#@$% Chinese pickup Switch! (Switchcraft to the rescue)

[Dave Locher]

So I built a guitar from scratch last year. I actually started it a few years ago when my budget was close to zero. Then my second kid was born and it got put on hold. By the time I finished it last year the goal was no longer to build a decent guitar for nearly nothing.
So I bought decent pickups for it, upgraded to a decent bridge, and so on. But for some dumb reason I went ahead and used the cheapo Chinese switch I'd bought on eBay a couple years before. It seemed to work fine, but one time I switched to bridge pickup and it cut out. I ordered a Switchcraft toggle, but never installed it because the switch never acted up again.

Only...my amp kept making a funny staticy sound that I only noticed sometimes. Great, I think, my '78 amp finally needs some repair.
And the neck pickup seems thin and weak. Great, I think, I have to get a better neck pup.
Then, FINALLY tonight it all made sense: that @#$% switch was causing the odd noise AND the weak pickup signal!

Took me maybe 30 minutes to install the Switchcraft toggle and suddenly my amp works as it should and my neck pickup sounds full and thick.

I can't believe I was so stupid. And I can't believe I installed that piece of crap to save literally a few dollars. Thank goodness I used a Switchcraft jack and CTS pots!
Lesson learned: there is no good reason to scrimp, and the signal path from pickup to amp is critical. Learn from my stupid example and leave the "bargains" alone!

 

[Chris Pile]

Re: #@$% Chinese pickup Switch! (Switchcraft to the rescue)

Preach it, brother!

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: #@$% Chinese pickup Switch! (Switchcraft to the rescue)

I have as poor luck with more 'quality' switches becoming loose or scratchy; usually if the thing quits outright, all it needs is a spray of contact cleaner for me. I have a couple guitars with cheap switches/pots... Some feel better than others, some have given me no issue for years.

 

[thebingopete]

Re: #@$% Chinese pickup Switch! (Switchcraft to the rescue)

Once bought a Chinese made US style 5way blade switch for a Strat. After just over a year it started to fall apart. CRL to the rescue for me. When I build for myself (finish, assemble, & setup) if I have to go cheap, fine. I'll upgrade when I can afford to. Still try to get the best I can at the best price I can find. Don't mind getting used if it's in good condition.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Mincer]

Re: #@$% Chinese pickup Switch! (Switchcraft to the rescue)

Yeah, for switches and pots, I always look for good quality ones. I use the switch a lot, and I have had the cheap ones cut out on me, too. I also don't like the taper or tolerances (or stiff turning) of the cheap mini-size pots, so I always try to spend a little money there, or I will curse them every time I use them!