switchraft switching jack failures

[Milkmansound]

I have been experiencing a high failure rate with these type of jacks lately:

http://www.allparts.com/Jacks-s/22.htm

specifically that the switch is opening up, and letting a boatload of noise into the first tube stage when the amp is sitting there idle, minding its own business.

Anyone else seen this recently? I am no longer going to use them for inputs in my amps. Its sad, because I am the proud owner of a few dozen jacks.

[billyz]

They are pretty easy to fix. I have had the same problem with the cliff jacks, only they are harder to fix.

[Milkmansound]

well thats not very reassuring! I was hoping the cliff type jacks would be the solution to this problem.

I have fixed the switchcraft jacks by bending the switch contact, but I don't trust that not to open right back up again.

Have you found a permanent solution that fixes them for good?

[Gaz]

I never even heard of anyone being able to fix the new ones besides Billy Z. Frankly, the new Switchcrafts just suck. I switched (no pun) to Cliff UK jacks - the rep actually told me that 65 Amps had a huge warranty issue with amps they sent over to Europe with bad SC's and it cost them tens of thousands. They switched to Cliff UK. He also said Two Rock had had some nightmares too. And regardless of those stories, you're yet another person to add to list of those who've had bad luck with the Switchcrafts. We all outta write them an email to fix it!

[jelle]

I have written about these a few times now. Easy to fix although I wish it wasn't needed.

Clean them, retighten and just like with other switching jacks, these need maintenance.

If you would like to part with yours, I'm all ears.


Jelle

[Gaz]

I've tried retensioning as well as using a fine grit sand paper between the contacts, but had no luck. With my jacks I wouldn't ever loose contact completey - the contacts would be intermittent and definitely looked like they were touching, however they were actually not. I personally don't feel like any decent jacks should need maintenance unless they are pretty old. And I wish I still had the SC's to give you, but I already pawned them off on some other sucker

[xtian]

No one has mentioned DeOxit, so I will. Improves. Electrical. Contacts.

[Gaz]

Yeah, it sure can, but from what I've read Switchcraft started having issues when they switched to ROHS - something with the plating. I dunno, could just be hearsay. I really do prefer the open-frame design, and I think some people like the Neutrik stuff. I read in another thread Dr. Z switched to a fancier sealed Switchcraft, and IIRC it was because of reliability issue...

Haha, I feel like I spewing all kinds of unsubstantiated BS in this thread. Sorry, but those damned switching contacts have broken my heart more than once!

[Firestorm]

Anyone have experience with this type of Switchcraft jack?

I seem to have quite a few of these. They might even be the Mil. version.

[Gaz]

No, but those are the ones that Dr. Z is now using in the Zwreck (probably others as well).

[martin manning]

Anyone have experience with this type of Switchcraft jack?

I seem to have quite a few of these. They might even be the Mil. version.

I've used them in a few pedals for the slightly smaller envelope that they have as compared to the standard open type. They are open at the back (not sealed in any way), and seemed to work fine. I've not had any issues with the standard open ones either. (Probably shouldn't have said that...) The Mil Spec open jacks have silver contacts, I believe, and cost 2-3x as much.

[Prairie Dawg]

I never even heard of anyone being able to fix the new ones besides Billy Z. Frankly, the new Switchcrafts just suck. I switched (no pun) to Cliff UK jacks - the rep actually told me that 65 Amps had a huge warranty issue with amps they sent over to Europe with bad SC's and it cost them tens of thousands. They switched to Cliff UK. He also said Two Rock had had some nightmares too. And regardless of those stories, you're yet another person to add to list of those who've had bad luck with the Switchcrafts. We all outta write them an email to fix it!

Just what you'd expect from a sales rep talking about the competition. Just sayin'. The grain of salt is there.

[Gaz]

I suppose, but he really didn't make a big deal of it. What he was very pissed about was the fake Cliff jacks, however.

[Firestorm]

What he was very pissed about was the fake Cliff jacks, however.

I'll bet. Some of the fakes even say "CLIFF" on them.

[tdvt]

That's not good news. Seemed like Switchcraft stuff was one of those rare constants in the universe.

Just looked quickly, the mil-spec open frame version is the C12BX, $5.40 in quantities of 10 from Mouser. Not enough to break the bank but they don't give'em away.