harpburn
77 posts
Sep 16, 2013
5:55 AM
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Hi all,
I'm kind of new to installing switchcraft connectors, and have purchased one to replace the XLR on my Hohner bluesblaster shell. Sure enough, it fits sweet as a nut into the threading for the volume pot - screws right in. My question is: how do you connect the wires from the element to the inside of the 2501mp?
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HawkeyeKane
1991 posts
Sep 16, 2013
6:54 AM
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Without having it in front of me, I regretfully don't remember which wire is wired to what. But I can tell you that one wire will need to go down through the switchcraft barrel, and you'll then need to solder it in place in the little hole at the bottom. The other wire needs to be grounded to the inside of the mic shell. I know the JT30RH has a small screw with a spade connector for this, but I don't know about the Bluesblaster. If not, you could probably just use a solder tab to lug it to the shell.
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by HawkeyeKane on Sep 16, 2013 6:55 AM
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harpburn
78 posts
Sep 16, 2013
8:25 AM
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Thanks for the info, Hawkeye. I didn't realise that one lead had to be grounded - I thought the connector was self-grounding, because this one I found on ebay just has the two leads coming out of it, connecting straight to the element.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Switchcraft-2501-5-8-Connector-Wire-Leads-For-JT-30-Other-Harp-Mics-/290971812295?pt=US_Vintage_Pro_Audio_Equipment&hash=item43bf4581c7
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Greg Heumann
2366 posts
Sep 16, 2013
9:20 AM
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I am having trouble visualizing a BluesBlaster with threads where the volume pot mounts - there are no threads there in any BluesBlaster I've ever seen. The threads are on the pot itself and the brass nut that holds the pot in.
I'm guessing you mean the hole only - and that you've tapped it for the 3/8-32 threads. But the hole is already many thousandths of an inch too big to properly tap - you'll get only partial thread engagement which is weak and won't create a good ground. The connector CAN ground itself to the shell when threaded into properly cut threads but in this case I wouldn't rely on that or you're going to get a very poor ground. Soldering both hot and ground wires to the connector itself is a good way around that - but the connector may still get loose easily in that hole. When I put a connector in that hole I enlarge the hole further so I can press a bushing in that in turn is properly threaded for the switchraft connector.
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
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Last Edited by Greg Heumann on Sep 16, 2013 9:22 AM
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harpburn
79 posts
Sep 16, 2013
9:58 AM
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Ok, cheers Greg. I've seen on a pic of yours that you insert a proper bushing for the bluesblaster volume hole. When you say the connector might get loose, do you mean that it might actually drop out? On mine, I have to say it seems pretty secure without a bushing IMHO, and tightens up.
One more thing, do I solder both wires into the small hole at the bottom of the switchcraft socket?
Thanks for your invaluable advice!
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harpburn
80 posts
Sep 16, 2013
12:29 PM
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Also, can't get the damn metal tube off!
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Kingley
3138 posts
Sep 16, 2013
12:48 PM
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Just use a pair of pliers. That metal tube will twist out with a little dedicated persuasion.
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Rick Davis
2361 posts
Sep 16, 2013
12:50 PM
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harpburn, just send it to Greg. It is a lot easier and will cost less in the long run. He already has all the tools and skill.
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Kingley
3139 posts
Sep 16, 2013
12:56 PM
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Yeah I agree with Rick. Greg only charges a few dollars for doing it as well.
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Rick Davis
2362 posts
Sep 16, 2013
3:17 PM
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Also, you need to counter-sink the 2501 about 1/16th of an inch if you don't want the knurled surface to show between the mic and the adapter. Greg can do that. Here is a photo with the knurled area showing.
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The Blues Harp Amps Blog
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Tip Jar
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harpburn
81 posts
Sep 16, 2013
5:27 PM
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Am using the volume hole on the bluesblaster shell. I can't get the connector all the way through the hole, in other words, I can't use the washers, clamps, nuts or whatever. But the 2501 will screw into the hole, and is secure.
Still can't get that reluctant metal sleeve to go, though!
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Harpaholic
352 posts
Sep 16, 2013
9:38 PM
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Why ask for help if your going to jerry rig it? Good luck with that!
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Sep 17, 2013 9:05 AM
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harpburn
82 posts
Sep 17, 2013
4:29 AM
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Sorry to be slow, BUT the washers on the switchcraft connector, do you need them to ground the connection? I think Greg may already have answered this, but like I said, I'm new to switchcraft connectors, not sure how they work, how they need to be setup.
@harpoholic - That's why they call me Mr Magoo!
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Last Edited by harpburn on Sep 17, 2013 6:05 AM
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Greg Heumann
2371 posts
Sep 17, 2013
7:33 PM
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The center of the switchcraft connector is for the "hot". The metal of the connector itself is the ground.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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Greg Heumann
2372 posts
Sep 17, 2013
7:46 PM
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@harpburn - Something is screwy here. The diameter of the volume control hole in a BluesBlaster shell (I just measured 2 of them) is .381". Note that .375" = 3/8". The MAJOR diameter of a 2501MP connector is .373". The threads don't engage AT ALL. If you ran a proper 3/8-32 tap through that hole it might have raised a slight burr on the inside surface so it feels like the thread is engaging, but given that the correct diameter for the hole you run a 3/8-32 tap though is .332" (a #Q drill) - I can tell you again that the hole is WAY too big to hold the connector securely. Unless you're talking about a different hole, or a different connector. Did you get the connector from a Hohner Roadhouse JT30 by any chance? If so all bets are off - that's a totally different animal than a 2501MP.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
Last Edited by Greg Heumann on Sep 17, 2013 7:46 PM
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nacoran
7147 posts
Sep 17, 2013
8:40 PM
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You know, maybe it's just the angle in that pic, but Rick's pic suddenly makes me think of a driving iron.
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harpburn
83 posts
Sep 18, 2013
8:29 AM
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@Greg
Yeah, you're absolutely right, that hole is WAY to big. Enough of a yank will pull it right out. I will need a bushing for that (unless I just glue it in, right?)Got a couple mics on the way from a friend, might be sending them your way for the same job.
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Last Edited by harpburn on Sep 18, 2013 10:43 AM
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didjcripey
622 posts
Sep 18, 2013
2:32 PM
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If you were to glue it in you would not be able to rely on the connector making a connection with the shell for a ground.
If you get it hot enough you can solder a wire on the inside of the connector and then ground it to the shell. Not ideal, but it works fine.
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Lucky Lester
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