Barrel switch tip in the way

[Chicken Curry]

Play more from the wrist and less from the arm. If you anchor, anchor on the high E. My hand barely goes outside of the string spacing.

Interesting. This post made me analyse how I pick. I don't really play from the arm, more from my wrist. I could improve and clean that up a bit. I don't anchor anywhere, my hand just floats (I left hand mute when I play off of the bass strings), except when I palm mute then my palm rests bridge plate edge (52AV).

The reason I keep hitting the switch is because my fingers stick out, particularly my ring finger. I think it's because of musscle tension, trying to concentrate on something makes me extend my fingers, seem more natural as well.

 

[naneek]

Pic?

sure. it's currently missing its high e string, which is a little embarrassing, but here you go.

modified "top hat" switch tip and reversed control plate on my old squier affinity "surfcaster" / "thrashcaster" beater guitar

just look at that control plate, this guitar has been played a lot

the switch tip got painted white along the way, which made it a little more rounded and made the edges less defined.
the finish has worn over time, but I still like the way it looks.

about 15 years ago I painted the guitar in a dark green duplicolor auto paint and matte clearcoat.

it sure has that punk rock homemade look but I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[fender4life]

If you don't wanna reverse the control plate and flip the switch 180 degrees...

I learned a cool trick from Danny Gatton (Peace be Upon Him): bend the switch lever downward to move the knob downward. It's not much of a change, but it makes a world of difference. Make sure to bend it at a point that allows it to smoothly traverse all positions.

You can see it here (click on the pic to embiggen it):

I have seen that and tought about doing it and maybe now i will. But i wonder....why bend it down rather than up? Obviously i can't ask Danny but have you tried bending it up towards the strings rather then towards the floor? Just seems like it would be closer and better that way. Or maybe it would get in the way of the volume too much?

 

[Peegoo]

have you tried bending it up towards the strings rather then towards the floor? Just seems like it would be closer and better that way. Or maybe it would get in the way of the volume too much?

The problem here in the OP is the switch was getting in the way. Bending it upward would make the problem worse

 

[fender4life]

The problem here in the OP is the switch was getting in the way. Bending it upward would make the problem worse

Ok, i always thought it was to eliminate the tip being close to the volume so it was easier to move from the bridge position to the middle or neck. For me i think bending it up would be the way to go, as the switch never gets in my way. Only issue i have is quickly switching from the bridge position. Not that its really an issue but bending it would make it more natural like going from neck to middle or bridge.

 

[That Cal Webway]

Without the tip my Tele is more aerodynamic in a sense. My thumb flew off right into the kitchen just like that!!

 

[Boreas]

Without the tip my Tele is more aerodynamic in a sense. My thumb flew off right into the kitchen just like that!!

View attachment 944977

Dip the tip in Plasti-Dip and it will be more stylish and comfortable.

 

[Peegoo]

Or put a blob of hot snot in a .22 short case and press it on the lever.

If you ever need to remove it, warm the lever with a soldering stick and it slides right off.

 

[Killing Floor]

If you don't wanna reverse the control plate and flip the switch 180 degrees...

I learned a cool trick from Danny Gatton (Peace be Upon Him): bend the switch lever downward to move the knob downward. It's not much of a change, but it makes a world of difference. Make sure to bend it at a point that allows it to smoothly traverse all positions.

You can see it here (click on the pic to embiggen it):

A true professional! Label side out. And the cig to pull the lower strings slightly sharp to account for the low tension from the slide angle.

 

[fender4life]

A true professional! Label side out. And the cig to pull the lower strings slightly sharp to account for the low tension from the slide angle.

All he's missing is a headstock mounted clip-on ash tray situated right under the cig.

 

[That Cal Webway]

Dip the tip in Plasti-Dip and it will be more stylish and comfortable.

But I'm reading Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Solzhenitsyn...
I'm supposed to suffer!!

 

[Boreas]

But I'm reading Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Solzhenitsyn...
I'm supposed to suffer!!

"You've got to suffer if you want to sing the blues." D. Bromberg

He uses the same tip as you - reversed plate.

 

[PCollen]

I play mainly in the neck position, My 52 AV has a barrel switch tip, big and fat, in the neck position my fingers keep bumping into it. Does anyone else find this annoying? I thought I'd get used to it but I didn't. Thoughts, advice?

I know, it's not the biggest problem, I have it off on my AO, it gives me more room for my fingers.

I change that switch tip out for a Stratocaster switch tip.....

 

[PCollen]

Put the switch between the knobs like I did

Nope....wouldn't work for me, There are cheaper and less invasive solutions.

 

[Telecentric]

Nope....wouldn't work for me, There are cheaper and less invasive solutions.

And that is why Teles are so awesome, we can make 'em how we want them. I wanted volume up front for swells, and more room for a 5 way. To each his own and all that!

 

[Chicken Curry]

Without the tip my Tele is more aerodynamic in a sense. My thumb flew off right into the kitchen just like that!!

View attachment 944977

I use the pick to change positions, when it's like that.

 

[ponycar]

Reverse the control plate.

 

[BatUtilityBelt]

Anyone just replace the blade switch with a Gibson style 3-way, or is that heresy?

 

[glmino]

Here's what I came up with many years ago.

I removed the "brim" with fret pullers, filed then sanded and finished off with various fine sandpaper, micromesh pads and a quick hit with polishing compound,
About the same steps as making a nut...( I guess you could file grooves
around it).
"Try it, you'll like it"

 

[sloppychops]

OK, I have two Strat tips, but the slot is too small to fit on a Tele switch. Do you widen the slot on the tip, and if so how?

They're Fender Strat tips, btw.