Finicky toggle switch - is it an easy fix?

[Rex_Rocker]

I got my LTD used. It's, after all, an almost 20 year old guitar. The toggle switch is finicky. Sometimes I get no signal when I switch to the bridge pickup from being in the neck. I flick it a couple more times, and it's good to go. Probably not a good problem to have in a live environment, though.

I was wondering if there is a way to fix this? Like maybe deoxit or contact cleaner or something? Or is the switch shot and should I replace it altogether?

The switch is certainly not Switchcraft. It looks like the stock switch.

I'd rather not have to solder stuff. I hate soldering, LOL. But if it's the only way, I'll do it.

So... fix it or replace it?

Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Just replace. Switches are cheap, and any cleaning you can do will only last a short while until it acts up again.

 

[jeremy]

you can try deoxit, but if its going, just replace it

 

[BeKindRewind]

If you have deoxit yep, I'd try that first, spray some in and flick it back and forth a few times to clean up the contacts.

What it sounds like to me is that the contacts aren't positioned correctly, like when you flick a 3 way toggle switch it bends the little metal (sheets? Dunno what word to use) that are the contacts so that either the neck, bridge, or both are connected to the output.

sounds like yours are having trouble connecting on the bridge side. chances are that you *might* be able to bend them a little bit on the bridge side to get them to make a full contact every time. flick it back and forth while observing the contacts and see if you think that's something to try. you may be able to see why it isn't making contact and be able to correct it. it's a long shot and could make it worse. sort of a last resort but if deoxit doesn't fix it this is your next step before giving in to replacing

 

[beaubrummels]

Depends on the switch construction, but usually what happens (if it's a Switchcraft or import Gibson-style toggle using flat metal 'tangs' for contacts, and not those cheap encased import switches) is people store the guitar with the switch on either bridge or neck and the metal tangs on the back stay bent with a little "memory" and then become intermittent in use. Check the physical switch contacts, and if bent away and not making contact, try gently bending it back where it belongs and then always store it with the switch in the middle position.

 

[jeremy]

very good point. its worth looking at the physical contacts while you clean it to make sure there is good contact. if there isnt, you can gently try and push the tabs on non-enclosed switches a bit. dont go too far and break it though

 

[Chistopher]

99% of the time you can fix it by switching it back and forth really fast for like 10 seconds.

 

[Mincer]

Unless it is a PITA to switch out, like in something with F holes and no access plate, cleaning it twice takes more time than just switching it out.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I tried bending the tabs gently, and it seems to have worked! Thank you all!

 

[EmiAba]

I got my LTD used. It's, after all, an almost 20 year old guitar. The toggle switch is finicky. Sometimes I get no signal when I switch to the bridge pickup from being in the neck. I flick it a couple more times, and it's good to go. Probably not a good problem to have in a live environment, though.


!

I have the same problem with the toggle switch of my Wolfgang special. When I switch from neck to bridge I get no signal. I tried cleaning it but randomly it happens again

 

[donaldr]

Depends on the switch construction, but usually what happens (if it's a Switchcraft or import Gibson-style toggle using flat metal 'tangs' for contacts, and not those cheap encased import switches) is people store the guitar with the switch on either bridge or neck and the metal tangs on the back stay bent with a little "memory" and then become intermittent in use. Check the physical switch contacts, and if bent away and not making contact, try gently bending it back where it belongs and then always store it with the switch in the middle position.

Good to know. Never had a problem with my 15 years old Ibanez and 10 years old Les Paul but I will start to do that just in case.
Thanks.

 

[Mincer]

I have the same problem with the toggle switch of my Wolfgang special. When I switch from neck to bridge I get no signal. I tried cleaning it but randomly it happens again

This is eventually what happens. Just replace it. It takes 10 minutes at most.

 

[AdrianSD]

Same here with my RG switch, an Alpha. Tried to clean it to no avail, ended up replacing it with a YM50. The problem with the switches and wiring in general is, once they start playing up they can't be trusted anymore.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Yeah, I noticed it crackles a bit now when switching position.

Gonna have to be replaced.