Problem with my pickups, need some help

[Dane12]

I'll be playing on the neck pickup of my guitar for an extended period of time, but then when I switch to the bridge pickup, it sounds extremely quiet and nearly non existent. To fix this, I switch back and forth from the bridge to the middle a couple of times, and the bridge pickup volume is restored. I've been having this problem for a few weeks now and some advice would be helpful. Also when I switch positions there's a loud crackling.
The guitar is an Epiphone Les Paul


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[Funkfingers]

Re: Problem with my pickups, need some help

Your guitar probably has a cheap POS selector switch.

If your selector switch has exposed sprung leaf contacts, try cleaning with a non-oily electro-lubricant spray.

If your selector switch encloses its contacts within a metal screening "box", I respectfully suggest that you replace it with something of professional quality.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Problem with my pickups, need some help

that is all you need to know right there

 

[blueman335]

Re: Problem with my pickups, need some help

The metal in the prong type toggles can get slightly bent out of position, if they're left in the up or down position. Easy prevention: leave the selector in the middle position when the guitar isn't plugged in.

I have a bunch of EPI's, and have never had to replace the toggle. On the few that I've the OP's issue with, I unscrew the toggle (leaving all the wires attached) and look at it from the side while I flip it up and down. You can see where the selector makes contact, and where it doesn't. Just slightly bend the prong and flip it a few times to verify. If you do this when the guitars plugged into an amp, you'll be able to hear when it's right. I've done this and never had to revisit those guitars to do a second fix.

All of the Epi's I've seen use prong toggles (which has been dozens), but Agile and some other imports use those cheap mystery boxes, which are junk and should be replaced.

 

[Dane12]

Re: Problem with my pickups, need some help

Thanks