richardp1962

So as an FYI, Gibson support was no help at all. They told to try to find the part at Stew Mac or Tubes and More. They couldn't help me because my guitar was pre-1988. Back to the drawing board. I ordered some DeOxit Contact Cleaner and will give it a go.

Thanks for checking and replying Steve. Much appreciated. Richard

after some research on the web, i see there are 2 terms ( technologies ) used for this type of switch ; either coil tapping or coil splitting. So i'm not sure what the 1979 es335 switch was actually doing on my guitar ; coil tapping or coil switching. Regardless of the technology it used, it generated interesting tonal options. i sent the question to Gibson support. Hopefully i'll get a reply back. Will post it here.

Thanks for the reply Twang Gang. It is the coil tap switch. The pickup selector is next to the knobs. The pickup selector supports 3 positions whilst the coil tap switch supports 2.

Thanks Sgt, Pepper. The cleaner i use is spray based typically used for electrical components. The switch is the standard 2-position switch used on the late 70's / early 80's ES-335s:

i'm the original owner of a 1979 ES-335 blonde. ALL parts are stock and to my ear, are still in satisfactory condition ; except for the coil tap switch. I was satisfied with the tonal difference generated by engaging or disengaging the switch but unfortunately the switch is slowly dying. I used tuner cleaner for the past few years to keep it in a somewhat usable condition but that isn't doing the trick anymore. Moving the switch lightly generates a loud static noise. So my question would be if anyone would know of a good replacement part for this switch that would fit my guitar and where I could buy one ? Also, since I need to change one of the electric components, would you suggest I simply change the whole chain ( pots, jack and switch ) ? Thank you all for your responses, Richard