Tone switch clicking

  • Thread starter Thread starter thebigcheese
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Am I at least using the right stuff? I'm wondering if it has more to do with the nature of the switch... I'm thinking that when the pieces of metal separate to change tones, there's a bit of static popping between them or something. I feel like new switches do not operate in this strange fashion, and hence wouldn't have clicking.
 
thebigcheese said:
Am I at least using the right stuff? I'm wondering if it has more to do with the nature of the switch... I'm thinking that when the pieces of metal separate to change tones, there's a bit of static popping between them or something. I feel like new switches do not operate in this strange fashion, and hence wouldn't have clicking.
Click to expand...


Yeah, that's the right stuff.

Truth is, those switches go bad. There design is relies on metal retaining its "springiness." The sad truth is, metal will eventually stop springing back, and when that happens you can get all kinds of funny noises. If the contact cleaner doesn't work, get the switch replaced.

By the by, I'm writing this post while asleep. My eyes are shut and everything. I guess that touch typing class in high school did some good after all.


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"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
The metal still seems to be pretty springy... at least, when I watch it as I move the switch, it looks like it's all functioning fine. Is it just the type of switch?
 
thebigcheese said:
Is it just the type of switch?
Click to expand...


Pretty much, yeah. Just replace it. They're not THAT expensive.



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"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
Cool. Thanks guys, you've been helpful as always.

Actually, last question, should I have someone put the switch in for me, or is it easy enough to do myself? (I have basic soldering knowledge)
 
I have a gibson switch, if you want it. Let me know I would sell it ultra cheap.
Its brand new. A friend of mine wanted to replace his in a epiphone LP and It doesn't fit. I still have it.

Just let me know
 
thebigcheese said:
Cool. Thanks guys, you've been helpful as always.

Actually, last question, should I have someone put the switch in for me, or is it easy enough to do myself? (I have basic soldering knowledge)
Click to expand...


If you are at all uncomfortable with the idea of doing it yourself, get it done by a good repair person. It is fairly simple, but the wires tend to be pretty tight in there, and can be difficult to pull the wires out enough to do the soldering if the switch is not in place.


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"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
I'm not really uncomfortable with it (I love working with my hands), I just don't know how to do it. I imagine I'll have to take all the old metal strips out and what not? I don't want to be a pain, but if anyone has a web site they could recommend, or if they have step-by-step instructions they could tell me, that would be great.
 
thebigcheese said:
I'm not really uncomfortable with it (I love working with my hands), I just don't know how to do it. I imagine I'll have to take all the old metal strips out and what not? I don't want to be a pain, but if anyone has a web site they could recommend, or if they have step-by-step instructions they could tell me, that would be great.
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No, you just unsolder the old one, undo the (!#$^#!@$$#@^) knureled nut (what the fuck were they thinking with that thing!), take out the old switch, and replace it with a new one. You might want to take the guitar to the shop when you buy the new one to make sure you get the right kind. Some Gibsons from that era have slightly different switches.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
I mailed out that switch at lunch today Nick. It shouldn't take long to get to DC.
 
Ok, so I replaced it with the new switch, but I'm still getting the clicking, which leads me to two possible conclusions:
1) Is it just the way the switch is designed? Should I replace it with a different design or something?
2) Should I recheck my grounding? I'm pretty sure the grounding is ok, but I can check again.
 
thebigcheese said:
Ok, so I replaced it with the new switch, but I'm still getting the clicking, which leads me to two possible conclusions:
1) Is it just the way the switch is designed? Should I replace it with a different design or something?
2) Should I recheck my grounding? I'm pretty sure the grounding is ok, but I can check again.
Click to expand...


At this point, I'll give the advise I gave up in the Acoustic Pickup Broken thread. Take it to a professional.


Trying to chase down electronics problems long distance is a little like trying to bike down and unfamiliar mountain road in the fog. You'll almost certainly get something wrong, and someone might get killed.
Click to expand...



Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
Mkay, fair enough. I think I know a place where I can take it, I just hope they don't charge me an arm and a leg (or either, really) for the fix.

On the other hand, this new switch is a lot nicer to switch than my old one.

Thanks again everyone.
 
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