r/gretsch • u/Electronic_Fan_4720 • 3d ago

Fix Jack

Hi, I have a hollow-body Gretsch and the jack has stopped working, so I'm looking to replace it. The problem is that people have told me the jack requires specific specs, and I'm a bit lost on this—could you help me figure out which Jack model would work? Thanks a Lot!

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u/NotSayingAliensBut 2d ago

It's very rare for a jack to stop working. It's much more likely that a wire has broken, become unsoldered, or the jack has rotated and the hot is touching the ground.

You need to take it out to diagnose the problem.

And, jacks are all the same size anyway.

1

u/Ripley1046 2d ago

This is the correct response.

2

u/Solid_Half2141 2d ago

Jacks on hollowbodies are notorious for being difficult to reach, and awkward, to say the least, to get back into the hole ...

Put a thin rod (chopstick or similar) wire, or even string, pro's often use flexible tubing (it has a variety of uses) into the jack before you unscrew it, and prevent losing it inside.

By keeping your guide in the hole, used to guide it back into the exit hole when repaired, it makes life a lot easier ... and yes, it's most likely a broken wire, or the contact leaves have rotated, and are shorting out ... as most Jack's are riveted these days; you may need to give the rivet a few taps to re-set it (with some cheap components, this may happen more often than others)

If the access plate isn't ideally positioned, you may find it helpful to gently remove the bridge pickup, and access via the pickup hole