Electrosocket jack installation question

[gwayne]

I'm going to install Electrosocket jacks in my Hamer Studio and G&L ASAT. Both have those shitty barrel jacks. Some questions:

1) Will I have to enlarge the current hole any?

2) If so, what size "bit" do I need and:

3) What's the best tool to do so?

I know Murkat, Greg and others know the answers so thanks in advance.

[Bloozguy]

Some answers:

1) Yes. The Switchcraft barrel jacks fit into a 15/32" (0.469") or 1/2" (0.500") hole. The Electrosocket jacks require a 7/8" (0.875") diameter hole.

2) and 3) The best tool to do that would be Murkat or Greg. Unless you have a drill press and a way to hold the guitar body securely, enlarging that hole by hand is asking for disaster.

I've had a couple of those barrel jacks go bad. You can 1) remove it and bend the spring contacts so they apply more pressure to the plug, 2) install a brand new jack of the same type, or 3) convert it to the "Les Paul style" square plate with 4 screws and a conventional Switchcraft output jack (like Hamer did in the later years on some models).

Also take a look at the brand of plug on the guitar end of your cable. Switchcraft and most other US-made plugs are a full 1/4" (0.250") diameter while Neutrik and many of the imported plugs are only 0.248" or so in diameter. Those don't work as well in the barrel style output jacks because their inside diameter is 0.253" and the imported plugs are a sloppy fit.

[gwayne]

Bloozguy,

Good advice. I think I'm going with the square plate on the Studio and one of the oval "footballs" for the G&L.

Thanks,

Gary

[BadgerDave]

The Electrosockets are not a good choice if the mounting surface curves. They really require a flat (or nearly flat) surface. I found this out the hard way when attempting to mount one on a Telecaster that didn't have the flattened portion on the lower bout. The edges of the Electrosocket "stood proud" of the mounting surface everywhere but at the very center of the jack. It looked unprofessional.

[gwayne]

The Electrosockets are not a good choice if the mounting surface curves. They really require a flat (or nearly flat) surface. I found this out the hard way when attempting to mount one on a Telecaster that didn't have the flattened portion on the lower bout. The edges of the Electrosocket "stood proud" of the mounting surface everywhere but at the very center of the jack. It looked unprofessional.

Good to know - Thanks.

[DaveL]

Some answers:

1) Yes. The Switchcraft barrel jacks fit into a 15/32" (0.469") or 1/2" (0.500") hole. The Electrosocket jacks require a 7/8" (0.875") diameter hole.

2) and 3) The best tool to do that would be Murkat or Greg. Unless you have a drill press and a way to hold the guitar body securely, enlarging that hole by hand is asking for disaster.

I've had a couple of those barrel jacks go bad. You can 1) remove it and bend the spring contacts so they apply more pressure to the plug, 2) install a brand new jack of the same type, or 3) convert it to the "Les Paul style" square plate with 4 screws and a conventional Switchcraft output jack (like Hamer did in the later years on some models).

Also take a look at the brand of plug on the guitar end of your cable. Switchcraft and most other US-made plugs are a full 1/4" (0.250") diameter while Neutrik and many of the imported plugs are only 0.248" or so in diameter. Those don't work as well in the barrel style output jacks because their inside diameter is 0.253" and the imported plugs are a sloppy fit.

I am happy to announce I have just 100% verified the authenticity of my 1998 Hamer FM Special due to it's faulty jack... :0

can you clarify... is there any way to use something like a jeweler's screwdriver or something to pry the contacts of the barrel jack while it's in the

guitar, or does it need to to come out? thanks

[tomteriffic]

My repair guy tightened the contacts on a barrel jack of mine using something like a crochet hook. i don't expect it to be a forever and ever fix, but it got the job done for now.

[BCR Greg]

The Electrosockets are not a good choice if the mounting surface curves. They really require a flat (or nearly flat) surface. I found this out the hard way when attempting to mount one on a Telecaster that didn't have the flattened portion on the lower bout. The edges of the Electrosocket "stood proud" of the mounting surface everywhere but at the very center of the jack. It looked unprofessional.

I recess the jack a little. Looks tops.

[murkat]

I'm going to install Electrosocket jacks in my Hamer Studio and G&L ASAT. Both have those shitty barrel jacks. Some questions:

1) Will I have to enlarge the current hole any?

2) If so, what size "bit" do I need and:

3) What's the best tool to do so?

I know Murkat, Greg and others know the answers so thanks in advance.

1. yes

2/3. I would recomend a forstner type bit that is close to the radius of the socket.

you will need a plug in order for the forstner to center, but it will be a nice smooth cut.

tape off the area so finish is less to chip out.

The Electrosockets are not a good choice if the mounting surface curves. They really require a flat (or nearly flat) surface. I found this out the hard way when attempting to mount one on a Telecaster that didn't have the flattened portion on the lower bout. The edges of the Electrosocket "stood proud" of the mounting surface everywhere but at the very center of the jack. It looked unprofessional.

If it is a non finish jack, you could radius the surface to match the curve area,

sand and polish.

good luck on your quest!

[BCR Greg]

The Electrosockets are not a good choice if the mounting surface curves. They really require a flat (or nearly flat) surface. I found this out the hard way when attempting to mount one on a Telecaster that didn't have the flattened portion on the lower bout. The edges of the Electrosocket "stood proud" of the mounting surface everywhere but at the very center of the jack. It looked unprofessional.

I recess the jack a little. Looks tops.