LeftyBassist.com

I have a nice Gibby LP knock-off that needs the selector switch replaced as the switch tip broke off in transit to me.

I managed to stumble upon a great deal for a Switchcraft selector switch from a 56 RI Les Paul. But of course, the threaded part of the Switchcraft shaft is too short.

What would be the best tool to use to drill out part of the body so I can get the Switchcraft installed?

Pics to follow ....

The two switches



The inside of the cavity



The exterior, sans switch

And dang, wouldn't you know it, I'm about a 1/2 inch too short.

before taking a Forstner bit in a drill press to your cavity, I'd check to see if either of these switches fit your needs


http://www.allparts.com/Korean-Toggle-S ... 66-000.htm



http://www.allparts.com/Korean-Toggle-S ... 66-003.htm

both of these look to be similar to your original toggle, and they also appear to have longer mounting threads

all the best,

R

Hi Rod,
thanks for the quick reply! That second switch looks like it'd work fine, but I kinda have my heart set on using the switchcraft if I can ... I've got the rest of the 56 RI electronics. CTS pots, bumblebee caps etc.
I know there's some drilling to be done, but I don't have an issue with doing that.

here's a couple more pics while we're at it ....

you have access to a drillpress?

you'd need to shim the body so you can clamp it to the bed plate, and then use a Forstner bit to remove some of the thickness from inside of the cavity. I'd leave at least 3/16" of wood (1/4" is better if you can swing it and still fit the nut onto the threads)

your other, and possibly more dangerous, alternative would be to secure the body and then use a router plus long template bit to route the cavity deeper



either approach can work if you have the tools/skill to do it. a good luthier could have this done in under 30 minutes of touch time (maybe worth it if you don't have the tools and don't want to risk it yourself)

all the best,

R

My neighbor has every tool known to man. And judging by the looks of it, a few that are unknown as well.

However after talking with him, it's not a project he wants to tackle so I went ahead and ordered the OEM Korean switch. What a bummer!!!!! it's not really worth the time, effort and $$$ to have my local luthier do the work. By local, I mean he's 35 miles from my house.

if you were closer we'd already have this simple done ... but it's not worth the expense to ship it r/t to do this.

have you asked the guys at the Bass Place what their tech would charge you to make the mod?

all the best,

R

The Bass Place used to be very conveniently located about a mile from where I work. Last year they moved clear across town to Glendale, about an hour drive from my workplace, so it's not worth the time and money to ask them about it.
No big deal anyways, the Korea replacement switch ought to be here today or tomorrow.