2017 Switchgate - the truth, the whole truth... it's up to you..

[GibsonKramer]

I just pulled the switch from my 2017 Classic. I compared it to the Gibson Switchcraft. The ONLY difference, is maybe 1 mm, of length, on the throw arm.

I stick the Switchcraft in, popped the switch ring/poker chip on, and felt the difference.

I looked, and looked again... and I realize, the '17 has a Switchcraft in it. I compared it to a '16 Traditional, '13 Standard Premium Plus, and a '06 Custom. The only guitars that had switches, where the tip cleared the holding ring completely, were the Studios, and the Special.

All the higher priced Gibson, have the Switchcraft already. I don't know why the throw switch is a bit shorter, it may be variations between guitars

Bottom line. If you want to put a switch ring/poker chip on your 2017... go right ahead.

2017 IS SOLVED. CASE CLOSED.

 

[DaveSG]

So if I am understanding correctly, the higher priced '17s have a switchcraft that can readily accept a poker chip, yes?

Thanks for checking it out for us

 

[Prairie Settler]

I just pulled the switch from my 2017 Classic. I compared it to the Gibson Switchcraft. The ONLY difference, is maybe 1 mm, of length, on the throw arm.

I stick the Switchcraft in, popped the switch ring/poker chip on, and felt the difference.

I looked, and looked again... and I realize, the '17 has a Switchcraft in it. I compared it to a '16 Traditional, '13 Standard Premium Plus, and a '06 Custom. The only guitars that had switches, where the tip cleared the holding ring completely, were the Studios, and the Special.

All the higher priced Gibson, have the Switchcraft already. I don't know why the throw switch is a bit shorter, it may be variations between guitars

Bottom line. If you want to put a switch ring/poker chip on your 2017... go right ahead.

2017 IS SOLVED. CASE CLOSED.

It certainly fits great on the standard without modification. I just put one on mine. Switch clearance is fine.

 

[1allspub]

When I played a 2017 Classic (Ocean Green, lovely!) at a local store and a 2016 Trad (the Iced Tea one I bought last week) I could detect no difference in the switches. Nor with my 2016 Honey Burst that I've had for a year now. I did notice that some other LPs hanging on the wall (2014s & 2015s) had some taller shafts on their switches, but the 2016 & 2017 switches were identical as far as I could tell (ie, the 2016 had a shorter shaft too).

Anyway, glad it's solved and all is well... and that the OP's lovely new 2017 Gold Top has a proper poker chip (as it should!).

 

[GibsonKramer]

Gibson seems to use a short switch, on their lower line guitars. I noticed this on my Studio Pro, and my Tribute. They have a short switch* in the cavity, but the throw arm, is longer, so the switch tip, clears the whole switch ring.

On the higher priced Gibsons, going back to at least 2006 (I'll check my '90 later), they use the longer Switchcraft, and the switch tip, does not clear, on any of these... at least not any of mine.

Look at 2017 this way. Gibson, in a cost saving measure... deleted poker chips/switch rings, on the 2017 Models.

The ugly truth... Gibson ripped us off a ring.

*The short switches may be Switchcraft, they are a brand, that Gibson repackages, and they do make a short version of the switch.

 

[Sinster]

The Studio cap isn't as thick as the Standards and Traditionals. I received this information from Gibson themselves. Maybe that's why they are shorter?

 

[RustyNuts]

The Studio cap isn't as thick as the Standards and Traditionals. I received this information from Gibson themselves. Maybe that's why they are shorter?

That's what I was going to add.

 

[GibsonKramer]

That sounds quite plausible.

I'm not going to change the switch, for the same results. LOL!

I figure I'll just hang onto it, and the day will come, when I'll finally throw together my own LP.

I thought I had a pair of Gold Reflectors, but turns out... instead, I have two sets of black speed knobs.

 

[Chris B.]

I have to say, this whole poker chip controversy is beyond stupid. If you can't tell which pickup is engaged without one, the you have no business even owning a Gibson. And if the guitar is sooooooo ugly without it, then buy one. Seriously, wtf?

 

[TheX]

I like it without it.

 

[Nippon]

I have to say, this whole poker chip controversy is beyond stupid. If you can't tell which pickup is engaged without one, the you have no business even owning a Gibson. And if the guitar is sooooooo ugly without it, then buy one. Seriously, wtf?

Butt hurt???

 

[Prairie Settler]

Switch ring washer on a 2017 Standard without any modification - No more controversy:

 

[The Birdman]

Switch ring washer on a 2017 Standard without any modification - No more controversy:

Like very much!!!!! Both the gorgeous top, and the switch ring washer. (no "like" button,so this will have to do)

 

[GibsonKramer]

 

[Chris B.]

Butt hurt???

Been pretty much sitting the whole day. So, ya. Thanks for asking.

 

[TheX]

A thread about a stupid damn piece of plastic has you guys acting like this?

Wow, just wow. Why not play the damn thing instead of whining about it.

 

[1allspub]

I have to say, this whole poker chip controversy is beyond stupid. If you can't tell which pickup is engaged without one, the you have no business even owning a Gibson. And if the guitar is sooooooo ugly without it, then buy one. Seriously, wtf?

A thread about a stupid damn piece of plastic has you guys acting like this?

Wow, just wow. Why not play the damn thing instead of whining about it.

I think you guys are taking this waaaay too seriously... this whole Switchgate/Pokerchipgate has been really largely just tongue & cheek... we all know it's ridiculous... that's kinda been the point... it is ridiculous (ridiculous that they omitted it in the first place and ridiculously easy to remedy).

 

[yeatzee]

Switch ring washer on a 2017 Standard without any modification - No more controversy:

Looks a lot better IMO. Great looking guitar congrats

 

[GibsonKramer]

I think you guys are taking this waaaay too seriously... this whole Switchgate/Pokerchipgate has been really largely just tongue & cheek... we all know it's ridiculous... that's kinda been the point... it is ridiculous (ridiculous that they omitted it in the first place and ridiculously easy to remedy).

Yep... pretty much. You would think the "Switchgate" would have tipped more off a bit, to the tongue in cheek. But, I guess some things need to be spelled out.

Guys... its not a big deal, wasn't a big deal... shouldn't be a big deal. As I always say... we're dealing with blocks of wood and pretty basic electrical wiring... almost anything is fixable/changeable.

 

[Dineley]

I'm happy about the scandal as it forced me to reflect and I think I will be removing my chip on my classic. Is hair dryer/dental floss still the standard method here??