Switchcraft switches in import guitars

[Inflames626]

Hi all,
I'm wondering if it's possible to enlarge import holes with a taper reamer to put a Switchcraft 3 way toggle in a guitar. I assume yes but I'm not sure how much reaming has to be done.

I've done this with pots but never with a toggle. I've never used a genuine Switchcraft jack.

Most of my guitars are MIJ and I am happy with them. But lately the batches of import switches I have been getting have been garbage. They either completely go dead or one side goes dead.

Meanwhile the import box switch in my 1996 MIJ Jackson Kelly Professional works as well as the day it was new.

So I'm considering just going to Switchcraft and avoiding having to buy 2-3 switches per one installation. It would cost the same or slightly less.

The Switchcraft jacks I'm thinking of are the short straight ones, not the large L shaped ones.

Thanks.

 

[Artie]

Yup. A reamer is one of my most used tools. Especially when I need to put a CTS or Bourns pot in an Alpha hole.

 

[Inflames626]

ArtieToo , I do exactly the same as far as the pots. I just thought the Switchcraft might be so much bigger that it would take a drill or crack the finish.

Not sure why the import box switches are worse lately. My old ones are a dark brown. These are more a light tan. My guess is the PCB inside is burning up during installation, but I'm not staying on them too long.

I'm not concerned about the import switches wearing out as I have about 40 guitars and basses and none gets played enough to wear out. They just don't work when installed.

Anyway if it keeps up I'm going to Switchcraft. 3 box switches cost about the same as a single Switchcraft.

 

[ICTGoober]

Switchcraft jacks are usually the first thing I replace in import guitars. Switches are next. Quality counts.

 

[Artie]

Switchcraft jacks are usually the first thing I replace in import guitars.

Yup. Me too. :beerchug:

 

[ErikH]

Switchcraft jacks are usually the first thing I replace in import guitars. Switches are next. Quality counts.

Same. Other than the strings, that was the first thing I changed on my CV P-Bass. The jack would hardly hold the plug.

 

[GuitarStv]

I've been successful just using a regular drill bit to widen holes in my guitars for CTS and Switchcraft stuff. A reamer is probably a better tool for the job though.

 

[Mikelamury]

I put pure tone multi contact output jacks on all my instruments. It holds the cable nice and snug and it eliminates electrical crackling if the cable does move. Very good update for any guitar or bass.

 

[Artie]

I put pure tone multi contact output jacks on all my instruments.

I did those for awhile. Then I realized they were gross overkill. And when you unplug the cord, you feel like you're breaking something. :smoker:

 

[Mincer]

I did those for awhile. Then I realized they were gross overkill. And when you unplug the cord, you feel like you're breaking something. :smoker:

I have one in my new Warmoth and I have to agree. While it sounds good (I don't notice a difference between PureTone and Switchcraft), it is like a vise grip on the cable.

 

[Artie]

I have one in my new Warmoth and I have to agree. While it sounds good (I don't notice a difference between PureTone and Switchcraft), it is like a vise grip on the cable.

Yup. One ten-millionth of a watt doesn't need much contact. :headbang:

 

[Mikelamury]

Yup. One ten-millionth of a watt doesn't need much contact. :headbang:

I've never had a problem pulling them out just pull a little harder but it's totally worth it for me to defeat the electric crackling that can occur with traditional jacks

 

[Inflames626]

I asked because in pictures Switchcraft switches look huge--as in too tall and too wide. I thought if I tried putting them in I'd either damage the front of the guitar or it would be too tall for the cavity.

Seriously, they look like something from the 1950s. Probably because they are.

 

[GuitarStv]

They make a right angle switch, a tall straight switch, and a short straight switch. When in doubt get the short one. It's the only one I could fit into my Epiphone Dot.