Author Topic: Strange wiring question (Read 4476 times)

Brow · « **on:** December 13, 2005, 12:06:17 PM »

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of repairing an Epi LP Special for a local school and have noticed something quite strange while trying to repair it.

I found the problem in the wiring and repaired it, but the strange thing is that whenever the switch isn't physically bolted to the guitar, the output is much higher!

When the switch is 'floating' inside the guitar it's output is as it should be, but whenever I put the switch through it's hole in the top of the guitar and bolt it into place, the guitars output drops to a whisper.

Does anyone know what could be causing this and how i could fix it?

Thanx for any info.

Craig

Ratrod · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2005, 03:32:30 PM »

When the switch is mounted, is it connected to some sort of metal shielding or grounding? This could leak some of the signal.

Brow · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:14:44 PM »

Quote from: Ratrod

When the switch is mounted, is it connected to some sort of metal shielding or grounding? This could leak some of the signal.

It doesn't appear to be touching anything that would ground it.

The bolt that secures it to the guitars top is the only thing I can see that's near the switch.

Craig

PhilKing · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:57:48 PM »

There's a technical term for this - the switch is f#cked.

Seriously it sounds like it could be one of 2 things, if the sound drops with the switch through the hole but not bolted, then check the soldering. If it only drops when you put the nut in place, then try putting the nut on without it through the hole. I am thinking that perhaps you are blocking part of the movement of the switch so it is not making proper contact. If you screw the nut down and it is ok, try losening it to the point at which the signal drops and look to see if it is stopping it moving properly.

If it is neither of these, then it is new switch time!

Brow · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2005, 11:24:48 PM »

Quote from: PhilKing

There's a technical term for this - the switch is f#cked.

Seriously it sounds like it could be one of 2 things, if the sound drops with the switch through the hole but not bolted, then check the soldering. If it only drops when you put the nut in place, then try putting the nut on without it through the hole. I am thinking that perhaps you are blocking part of the movement of the switch so it is not making proper contact. If you screw the nut down and it is ok, try losening it to the point at which the signal drops and look to see if it is stopping it moving properly.

If it is neither of these, then it is new switch time!

Thanx for the reply Phil :)

When the switch is all the way through the hole, but NOT bolted, the volume drops.

When the switch is 3/4 of the way through the hole and NOT bolted the volume is fine.

I'll probably just change the switch anyway, but thought I'd check here to see if anyone knew what it may be :)

Thanx again guys.

Craig