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I just got my Yamaha YDP-223 set up in our cabin, and it was definitely the right choice. I picked up some headphones to use with it, and I brought them home to find that the jack receptacle on the piano is much bigger than the jack on the headphones. I searched to find out exactly what size the receptacle is on the piano, but I can't find anything. Do digital pianos have a standard size headphone jack receptacle? My headphone package says 3.5mm, and it is too small by a lot. How do I know what to look for the next time I'm shopping for headphones?

Thanks,

Nancy

You don't have to buy new headphones. You will buy only an adaptor. Search for "3.5mm Socket to 6.35mm Jack Audio Stereo Adaptor" in google and you will understand what i am talking about. It's very cheap.

3.5mm -> 6.35mm is equal to 1/8" -> 1/4" adapter in the states.

Most digital pianos have 1/4" jacks (as you found out), and as stated, adapters are readily available at Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc for a few bucks. Try to find one which facilitates Stereo, not Mono. They will look the same except the stereo adapter will have one extra band on the connection. Ask the associate; they should know what you mean.

Stereo Adapter:


Mono Adapter:

As you've found out, there are in-expensive adaptors. Most headphones come with these adaptors. I'm surprised yours did not.

The larger 1/4 size is nearly universal in professional audio equipment. It is a much most reliable and sturdy connection. The smaller 3.5mm size is the most common with consumer and portable gear, iPods and so on. So both sizes are "standard."

Another consideration is that some 3.5mm plugs use a threaded adapter to change the plug to 1/4". This is better than the types than merely slide into the 1/4" adapter. Check which type is required for your 3.5mm plug. Did the headphone manufacturer not include an adapter? They usually supply one with the headphones.

Thanks so much--you all are the greatest! I will double-check the packaging, but I didn't see an adapter when I opened it.

Les--thanks for your pictures. That will help a lot when I go to get an adapter. I may check out the whole headphone situation again and just buy new ones, keeping these at work for my laptop.

The headphones will help tremendously. The piano is in a loft, and the sound carries to every corner of the house from there!

Nancy

There's more than you ever wanted to know about these plugs here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS_connector

including the surprising fact that the 1/4" version supposedly dates back to 1878 (!). It's certainly over a century old.