Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

chill

chill

New member
I have a 3 way PCB tele style lever switch which worked in the neck position when it was first installed a few weeks ago, and has since stopped working for the neck position, but works for the bridge and middle. When I push the lever laterally, the connection gets made and the neck pup works normally; if the lever is not pushed laterally, the connection is weak and the pickup sounds very quiet, as in sounds like a quiet clean sound when the amp is on the overdrive channel. Anybody have that problem with a PCB switch before? Is it fixable by bending the lever?
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

Sometimes you can fix by bending, but usually it's best to just replace it.
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

What about switchcraft 3-way enclosed/box type switches? I've run into things like being in the mid-pos, and not getting a signal from the bridge until I crank up the signal from the neck first!?

Thought about changing over to a Gibson lever-type 3-way if it was more consistent than what I have now, but the selector control cavity doesn't seem wide enough to accomodate a selector switch more designed for a Tele or Strat's cavities.
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

Thanks, Zhang. A few weeks is a short service life for a switch!
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

I've had the same problem with my Tele switch. I tried bending which kinda helped for a while (like one day), tried resoldereing the connections, but nothing really CURED the problem. I've had similar problems with other pcb switches. As Zhang suggests...just replace it (but not with another pcb type).
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

The CRL switch type originally chosen by Leo Fender was an ex-military surplus part, intended for use in army field radio sets. If the switch can survive combat zones, it should be able to withstand a rock 'n' roll band. Just! ;)
 
Re: Any way to fix an intermittent or non-connecting lever switch?

life is too short to use s****y components...buy a CRL and be happy for 20 or 30 years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top