Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

[Chistopher]

I've had numerous problems throughout the years with Gibson-style toggle switches having issues. I my ES-175 has just had its switch break as well. It's now has the neck pickup only in all positons. First, why are they so unreliable, and second, does anyone make bladeswitches that are drop in replacement for the current switch?

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Aesthetically, I can't deal with a knife switch on a Gibson-style guitar. I just use evaporating contact cleaner, work the switch a bunch of times, and replace it with a Switchcraft or similar if that doesn't help.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

What I was saying about the bladeswitch, I meant like a blade switch that looks like a toggle switch. I never thought it just might have been dust, I'll have to try that.

 

[Derpottsie]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Well over the years Gibson has become a little careless and cheap with their builds. If its not from the custom shop, you can bet you have something in your guitar that Gibson decided to save a little money on. It varies on whats cheap each year. Very sad

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

It's most likely oxidation on the contacts. A good contact cleaner eats it off the metal without leaving a bunch of gunk behind.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

If the neck is on in all positions, I would think the metal flanges of the switch are bent from throwing the switch. Usually you can pull the switch out look carefully at which parts are touching when they are not supposed to be and carefully and delicately bend the offending part back to normal. I had the reverse happen on my SG (bridge pickup on all the time) in my case from slamming the switch too hard during songs.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Thanks, I'll look at it later. It's odd that this happens to me more often than anyone I know as I hardly use the switch.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Thanks, I'll look at it later. It's odd that this happens to me more often than anyone I know as I hardly use the switch.

That you hardly use the switch is possibly why it happens. Using the switch works the contact points which helps keep oxidation from building on them. Different story if it's actually broken but if it's just oxidation build up, cycling the switch multiple times through the positions may be enough. If not, a little contact cleaner should take care of it.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

All of my Gibsons' 3-way toggles are made in the USA by Switchcraft. Normally they are very reliable.

Bill

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Yeah, the switchcrafts have been pretty reliable for me. Its an old (non guitar-specific) design. It's the cheap import boxes that always failed for me.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

I've bought Switchcraft switches in bulk and they all came thrown together in a box. Because of that, some had bent tabs right out of the box. If they're straight, they last 20 years, but if they're damaged, those tabs have a bit of a 'memory' and will not work properly unless you bend them back to the correct position from time to time.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Even my "cheap" Tribute LP has a Switchcraft toggle. But it's an odd one. Looks like those used by Gretsch. Still a much better switch than those in my imports.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Since I got over my Mick Ronson infatuation I hardly break switches anymore but Switchcraft were the best I found anyway

 

[Aceman]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

I have beat the crap out of every Toggle I ever had on a Gibson.

- Using it for a mute and/or clean switch
- Generally being an Ace fan


Never had a problem with them - two 70's LP's....

 

[AlexR]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Yep, Gibson uses switchcraft AFAIK on every guitar. Probably one of the most reliable toggles about if you look at the big picture.

 

[Diego]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

If Ernie Ball makes a replacement for that, I'll go for it in my Epiphone someday.

I bought an EB 5-way Strat switch and it's tolerated TONS of abuse over the years, and it's by far the best switch I've had on any guitar.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

If the neck is on in all positions, I would think the metal flanges of the switch are bent from throwing the switch. Usually you can pull the switch out look carefully at which parts are touching when they are not supposed to be and carefully and delicately bend the offending part back to normal. I had the reverse happen on my SG (bridge pickup on all the time) in my case from slamming the switch too hard during songs.

+1 for bent flanges

Besides hitting the switch too hard another thing that can cause them to bend is leaving the switch in one position all of the time. These days I make sure to return the switch to the middle position any time I put one in the case or set it back on the guitar rack.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

well I have owned exactly one Gibson
and it has a flakey toggle

your results may vary

 

[Adieu]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Its bent.

Likely reason : switch placement relative to strap button

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Why are Gibson toggle switches so bad?

Likely reason : switch placement relative to strap button

Please explain