LP-style switch tip.

[Artie]

"Tip" as in advice.

Everybody probably already knows this, but what the heck. If you have a guitar that has an LP-style switch, when you're done playing, always return the switch to the center position. Otherwise, you're holding a strip of metal in a bent-back position. It just makes the switch last longer.

This has been a Sunday afternoon public service bulletin from RT2.

 

[Aceman]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Thank you Artie! But I've been leaving switches in place for 30 years and never had a problem! And it's a 5 minute/5 buck fix.

 

[Artie]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Yeah . . . I should probably leave this stuff alone.

Theory doesn't always equal practice.

 

[Guest]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I like to leave it in the center just for a neatness thing but sometimes I'm too tired or busy. Thanks for the tip

 

[Pete Galati]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Never thought about that Artie. My switch is usually in the middle position anyhow.

It's those SG switches that I find to be the buggiest ones.

Pete

 

[EveryMn]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Never thought about it either. AFAIK my SG's still got the neck pup selected.

I notice it feels much looser when it tip itself is on...

 

[Blue_Fingers_Jay]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Thanks alot Artie!
(As soon as i read it i streached my arm and turned it to the middle)

 

[benji657]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Thanks alot Artie!
(As soon as i read it i streached my arm and turned it to the middle)

ditto. did the same over here
(although my switch probably received some abuse by the siren noises i make by toggling them back and forth with neck pup volume on zero:cool2

thanks for the tip Artie

 

[Aceman]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Again, all respect and props to Artie. I appreciate any wisdom he can throw my way.

Still, I'm betting that the wear from switching to the middle every time I put it down is way more wearing than the stres of it being on treble/rhythm indefinitely. I'm sure I've left the swith alone for years at a time, and after 30 years on two guitars, they work fine. Noew these are glorious examples of 70's Gibsons. No guarantees on Paul copy....

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I have been doing this for a couple of months ... when I changed my switch in my ESP and my Squier. I changed the one in my ESP simply because I was only getting my bridge pickup in the middle position.

his theory is FACT!!!

 

[fingerace]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I always forget to put it in the middle although I ve heard this tip many times before...

I think I do a lot more damage when I do the "Hendrix pickup change thing".

 

[Aceman]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I'm sayin' I've left it on either rhythm or treble for years at a shot. I do the Ace Frehley toggle manuever vigorously & often. The switches are close to or over 30 years old. The work perfectly.

 

[Artie]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I think where it might make a difference is in those cheap Asian switches rather than in a quality Switchcraft type that would come in a Gibson.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

my 76 lp has had the same stock switch in it and i always end up leaving it on one of the pu settings and not the center.... it has never had an issue in 31 years... well i've owned it for almost 20 years now

but i've seen a few cheaper toggles wear out fast... i just repaired a wolfgang's toggle switch... it would not stay on in one of the postions.... so i ended up bending one of the contact metal strips and it works great now that i have a little more pressure on it

 

[BillG3]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

I used to leave the switch in the middle. It eventually wore a hole in the hard shell case. Now I always leave it up or down.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: LP-style switch tip.

Bad thing is (as alluded to above) is that it can crack your switch tip.

IIRC a Switchcraft LP style switch is around $7, and a replacement switch tip is around $3. (the Historic ones are nore expensive, and an original 50's amber Switchcraft tip is well over $100)

I've had old guitars with original switches, and marks in the case lid in every direction- I can only remember only having to replace only one switch.