Which Toggle Switch for Greco Les Paul

[fred4321]

Hi,
I have posted questions about my Greco which I am rewiring.
I ordered a 3 way toggle switch (prewired) from a local luthier, online.
The one that arrived I cant fit into the switch cavity. I am assured it is an authentic switchcraft switch that fits Les Pauls.
(I did fail to be specific with the type of switch so I take full responsibility for the muck up).

I have tried to maneuver it into the cavity and also found that the screw sleeve is too short.


Anyway I need to source another switch and rewire it to fit. I don't know what to order, so I hope I can be lead in the right direction.
I have attached a picture of the original switch (toggle broken) and the supplied switch for comparison.
Thanks

 

[Freeman Keller]

Probably this one but compare the dimensions, particularly the thickness of the wood that it will mount in

Metric Toggle Switch - StewMac

3-position pickup switch, popular in guitars made outside the USA.

www.stewmac.com

 

[Wound_Up]

You have a short replacement switch. You need a long switch. That's all it is. It doesn't have to be metric or anything else.

Just, Google "switchcraft long 3 way switch"

Here's one at StewMac but you can buy them for like 1/2 of that price if you buy it somewhere else. And there likely won't be the $10 rip off shipping either.

https://www.stewmac.com/electronics...Mi4KtJaKa5uMtCR31qUd7nFmJ4SlN-nRoCXKUQAvD_BwE

 

[Freeman Keller]

You have a short replacement switch. You need a long switch. That's all it is. It doesn't have to be metric or anything else.

Just, Google "switchcraft long 3 way switch"

Here's one at StewMac but you can buy them for like 1/2 of that price if you buy it somewhere else. And there likely won't be the $10 rip off shipping either.

https://www.stewmac.com/electronics...Mi4KtJaKa5uMtCR31qUd7nFmJ4SlN-nRoCXKUQAvD_BwE

I think its the other way. He has the short switch which is broken, got a long one that won't fit. Fred, can you verify?

 

[fred4321]

Thats right, its a short switch

 

[G.Rotten]

Thats right, its a short switch

The one you did order would fit Gibson Les Paul but I believe Gibson would have a two step route in the cavity.

Switchcraft Toggle Switches - StewMac

3-position pickup switches, standard in American guitars for decades.

www.stewmac.com

For your Greco you'll want the short version on this link. Not only is it shorter but the threaded part is longer than the tall version so it can reach the face of your guitar.

 

[fred4321]

Had a thought. Would it be feasable to enlarge the cavity to accomodate the switch instead?

 

[TokyoPortrait]

Hi.

If by feasible you mean possible, then yes. Just, I wouldn’t. Getting the short switch would be so much easier and also basically without risk.

Pax/
Dean

 

[Wound_Up]

The one you did order would fit Gibson Les Paul but I believe Gibson would have a two step route in the cavity.

Switchcraft Toggle Switches - StewMac

3-position pickup switches, standard in American guitars for decades.

www.stewmac.com

For your Greco you'll want the short version on this link. Not only is it shorter but the threaded part is longer than the tall version so it can reach the face of your guitar.

That's what the "deep knurled nut" is for with the long switch. It's threads reach down below the face of the guitar. It gives the switch a more finished look, IMO. Way better than threads sticking up out of the guitar. You see those switches that stick out with a hexagonal nut 99% of the time. Examples below. You can see the first is flush. The 2nd guitar isn't. That's a long vs short switch.

I swapped the import switch out of my guitar and replaced it with a long Switchcraft for that reason alone. Replaced a short switch with the long one. Mine had 1/2 inch(13mm) of thread sticking out of the guitar and it was FUGLY. So I fixed that problem lol. That and the import switch was wayyyy too clicky. It wasn't smooth like a Switchcraft.

 

[G.Rotten]

That's what the "deep knurled nut" is for with the long switch. It's threads reach down below the face of the guitar. It gives the switch a more finished look, IMO. Way better than threads sticking up out of the guitar. You see those switches that stick out with a hexagonal nut 99% of the time. Examples below. You can see the first is flush. The 2nd guitar isn't. That's a long vs short switch.

View attachment 975199View attachment 975200


I swapped the import switch out of my guitar and replaced it with a long Switchcraft for that reason alone. Replaced a short switch with the long one. Mine had 1/2 inch(13mm) of thread sticking out of the guitar and it was FUGLY. So I fixed that problem lol. That and the import switch was wayyyy too clicky. It wasn't smooth like a Switchcraft.

I'm assuming the OP's current replacement switch would have come with the deep nut as most switches come with both styles. I don't currently own a standard Gibson Les Paul so I can't verify but I'm pretty sure I remember seeing a two step for those switches. The second route is to get the face of the switch close enough for the deep nut to reach it while also making the bottom of the switch not stick out the back of the guitar body.

Without altering the Greco the OP likely needs the longer thread on the shorter switch as well as the deep nut.

 

[fred4321]

Without altering the Greco the OP likely needs the longer thread on the shorter switch as well as the deep nut.

The idea of the deep furled nut that was mentioned certainly looks better. The problem is that the (great) wiring etc. is too wide for the cavity to safely insert the switch (did try).

 

[G.Rotten]

The idea of the deep furled nut that was mentioned certainly looks better. The problem is that the (great) wiring etc. is too wide for the cavity to safely insert the switch (did try).

I still think you need the short version for your guitar. With the short version there will be more room for the wiring.

 

[fred4321]

I still think you need the short version for your guitar. With the short version there will be more room for the wiring.

Yes, I am trying to source one locally. Not easy here in Australia. Found a site called Guitar Sauce who tell me they can provide a Switchcraft one for me.

 

[Swirling Snow]

The long Switchcraft switch is far superior to the short Switchcraft version. Which in turn, is much better than the "offshore" variants.

If you intend to keep this guitar, I urge you to make the long switch fit.

 

[G.Rotten]

Yes, I am trying to source one locally. Not easy here in Australia. Found a site called Guitar Sauce who tell me they can provide a Switchcraft one for me.

Are you at all handy? Can you include a few pics of the empty pocket and pics of the long switch in place as best as possible?

 

[Tjeppen]

I have never had the need to replace a switch like that but is it in any way possible just the swap the toggle part of the switch ??

 

[fred4321]

I have never had the need to replace a switch like that but is it in any way possible just the swap the toggle part of the switch ??

I am replacing all the electronics as there is a constant residual noise with the guitar. The switch itself broke off, which was a sign.

 

[Bass Butcher]

The first thing I would do in regards to 'residual' noise(s) is isolate the source, after cleaning the electronic components with contact cleaner. Contact cleaner often completely cures background noise all by itself, especial on old output jacks. I definitely would never replace/junk the pickups from a 70's Greco with humbuckers without doing my homework first.
If the cavity was large enough I would use a box switch over an open contact without giving it a second thought. Open contact switches evolved to 'sealed' types for very good reasons.