HB I - Problem with Switch

[CVS]

I just took my 2008 HB I in for a fret dress and set up (long overdue). The shop I took it to did a nice job. After playing it for 3 days in a row, the pick up selector switch will no longer stay in the bridge position. I soon as I try to shift to the bridge position, it goes right back to the middle position, where is will stay unless I shift to the neck position (no issue with the neck position). There are no issues with the actual sound that comes out of the pick ups. The guitar sounds great but I have lost the use of the bridge pick up by itself. When the switch is in the middle position, both the neck and bridge picks are engaged as they should be.

I admit I am not a good mechanic. Is this something that I can fix on my own? Or do I need to take it to someone who knows what they are doing? Anyone have a ballpark idea as to how much it will cost to fix?

All thoughts appreciated.

 

[Outlier22]

sounds like it just needs a new switch. could be related to the work the shop did but probably not. It was probably on it's way out - but i'm sure the switch can be replaced for cheap.

 

[garrettb]

I think the open nature of the HB is tough on those toggle switches.

You can reach in through the f hole and bend the prongs a little bit and that might work. The HBII I had did the same thing, but on the neck pickup side I think. Bending the prongs several times bought me some time. I eventually replaced it with a short straight toggle, but after a while that one didn't want to stay in the middle position. So I got another right angle toggle...

 

[CVS]

I think the open nature of the HB is tough on those toggle switches.

You can reach in through the f hole and bend the prongs a little bit and that might work. The HBII I had did the same thing, but on the neck pickup side I think. Bending the prongs several times bought me some time. I eventually replaced it with a short straight toggle, but after a while that one didn't want to stay in the middle position. So I got another right angle toggle...

Thanks for the tip. I am going to try bending the prongs, which clearly show signs of corrosion. In the meantime I have already ordered a replacement switch (prs is out of stock ATM) but Amazon had one. Looks like it is not so easy to get the old one out and the new one in....

 

[garrettb]

Thanks for the tip. I am going to try bending the prongs, which clearly show signs of corrosion. In the meantime I have already ordered a replacement switch (prs is out of stock ATM) but Amazon had one. Looks like it is not so easy to get the old one out and the new one in....

It's actually really easy. You can wiggle it out through the f hole. Use a little painter's tape to protect the finish. There's nothing special about the switch. It's just a standard CRL.

 

[bodia]

Thanks for the tip. I am going to try bending the prongs, which clearly show signs of corrosion. In the meantime I have already ordered a replacement switch (prs is out of stock ATM) but Amazon had one. Looks like it is not so easy to get the old one out and the new one in....

It's actually really easy. You can wiggle it out through the f hole. Use a little painter's tape to protect the finish. There's nothing special about the switch. It's just a standard CRL.

Tie a piece of string around the switch part of the old switch. It should be long enough to make it to you work surface, and go back out the top of the guitar. Tie it to the new switch. After you've done your soldering, pull the switch back through the mounting hole using the string. Just makes it a touch easier, IMO.

 

[CVS]

Now to get up the courage to "do it myself". Thanks for all the tips. Have to wait for the new switch to arrive......

 

[CVS]

I chickened out and had the shop put the new switch in. Next time I will do it myself.

Guitar is now fixed and with the set up and fret dress - It seems like new again. Now to play the heck out of it......

 

[Guitpicky]

Now to get up the courage to "do it myself". Thanks for all the tips. Have to wait for the new switch to arrive......

You can do it yourself no problem. Just go over what you're going to do in your head first and take your time

 

[CVS]

You can do it yourself no problem. Just go over what you're going to do in your head first and take your time

& I am pretty sure I am going to get another shot at this in 2 years or so, as the switch in my HB II is staring to show some signs of corrosion (even though I keep my guitars in their cases when they are not being played)