shielding query

axisus

Newbie question: I'm just putting some copper tape shielding into my strat. In the input jack hole, is it a problem if the jack plug contacts are touching the shielding?

Sporky

It's a problem if any other than the ground is touching the shielding, because the shielding needs to be grounded. 

axisus

Sporky said:

It's a problem if any other than the ground is touching the shielding, because the shielding needs to be grounded. 

Ta! 

ICBM

axisus said:

Newbie question: I'm just putting some copper tape shielding into my strat. In the input jack hole, is it a problem if the jack plug contacts are touching the shielding?

Yes, if the tip contact touches the shielding it will produce a silent guitar!

Actually, if the tip contact touches the side wall it usually makes it very difficult to get the plug in as well. When you assemble a Strat jackplate, the jack must always be fitted with the spring contact pointing straight down into the cavity. You need to make sure it has a shakeproof washer and is tightened up to buggery (the technical term ). I prefer to put superglue on the thread as well, then tighten it with a ratchet handle and socket, while holding the jack in the right position with a cloth or leather glove. If you use a proper Switchcraft jack the chances of needing to replace it are remote - and you can always break the superglue by heating the nut with a soldering iron if necessary.

I've done hundreds of them by this method, including dozens of cheap schools Strat copies on which loose/broken-wire jacks are the most common problem, and not one has ever come back for the same fault...