Pickup Selector Switch Scratchy/dropout

  • Thread starter Thread starter nate_dennis
  • Start date Start date
nate_dennis

nate_dennis

Well-known member
So I've never really done any work on guitars, however, I thought that helping my dad out would be a good first project. His cheap Strat knock off is scratchy when switching P/UPs and occasionally the sound will drop out. I figured this would be a dirty switch/dirty connections. So I opened it up but I don't see any oxidation anywhere. None of the soldering seems to be undone, so I'm not sure what the problem could be. There is sign of wear where the switch moves across the "plate(?)" that holds the p/up connections. Could this be the problem? I hope That I am explaining things correctly. Any help you could give in diagnosing the problem and tips on how to fix it would be much appreciated. Thank you for all of the help you've given so far.


-Nate
 
nate_dennis said:
So I've never really done any work on guitars, however, I thought that helping my dad out would be a good first project. His cheap Strat knock off is scratchy when switching P/UPs and occasionally the sound will drop out. I figured this would be a dirty switch/dirty connections. So I opened it up but I don't see any oxidation anywhere. None of the soldering seems to be undone, so I'm not sure what the problem could be. There is sign of wear where the switch moves across the "plate(?)" that holds the p/up connections. Could this be the problem? I hope That I am explaining things correctly. Any help you could give in diagnosing the problem and tips on how to fix it would be much appreciated. Thank you for all of the help you've given so far.


-Nate
Click to expand...

Try some of Caig's Deoxit on the switch and jack contacts. Radio Shack should have it.
ViP
 
Electrical switch cleaner. Avoid anything with lubricants, oil and degreaser in them such as wd40 and similar. They are not good for pots long term.
 
Dont use the Deoxit in the Pots themselves, use Caigs FaderLube.
ViP
 
muttley600 said:
Avoid anything with lubricants, oil and degreaser in them such as wd40 and similar. They are not good for pots long term.
Click to expand...

Not only that, but the lubricant can actually short out components if you use it liberally. (Ask me how I know about Radio Shack "Television Tuner Cleaner." :o :eek:
 
So my original thought that it was a dirty contact sounds right? **Pats self on the back**:D

Thanks guys. I surely do appreciate it.


-nate
 
So Zaphy...
how do ya know about Radio Shack "Television Tuner Cleaner." ???
:D


and ta keep this on topic...I've got some CRC contact cleaner. Is that the same stuff?
 
nate_dennis said:
So my original thought that it was a dirty contact sounds right? **Pats self on the back**:D

Thanks guys. I surely do appreciate it.


-nate
Click to expand...


Maybe. Could also be a loose connection between the wiper and the contacts, or it could just be a cheap switch.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
Light said:
Maybe. Could also be a loose connection between the wiper and the contacts, or it could just be a cheap switch.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
Click to expand...

I'd still clean it first though..;)
 
Yeah, I bought some deoxit today and will clean it out tomorrow. I'll give it back to him and tell him that if it doesn't work he should take it to a tech. I appreciate all the help.



-Nate
 
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