Intermittent 3-Way Toggle

[CandidPicker]

I figured it out as a novice. But it is hard to solder the ground if you’re not experienced. If you are hesitant than I would suggest waiting. Typically the PRS SE switch is not wired like typical switchcraft. You will have to increase the lead wires length to make proper contact.

Is the SE switch ground contact further away compared to the Switchcraft? Or vice-versa? Is it possible to wire the Switchcraft so that the ground contact is closer to the cavity center?

My tech buddy is away this week, but I can wait a little. This would be preferable, since he's done way many more repairs than myself.

EDIT: Checked PRS website and located DGT wiring diagram. Will be good for the time; my buddy will return this weekend...

 

[Broseph]

First time I had a core switchcraft crap out on me. I noticed only the neck position was active in the middle and I could rarely get the bridge to turn on in the middle. I confirmed it by measuring the outputs. I checked the soldering. It appeared fine. So I assumed it was a bad connection in the switch. I replaced it. Sure enough the switch was crooked when in the middle position. I assumed damaged when shipping or somebody tried rotating the knob too much and bent it? Who knows? It’s about a 4 yr old guitar. All good now.

 

[CandidPicker]

Truth be told, PRS PTC when contacted stepped in and solved my problem. Since the guitar was purchased new, the tech who took my call at PTC said he thought he could persuade the PTC crew to perform the repair under warranty. So, shipping cost my way to MD, repair and return shipping no charge within 7 days. The day it arrived they had it up on the bench and took a look inside and said, "Yep, fixable." So, yeah, when PTC isn't especially busy, they've got extra hands available for repairs. Happy with the DGT SE now.

 

[ruger9]

This has happened to me. Twice. On the same guitar.

3-way toggle got intermittent, so I sprayed with De-Oxit. But it happened often enough that I decided to replace. It was a Switchcraft, and I replaced it with a Switchcraft. After a time, the new switch started doing the same thing. I use De-Oxit and it fixes it for awhile. I don't understand what's going on, they are good quality switches. And I've never had this problem with the 3-way toggles (also Switchcraft) on my Gretsch.

I have gotten in the habit of making sure the toggle switch is in the center (un-tensioned) position when I am not playing it, but I'm not sure yet if that's actually helping anything. It is a curious situation... as it's only this one guitar (a Fender Cabronita)

 

[Porpoise87]

Hey guys, Alex from Purposeful Porpoise here! I made an account and registered on this forum just to post this, because i figured it out, and everyone should know what is going on : The two screws that hold the switch together, they are too tight. unscrew one or both the slightest bit. It only took me the slightest cracking open of the screw to fix the issue. It must be something to do with the pressure causing some kind of grounding somewhere. Have your guitar plugged in and in the trouble position as u unscrew so u can see it for urself. ALSO because u dont want to unscrew them too much or the switch will fall apart lol. Like i said, the slightest "cracking open" did it for me. Hope this helps.

 

[GADonis]

Had an issue with my McSoaporina's switch. "Re-bent" the switch arms which was fine for a while then it started messing up again. I just replaced the switch. Wasn't that expensive and was way less a pain than worrying about the switch not working during a gig.