Guitar repairs?! DIY?

dingdong1234567

hi there, first post in this forum so yello to all.

I have a Encore Strat that currently has no sound out of it. It was working about 6 mmonths ago (which is the last time i picked it up). Disgraceful i know!

I did notice at the time that the 5 way selector was a bit sensitive. The sound would cut in and out, to me it would suggest the selector has now gone wallup. The questions i have:

1. Would there be any other reason for the guitar to cut out like this?

2. Are the 5 way selector switchs prone to fault?

3. Would it be hard to do a DIY job on this?

The sticky at the top of the forum is great for reference IE parts a accesories etc!! Thanks i advance for any suggestions help guys.

Zangetsu

Have a look inside and make sure all the solder connections are ok, mainly the input jack, if they twist the wire will break, happened to a friends jagstang the other day...

You sure its the guitar? could be a dodgey lead/amp...

dingdong1234567

Zangetsu wrote: »

Have a look inside and make sure all the solder connections are ok, mainly the input jack, if they twist the wire will break, happened to a friends jagstang the other day...

You sure its the guitar? could be a dodgey lead/amp...

The amp has sound coming to it alright, i'll investigate tonight and see if the connections are still good. I have a soldering iron in the house which is gathering dust! Checked both leads from my zoom 505, they seem fine to me.

funkydunkey

I havent come across the 5 way selector cutting out on ALL selections before. Most likely the jack. There can be a tendency to leave to wires too short on the jacks, this may be the case too with the selector. Id say have a quick look at the leads and amp, and then open her up and have a root around! Theres very little to the electronics anyway. so 9 times out of ten the problem will be starring you in the face.

-=al=-

id open ti uop and give it a fiddle is trangley like trying to fix things myself in my own unorthadox ways, it makes it that bit more special if u get it workin again


im sure its a wiring soldering issue, easily fixed

dingdong1234567

As i suspected, i opened her up last night and the 5 way switch looks buggered to me! So off to the inter web i go?

Any suggestions as to the best place to get one of these bad boys?

dingdong1234567

Anyone with any suggestions where i might get a 5 way selector switch? thanks.

Fingers Mcginty

dingdong1234567 wrote: »

As i suspected, i opened her up last night and the 5 way switch looks buggered to me! So off to the inter web i go?

Any suggestions as to the best place to get one of these bad boys?

How do you mean it looks buggered? You could get another switch and you'll probably have the exact same problem. You need to get hold of a DVM and check for electrical continuity between the output jack on the guitar to the 5 way switch. Can you post some photos?

Zangetsu

XMusic have fender switches as do http://www.axesrus.com/axeknobs.htm

dingdong1234567

Thanks guys for the replys.

Fingers Mcginty i will post photos tonight, the switch was split when i checked it the other night and looked a but corroded i thought. Photos will follow.


EDIT: Photos uploaded.

dingdong1234567

Photos added

Fingers Mcginty

Has the 5 way switch split open completely? :eek:

dingdong1234567

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

Has the 5 way switch split open completely? :eek:

No, i split the switch for illustration only. When i first took a look at the switch a few days ago. It was jared open about half way, how it got like that is anybodys guess!. There is green corrosion present along with shaving from the switch 'face plate'.

To me it looks buggered! Waltons don't do these, will try music maker after lunch.

Johnny Storm

Never heard of that before. :pac:
Obviously any 5 way switch will be an improvement.:rolleyes:

IMHO axesrus as already posted are good. If you cant find what you want on their site, just email them.

How are your soldering skills? Also FYI there are a number of different ways to connect up the 5 way switch so that one of the tone controls works on the bridge pickup etc or whatever you want - google up strat wiring diagram.

Johnny Storm

FWIW, upon mature reflection, that 5 way switch looks very similar to one that was in a MIJ Fender strat I used to own. I didn't have it all that long but it worked fine.

dingdong1234567

Johnny Storm wrote: »

Never heard of that before. :pac:
Obviously any 5 way switch will be an improvement.:rolleyes:

And how! Its looks knackered alright.

I did see some wiring diagrams on the net alright so should get some guideance there. I am not to bad at soldering but i ain't no expert either, but patience and composure will be employed for that.

Yeah that switch looking similar to mine alright Johnny.

Thanks for the replys guys...KUDOS!