Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at it?

A

arten

New member
Hi,

Happy holidays everyone :)

I have an epiphone inspired by 1955 les paul from which the switch has broken off.
http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Electrics/Les-Paul/Ltd-Ed-Inspired-by-1955-LP-Custom-Outfit.aspx

Because I have some time off, I would like to replace it and I was wondering if there are any mods I can do / take into consideration while I'm at it?

I'm thinking pots, caps, wiring, ... any suggestions?
I'm also thinking of removing the pickguard, but I'm not sure how (and if) to fill the holes and get the finish on them to look the same?

Also, anyone a good website where I should order these parts (preferably in Europe?)
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

I don't know, if the guitar sounds and feels the way you like it, just replace what's broken.

You can certainly upgrade the pots, but if they work and aren't scratchy or noisy when you manipulate them, I would leave them alone. That's just me. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

The pots work fine, but I've read so many times that people change pots with different values etc.

All in all, I think the guitar is fine, but I wouldn't mind to make it a little brighter or give it a little more grit
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

If you're going to replace the toggle, just spend the money and get a switchcraft. About $15 in the states, should be similiar pricing in europe.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

Well, you can try higher value pots, which will be a lottle brighter. Noting will add output unless you change pickups. I don't tend to change parts for the sake of it, though. I'd just get a good switch and not worry about the rest...you can EQ the signal further down the chain, or always add more gain with the amp or a pedal.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

Epiphone has really upped their game in the last few years, so I wouldn't worry about swapping pots or caps unless there's something you don't like about how the guitar sounds now. I would think about replacing the output jack as the one Epiphone uses isn't as good as a Switchcraft. All jacks fail eventually, so you could just wait until you need a new jack to do the swap.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

Push pulls or push push pots would give you other options

You can put in a piezo bridge
That may be a bit much
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

Locking tuners never hurt
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

The jack tends to be the other 'wearing part' that goes bad typically quicker with the budget parts.

If you want more grit or brightness, the volume pot values are the more important ones to change.....

Do NOT attempt any work on filling the holes if you remove the pickguard. The odds are in the high 90's percentile wise that you will make it look worse than simply with the holes there.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

add Copper Shielding with a ground in the control cavity if you plan to play out with stage lighting is always a good idea
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

The switch is isolated from the bulk of the electronics on the guitar, so "while I'm at it" doesn't really apply. I say fix what's broken, and leave the rest alone until it's time to fix something in the main control cavity.

IMO, taking the guard off that guitar would be a cosmetic shame...but if you want to do it, I would just carefully cover the exposed maple with black nail polish, applied with a tiny hobby brush. It will hide the holes to all but the most obsessed close-up viewers.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

I put the Kinman treble bleed mod on the volume pots to preserve high end when you roll them down. Very quick and easy to do, and costs in parts is $2. I don't like dialing in a tone, and when I reduce volume, having it get dark and lose that tone.


Great choice of guitar BTW.
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

Oh, also some strap locks if it doesn't have them already...
 
Re: Need to replace broken les paul switch, any other things I should do while I'm at

You need a Gold long straight Switchcraft for a Les Paul


ep-4367-002_3_2.jpg



Don' t forget the Gold heavy knurled Switchcraft nut :cool:


uvfzuyjvaumo9aw23chf.jpg
 
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