baggins Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 I'm looking to somehow fix or replace my H150P's jack, as it doesn't keep a tight grip on plugs anymore. I could just put in a Switchcraft jack and plate, but the guitar is still completely original, apart from a re-fret. (Schaller p'ups, bridge and all) -I'm guessing there's really no way to fix the original, and if I were to put the LP style on, would I need to take anything special into consideration since I'd be mounting the plate onto a 1994 poplar body ? Thanks, Chris
Blunote Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 I tried to replace mine with one that had a plate, but the problem was that the H150P is thin to accommodate a standard 1 5/16 plate. The solution for me was to install a stereo version of the original barrel jack. It has two contacts, not just one. That means that in the future, even if one contact loses contact with the plug, the other will still work. Apart from that, perhaps one of the oval style plates would work.
Trouble Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 I actually bought the guitar Blunote is talking about and ended up changing the barrel jack out for a traditional jack, it's a job. It can be done but there are a couple obstacles. The original hole for the barrel jack is offset, so you cannot use it as an alignment for drilling the oversize hole or your new plate will be be hanging off one side of the body. There are probably a couple ways to go about drilling the new hole but what i did was make a plug for the original hole and then found my center and drilled a pilot hole, then drilled the hole for the new jack, I don't remember the exact bit size but it's around 3/4" to accept the new jack. Another problem is the 150p is thinner than a std !50 or Les Paul, so a full size square jackplate is a bit large, I recommend a football style jackplate like Blunote suggested or you will have another problem to overcome. Like I said it's a job, if your not pretty confident in your mechanical/woodworking skills I would find a good tech to do it for you.
baggins Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 Wow. I'm glad I asked the question now, instead of "what do I do to fix this mess?" I may try the barrel (stereo) jack idea 1st. If not, the guy who did my re-fret will my next stop. -Thanks for the advice on the body thickness. I'll be sure to get a football shaped plate if I go that route. This guitar has such a nice, warm tone and amazing sustain. I'm hoping to just maintain it in its original form for as long as possible.
tonedeaf Posted March 18, 2014 Posted March 18, 2014 Did you try bending the spring side contact so that it holds the plug more tightly?
TalismanRich Posted March 18, 2014 Posted March 18, 2014 Did you try bending the spring side contact so that it holds the plug more tightly? The barrel jacks don't have any way to get into the contacts. Its easier to just buy another jack and replace it... two solder joints and few twists of the locking nut and its done. Using the stereo jack is a good idea, as it makes contact twice on the ground, keeping it a bit more secure.
baggins Posted March 20, 2014 Author Posted March 20, 2014 Actually have a chrome Switchcraft on order (stereo). I'll post some pics of the job as I do it.
baggins Posted March 23, 2014 Author Posted March 23, 2014 Disclaimer: my friend did all the soldering, I only removed and replaced the jack. -credit where credit is due, right? He also cut the strain relief and drilled a small hole in it for a more secure connection. This is the new jack installed.
baggins Posted March 23, 2014 Author Posted March 23, 2014 photo was a little askew, so sorry for the extra post above. Anyhow, thanks for the advice. I have no idea how many H150Ps exist, but that's how the process goes.
Blunote Posted March 24, 2014 Posted March 24, 2014 Glad we could help. That's what a forum like this is for.
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