PRS SE Switch acting funny - replace?

[alex1fly]

For a couple months now my PRS SE Custom 24's switch has been acting a bit funny. It's a 3-way blade. The switch is supposed to select neck, neck + bridge, and bridge but it currently selects:
Neck
Bridge
Bridge

I can get Neck + bridge when I jam it halfway between the neck and middle positions. Workable, but not ideal.

Do I have to replace this switch, or can I tinker with the switch to get the right contacts to be made?

If replacing, I'm guessing a drop-in replacement is best? PRS sells the SE switches here: https://us.prsaccessories.com/collections/parts

 

[Mincer]

I am not sure if their switches are special in any way, but I generally don't think these types of things are worth fiddling with- I just replace it. If you have time to really get a good look at it and see what is going wrong, you might be able to fix it for a little while, but it is worth it to just order another one.

 

[ehdwuld]

Probably loose connection

 

[Chris Pile]

Clean it.

 

[GuitarStv]

I've had some luck extending three way switch life before by bending the metal tabs (sometimes they get a little bit off and don't make proper contact from use) and spraying them with contact cleaner.

 

[NegativeEase]

Yes, replace the whole guitar.. It's a POS..... I mean PRS

I kid i kid.

PRS jokes.. I got em.

 

[beaubrummels]

When I get this affect, it's the blades of the switch getting bent out of place (happens if it's smacked hard one direction or the other, can happen from throwing it manually, or the case hitting it, etc.) I'd first inspect it to see if as you move it the blade is making contact correctly and iff not, see if it's something that can be solved by slightly bending it back into place and being more cautious with it. If it's not the physical blade, then you've got to check all your connections on the switch. The fact the neck and bridge work individually means it could only be a jumper that makes the neck active in the center position.

 

[Artie]

My Gretsch Jet Club had the same problem fresh out of the box. Cheapy Asian switch. Just replace it. I think your PRS is probably worthy of a genuine Switchcraft.

 

[ehdwuld]

my Gibson did that brand new
just rewired it with new pickups and that disappeared

 

[alex1fly]

Checked out the switch - it has a housing that prevents me from seeing the contacts. Tightened up the screws and it's working properly in the middle position. But, if I wiggle it the middle position will swap between neck, bridge, and neck+bridge. Will try contact cleaner.

 

[Mincer]

If the contact cleaner doesn't solve it (or the problem comes back in a few weeks), just order a new Switchcraft and never worry about it again.