might sit proud and stop the sleeve sliding over comfortably, and then your shaft is bent out at an angle. Which is never good.