switchraft switching jack failures
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- Milkmansound
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switchraft switching jack failures
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.
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.
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
They are pretty easy to fix. I have had the same problem with the cliff jacks, only they are harder to fix.
- Milkmansound
- Posts: 470
- Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2011 6:55 pm
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Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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?
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?
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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!
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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
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
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
No one has mentioned DeOxit, so I will. Improves. Electrical. Contacts.
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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!
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!
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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 seem to have quite a few of these. They might even be the Mil. version.
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Re: switchraft switching jack failures
No, but those are the ones that Dr. Z is now using in the Zwreck (probably others as well).
- martin manning
- Posts: 13549
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Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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.Firestorm wrote: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.
-
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Re: switchraft switching jack failures
Just what you'd expect from a sales rep talking about the competition. Just sayin'. The grain of salt is there.Gaz wrote: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!
If you believe in coincidence you're not looking close enough-Joe leaphorn
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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.
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
I'll bet. Some of the fakes even say "CLIFF" on them.Gaz wrote:What he was very pissed about was the fake Cliff jacks, however.
Re: switchraft switching jack failures
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.
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.