KeninDFW Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 I own two Epiphones. One is a Les Paul and the other is a Shearton. I have the same issue with both guitars. The pickup selector switch cuts out. It seems to me that it might not be the switch since after it clears up (by switching it back and forth a few times) it seems ok until I use the guitar again. This issue has occurred since pretty much day one with both instruments. I have tried spraying some contact cleaner in them, but that doesn't seem to do anything. I was doing some searching and I think I ran accross a post somewhere that said their was a capacitor issue with Epiphones. This somewhat makes sense to me based on what I am seeing. Is there a know issue with Epiphones? Thanks in advance for any help you may give me on this.
Ron G Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Capicitors? I don't think so. Stock Epiphone 3-way switches are notoriously failure-prone. Some folks have had some success cleaning the contact points and/or bending the "springs" of the switch. I'd recommend replacing the switches with Switchcraft units - a very cheap and easy fix, assuming you're mildly handy.
TWANG Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 Rons got it. I fixed mine, and it's fine, just needed to take a needle nose pliers and slightly bend in the two strips that connect to the contact points. But folks often just pull it and put in a new one. contact cleaner wont help if there's not enough tension on those two strips to make contact. TWANG
KeninDFW Posted January 25, 2009 Author Posted January 25, 2009 Ok. Thanks guys. I'll probably replace them.
Muskank Sally Posted January 25, 2009 Posted January 25, 2009 If anyone hasn't figured it out yet, Epiphone uses a Switchcraft 'mini' toggle switch. It is built the same as a standard Switchcraft, except that it is shorter. They are put together the same as the 'tall' unit. These aren't the cheap clikkity-clack box type switches that are so notriously noisy and crap out. Chances are a connection might have worn down and may need to be re-soldered. I've never had any trouble out of any of my Epiphone toggle switches, and if I ever did my gosh ....at least you can see all the working parts and can even tell if the tip is touching the metal plates or not, making its connection from side to side. Pretty simple if you want to know the truth. Same switch is sold in this 'Gibson Kit' http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/PK3S/Gibson_Super_Kit_w_CTS_Precision_Tolerance_Pots.html
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