replacing stock switch

[kizo]

Hi Guys,
I am new to the forum...
I have recently bought a SZ4020 prestige. its beautiful, with awsome tone, sustain and playability. One thing I don't like is the 3-way switch, which is kind of small (at least for my big fingers). I was thinking of replacing/upgrading it to a 5-way switch, something like schaller's Megaswitch P, but I am hesitating coz they are different shape (the stock has a round base and the schaller is rectangular) and it looks to me like this would involve some woodwork which just could break my heart if something goes wrong. Wiring is not a problem, but the physical installment of the switch. Anyone ever tried this? Any tips welcome...

[Scott of Actual Time]

Originally Posted by kizo

I have recently bought a SZ4020 prestige...I was thinking of replacing/upgrading it to a 5-way switch, something like schaller's Megaswitch P, but I am hesitating coz they are different shape ....Wiring is not a problem, but the physical installment of the switch. Anyone ever tried this?

i put an E model Megaswitch in my 540S7 years ago, but it required some special tricks. the base shape wasn't the problem; the width was--the Megaswitch is too wide to fit into the slot through the body in an S series guitar. (i've never seen an SZ, but i'm assuming that it's the same.)

i had to loosen the screws that hold the circuit board to the switch, then install it, then tighten the screws back until the switch worked. and it still didn't work all the time.

also, the switch was taller than the S series control cavity, but i thinkt he SZ is deeper, so that might not be a problem for you.

[kizo]

Thanks,

You're right, the SZ cavity is deep enough to fit the megaswitch (it's a massive guitar!). I am actually worried that once i rout the cavity (well, not me, but an expert luthier) and fit the switch, there will be too much open space left around the edges of the switch and i am not sure how to plug it, plastic, bit of pickguard, what?

[rty13ibz98]

i would advise against it. way too much work and a blade switch is doesn't give you the option of covering up and screw ups. the s is the only guitar that has a 5 way cover...only because the body taper. the sz is way different, not to mention that the holes for 3 way switches are huge compared to most potentiometer holes. if you were to add a 5 way blade to a guitar with the les paul style(in this case a jpm) switch, it will end up looking horrible and you will need some way to cover up the holes.


rich