Old 12-15-2018, 05:18 AM   #1
msundh
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Hi
I've got a MIJ stratocaster from the 90's that's quite good.
It has probably been laying around in closet and maybe worse places.
My problem is corrosion in the switch (maybe more).
What's your experience, fix or replace?
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Old 12-15-2018, 05:40 AM   #2
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Spray and pray, and if that don't work, replace

If its an open case switch, some sandpaper or a file might just do it
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Old 12-15-2018, 07:26 AM   #3
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Yep Servisol or similar contact cleaner, if that doesn't work a switch won't cost much and if you can solder, easy to fit. Cheers.
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Old 12-15-2018, 08:23 AM   #4
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Switches are cheap and easy to replace, at least in a typical passive guitar (I'm electrically and manually challenged yet did successful electronic mods or fixes many times). If the part's not rare I'd replace.
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Old 12-15-2018, 11:07 AM   #5
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Thanks. I hate de-assembly/assembly just to find out it don't work.
I buy a switch before I get to work.
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Old 12-15-2018, 12:05 PM   #6
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Those switches are meant to be self-cleaning. Very often, just flipping it a few (dozen) times will scrape away enough oxidation that it'll work. Contact cleaner can help, but is not always necessary.

Strats suck for this kind of thing because you pretty much have to destring them in order to get the pickguard off and gain access to the electronics. On my own guitars with that problem, I usually cut the pickguard into two pieces so I can get to the guts without tearing the whole thing apart. I like to make the cut right through a pair of opposing screw holes so that I don't need extra screws. If you'd rather not cut your original pickguard, replacements are generally cheap.
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Old 12-15-2018, 01:35 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ashcat_lt View Post
Strats suck for this kind of thing because you pretty much have to destring them in order to get the pickguard off and gain access to the electronics. On my own guitars with that problem, I usually cut the pickguard into two pieces so I can get to the guts without tearing the whole thing apart. I like to make the cut right through a pair of opposing screw holes so that I don't need extra screws. If you'd rather not cut your original pickguard, replacements are generally cheap.
Yeah, non-pickguarded guitars are nicer with that, altough regular strat with a regular bridge is passable, make sure everything works correctly under pickguard before putting strings back and you're good.

Doing it in a guitar with a Floyd Rose is a whole another level of annoying though . Pretty clever solution with a split pickguard, never thought of that.
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Old 12-15-2018, 01:42 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zeekat View Post
Pretty clever solution with a split pickguard, never thought of that.
I didn't invent it, but the first time the pickguard comes off, it gets split before I put it back on.
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Old 12-15-2018, 03:39 PM   #9
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I second the spray and pray. But I wouldn't get a new switch if that didn't do it without taking the pick guard off and doing some cleaning that you just can't do without going inside (unless the piece is shot and funky and you want to get a nice new one). Opening it up and blasting with air and contact cleaner is a lot easier than putting in a new switch : ) if you get lucky.

But what exactly is the corrosion causing? Switching pickups is iffy? Intermittence while playing? Feels stiff and terrible?
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Old 12-15-2018, 05:15 PM   #10
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I loose sound when switching. Have to bend it to get it right.
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Old 12-15-2018, 05:42 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msundh View Post
I loose sound when switching. Have to bend it to get it right.
Use plier to press contact tounges a bit closer together on each position.
Move switch to one position that you don't try to affect.

Sometimes you grab contact closer to it's seat and bend a bit if it just springs back.

Very simple construction, just fiddle a bit.
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Old 12-16-2018, 12:12 AM   #12
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Don't order a switch until you've had the scratch plate off.
There are two different types of switch on the Jap Fenders - the open 'US' type and the enclosed type, and they don't have the same tag layout and often don't have the same screw spacing and switch throw - ie. they fit a different sized slot in the 'plate.
Spray switch cleaner in there, waggle it back and forth A LOT and it will probably sort itself out.
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Old 12-16-2018, 12:34 AM   #13
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We can finger out how to wire the new switch. DO make sure it actually fits.
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Old 12-27-2018, 09:14 AM   #14
msundh
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It was a encapsulated switch, so I bought a new one.
Thanks for all input.
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Old 12-27-2018, 04:24 PM   #15
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I have these small plastic bottles with a needle out of the top. I spray the cleaner into the bottle, then use the needle to apply the cleaner. It will blow your mind. It also fits into the small holes on pots with no problems.

1 can use to last me not long. Now, it last me several years and everything stays dry. You can buy these needle bottles at the electronic shops. After you put a couple drops on, if that doesn't fix it, just replace it.
Clean the pots while you are in there as well. None of my electronics ever crackle or fail. It is because I clean them BEFORE they get dirty.
Do it every other string change with just a drop or two.
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Old 12-27-2018, 04:44 PM   #16
msundh
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This guitar has been stored in outdoor storage before I got it.
With an open switch it would be easier to see what's wrong and do somehting about it.
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Old 12-27-2018, 05:07 PM   #17
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DeOxit
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