Les Paul Jack Socket - need replacement! What to get?

Jules · 5th January 2012

I was freaked out to see the one in there was totally enclosed! Switchcraft. it was a stubby metal cylinder Is that normal?

Shall I just get another Switchcraft jack socket - or is there better type?

Please advise!

Thanks

Jim Williams · 5th January 2012

Some older Pauls were shielded, they used a metal can around the controls and a cylinder to screen the 1/4 " jack. They did this to avoid using a string ground to the bridge.

It's probably best to have someone reinstall a bridge string ground, as long as it uses a .022 uf cap in series, that prevents death by electrocution, or at least a bad lip burn on a live mic. If you remove the pickup covers to get a more open sound, that will be needed.

You can just get a #11 standard Switchcraft 1/4" mono jack to replace it. The old one is permanently fitted into that can so it's no go. If you are anal about screening, you can use some adhesive backed copper tape to line the inside of that jack cavity, just remember to solder a ground wire to it.

Jules · 6th January 2012

Can I get a retro fit shielded one?

Jim Williams · 6th January 2012

Maybe from Gibson, USA at a high price and waiting time. Those Pauls were built that way back in the 1980's, when they did stuff like use maple necks, etc. I would toss in a #11 Switchcraft jack and call it a day.

Jules · 8th January 2012

OK - This a 72 LP.

Thanks.

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5th January 2012	#1
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Joined: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,805 Thread Starter 1 Review written	Les Paul Jack Socket - need replacement! What to get? I was freaked out to see the one in there was totally enclosed! Switchcraft. it was a stubby metal cylinder Is that normal? Shall I just get another Switchcraft jack socket - or is there better type? Please advise! Thanks __________________ Jules Add your reviews to the new reviews area! Gearslutz on Facebook Follow my GS picks on Twitter

5th January 2012	#2
Jim Williams Voiding warranties Joined: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 10,070	Some older Pauls were shielded, they used a metal can around the controls and a cylinder to screen the 1/4 " jack. They did this to avoid using a string ground to the bridge. It's probably best to have someone reinstall a bridge string ground, as long as it uses a .022 uf cap in series, that prevents death by electrocution, or at least a bad lip burn on a live mic. If you remove the pickup covers to get a more open sound, that will be needed. You can just get a #11 standard Switchcraft 1/4" mono jack to replace it. The old one is permanently fitted into that can so it's no go. If you are anal about screening, you can use some adhesive backed copper tape to line the inside of that jack cavity, just remember to solder a ground wire to it.

6th January 2012	#3
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Joined: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,805 Thread Starter 1 Review written	Can I get a retro fit shielded one?

8th January 2012	#5
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Joined: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,805 Thread Starter 1 Review written	OK - This a 72 LP. Thanks.