deluxe strat Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 I just bought new gibson classic 57's for my epiphone les paul. a friend told me I needed to use silver solder? Is this true? and why thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobF_ Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 I've always used .032", 60/40 rosin-core solder for guitars and other electronic stuff. I would be interested to hear what BBP and Surfpup use for their products Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Marlowe Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Silver containing solder made up of Sn62% Pb36% and Ag2% is a very good choice. Radio shack carries it. It is "eutectic" which means that it has virtually no plastic phase, the phase between solid and liquid. This reduces the chances of a cold solder joint by a huge amount. If you go here and look up alloys, you'll see all the various and wild combinations of solder. The most common used in electronics are: Sn62Pb36Ag2 ("silver solder" available at radio shack) Sn63Pb37 Sn60Pb40 Of those three, the first two are Eutectic, i.e. they have no plastic transition phase. Both are suitable for soldering new speakers or pickups where a shaky hand, wire, or component can cause a cold solder join. The third DOES have a range where it's plastic and is much easier to screw up with. The nicest thing about the first choice is that it actually has a lower melting point, at 179C compared to 183 and 183/190 respectively for the second and third choices. The primary reason factories use 60/40 is it's cheaper. Especially for things like flow soldering where cold solder joints aren't a real problem. For humans, especially beginners, the silver solder listed above is the best choice. Strong joints, lower chance of cold solder joints, and a lower melting temp are all good things. Regular old rosin works fine with it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 just don't use "true silver" stick solder, it requires a blowtorch to melt... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelake07 Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 just don't use "true silver" stick solder, it requires a blowtorch to melt... Yes, silver-bearing solder (2-4% silver) is the type used for electronics. StewMac and TDPRI recommend 60/40 rosin-core: http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Pickups_and_Electronics/Soldering.html http://www.tdpri.com/resources/tele-electronics/soldering-tips/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobF_ Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 just don't use "true silver" stick solder, it requires a blowtorch to melt... This is what I think of when someone says "silver solder" ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joevacc Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Silver containing solder made up of Sn62% Pb36% and Ag2% is a very good choice. Radio shack carries it. SNIP>>> That was the very best and most thorough bit of advice I've seen on the internet in a long time! To add first person experience. ~ I have built several world class recording studios using that solder spanning 26 years. I can say with good conscience that after thousands upon thousands of soldered joints there has not been one that let me down! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dReit1 Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 I use both 60/40 resin core and silver solder depending on the project. I think the important thing to know is; DON'T USE LEAD FREE SOLDER! It has a higher melting point and the heat can kill pots before you know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Marlowe Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 That was the very best and most thorough bit of advice I've seen on the internet in a long time! To add first person experience. ~ I have built several world class recording studios using that solder spanning 26 years. I can say with good conscience that after thousands upon thousands of soldered joints there has not been one that let me down! Thanks! I was an electronics tech in the USAF and an instructor for 5 years of that. Taught soldering for 6 months. While the price difference between 60/40 and the 63/37 or 62/36/2 blends is enough that bulk work might justify using plain old 60/40, the price difference for a single spool is so small there's really no reason to use old 60/40 when you can get 62/36/2 for a few dollars more and know that your joint will be stronger and less likely to make a cold solder joint. And as a previous post mentioned, just avoid lead free solder at all costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 This is what I think of when someone says "silver solder" ... uesd to use it to solder pennies over holes in radiator bowls (ends) when I was young......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deluxe strat Posted July 16, 2014 Author Share Posted July 16, 2014 thanks for all the replies I guess ill need to find the 62/36/2 blend solder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Marlowe Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 thanks for all the replies I guess ill need to find the 62/36/2 blend solder You can get it online, here's the web page for Radio Shack Silver bearing solder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluelake07 Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Radio Shack also has silver-bearing solder with rosin core http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Tech-Rosin-Core-Silver-Bearing-Solder-1-5-Oz-2160630-/400728126988?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d4d41f60c Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Marlowe Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 Radio Shack also has silver-bearing solder with rosin core http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Tech-Rosin-Core-Silver-Bearing-Solder-1-5-Oz-2160630-/400728126988?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d4d41f60c The one I listed has rosin core, it just isn't in the title. I don't think they carry it without rosin core. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobF_ Posted July 16, 2014 Share Posted July 16, 2014 The REAL question is whether or not NOS solder is available in your area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joevacc Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 The REAL question is whether or not NOS solder is available in your area. Now I don't care who you are… That's funny right there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deluxe strat Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 found some 62/36/2 solder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 Good deal - I agree with the 'avoid lead free' advice, too brittle for some uses that parts can move in. But what do I know, I fix electromechanical stuff every day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deluxe strat Posted July 22, 2014 Author Share Posted July 22, 2014 heres the finished product. I think it came out ok for my 1st time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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