5-way selector switch "popping"

R

Reichbaum

New member
I just bought a 1981 Ibanez Blazer, and when changing the pickup selector there are audible pops between each position. You can hear it a bit in the video, but occasionally there are even louder and longer crackles. It's more prevalent when the phase switch is flipped to out of phase. Does this mean there's a loose wire? Time to replace the switch? Or is this just normal? The shop that sold it to me said they will fix it, but I just want to know what needs to be done.

Thank you!

 
Re: 5-way selector switch "popping"

A typical 5-way has what's called "make before break" operation. That prevents the pop. It's possible that this switch has some oxidation on the edge of the contacts to cause it to "break before make". It might be as simple as a good spray of Deoxit to fix it. You should be able to see the oxidation as a discoloration on the contacts.
 
Re: 5-way selector switch "popping"

Thanks Artie! Also, if you remember I was asking a bunch of questions about adding split/series/parallel switches and a phase switch to my Ibanez AS53, I drilled the holes myself, installed the pickups, did all the soldering... and then realized something was broken. So I took it to a pro and he re-soldered everything. He also swapped out the 3-way selector for a switchcraft one. Now it sounds great! Here are some photos:

IMG_20190509_215530_885.jpgIMG_20190509_215640_630.jpg
 
Re: 5-way selector switch "popping"

This might be a long shot, but I’ve had that happen (on my Fenders, don’t have a Ibanez) when the plastic pickguard was building up static from my playing hand brushing it. But if it were that, you could also hear static noises if you brush your finger across the pickguard. But for me it was also getting to the switch.
 
Re: 5-way selector switch "popping"

Copper shielding tape on the back of the pickguard and grounded. Takes care of any static buildup.
 
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