Calling all Guyatone D8 owners - Replacing Rocker Switches?

Alex Cattaneo · From: Quebec, Canada

Hey guys! I recently got a VERY good deal on a Guyatone D8, and I'm stoked. I love the guitar but as my first gig with it is approaching, I have to say the electronics are really scaring me. The rocker switches are flimsy and the slightest contact or grazing can change the setting, or sometimes cause the switch to be in an "in-between position...

So I used a generous amount of contact cleaner, and I also used a pair of plyers to get those metal blades tighter. Hopefully that does the trick for now.

But I've seen many pics on the forum where guys replaced those pesky rocker switches with a black plate and some other type of switch (not sure what they are called... small, square and black). I'd love to do that upgrade on my steel and I'm hoping someone here can help with some information.

Thanks!

David M Brown · From: California, USA

You could make a small plate that fits the opening and use smaller modern switches. Save the original unit, too.

Adam Tracksler · From: Maine, USA

Something like a jaguar would probably work...

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

If that Guyatone were mine, I would likely pull the entire plate, leaving all its original components intact. I'd fabricate a replacement mounting plate from pickguard material, and apply copper shielding tape to its back. Then I would mount all new top-quality switches, pots, caps, etc. as close to the original specs as possible. I'd be sure to save the original plate.

Rick Abbott · From: Indiana, USA

I replaced the switches on one of my Guyatone D8s. The other one, which I just sold, were completely functional and work as they should. It is one of the "newer ones" I'd say. The white ones, shown above, must be an older version. I replaced them the week I got the guitar. I like the 3 switches shown by Mr. Tracksler. Good idea!

I changed to a Gibson style 3 way switch on a fabricated plate because I only need a neck selector. I removed the extra pickup and covered the hole with a chrome plate. That kind of selector won't work for you.
_________________
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Sehy #112
1975 Peavey Pacer

Alex Cattaneo · From: Quebec, Canada

I like the jaguar idea; should be easy enough to obtain the parts for that mod.

While we're on the subject, what do the buttons do exactly? I thought they were on-off for each pickup, but they are 3-positions, and after playing the guitar for about a week, I'm still not sure what the switches do. I just mess around until I get the neck and sound I want! I can't for the life of me figure the logic of this configuration.

Rick Abbott · From: Indiana, USA

Not only could I not understand the switches (like yours), but they were loose and changed positions at the slightest vibration. The guitar was pretty beat so I put the odd second pickup in a single 8 body. It absolutely slays with a fuzz pedal!

My guess is: they may have switched a capacitor in and out? Or, that and a series / parallel on the back neck? God only knows.
_________________
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Sehy #112
1975 Peavey Pacer

Glenn Wilde · From: California, USA

I had a Teisco guitar with those switches, i just found a sound i liked and taped them down with clear tape. They were in a terrible spot on that guitar, right where you hit them when strumming.
If those are setup the same as mine then two of them turn the pickups on and off and one is a bright/mellow switch. My guitar had those same pickups too.

James Kerr · From: Scotland, UK

Here is my D-8, a later one I think with the same switch set as shown on Adam's Jaguar. You can just about see them on full screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWVll5SxZ7M

JK

Alex Cattaneo · From: Quebec, Canada

Nice playing James! I'm a big fan of Morricone's film scores.

Did you do the switch replacement yourself? Or did you buy the guitar already modified? What is the switch configuration?

I think that I figured out what the switch do: They are simply on-off for each pickup. I think the middle position of each switch doesn't do anything. Pressed towards the lower neck is on, pressed towards the upper neck is off.

After cleaning the circuits, spraying with contact cleaner and pressing the metal blades tighter together, the switch feel better and tighter so I'm gonna roll with that for my upcoming gig.

Dennis Saydak · From: Manitoba, Canada

I have the same D-8 as James. Here's a shot of the switch plate. From your seating position - the rightmost switch is for the single pickup on the front neck. The other two switches correspond to the neck with double pickups. you can turn one or both pickups on.

I also enjoy Mr. Kerr's musical and photographic talent.
_________________
Dennis
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race, the rats get faster.

James Kerr · From: Scotland, UK

Thank you all for your kind words, the Guitar came new with that type of Switch Plate, I bought it the day after Poco and Rusty Young played the Glasgow Apollo Theatre, What a Band, What a Steel Player and what a great night. I thank them all for coming to Scotland to let us hear them.

James Kerr.

Alex Cattaneo · From: Quebec, Canada

Hey Dennis, nice to hear from another Canuck. I think you forgot to upload the picture though. I would really like to see it! Thanks!

Dennis Saydak · From: Manitoba, Canada

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Dennis, lovely instrument.
James, good job on that tune. I seen Buddy Emmons do that live and use an Ebow on the turn around. Spooky sound and just breathtaking. It became my favorite tune. Sara Jory did it in later years and was excellent as well.

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