Bad Switch - what to do?

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jeffbokc
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2018 12:05 pm

Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 801Post jeffbokc
Fri Mar 01, 2019 1:32 am

I have a not-quite-a-year-old CL with what I think is a bad switch. In the middle position it plays just the bridge pickup rather than both neck and bridge. Is this something where I should ship the guitar back to Collings to repair? It seems like such a small thing to go through all that hassle, but still....

Your thoughts?

Hokiebob
Posts: 125
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2018 1:22 pm
Location: Mint Hill, NC

Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 804Post Hokiebob
Fri Mar 01, 2019 1:46 pm

This could also be just a loose wire. Either way it won't be an extensive repair nor take too long.

If it were mine I would call the factory and ask how they want it handled. It may be that they want it back in the shop so that they can address the repair.
Or it may be that they refer you to a nearby guitar tech/luthier that they trust to complete the repair properly under warranty.

Either way you'll have your whole guitar back and ready for many years of play. Being without it for a few days or weeks is worth it to have it in proper working order.
Bob

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elambo
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Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2018 5:48 am

Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 806Post elambo
Fri Mar 01, 2019 5:17 pm

I share Hokiebob's opinion -- it will surely be an easy fix, but getting the official Collings opinion upfront would be beneficial.

jeffbokc
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2018 12:05 pm

Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 808Post jeffbokc
Fri Mar 01, 2019 7:00 pm

Thanks, all. Actually, I was somehow able to fix it myself, which is pretty surprising as I can barely figure out how to put gas in my car.

I opened the back, sprayed some air on the switch innerds, flipped the switch up and down for a good 15 seconds, and … fixed!

Thanks again, all.

markT
Posts: 125
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2018 3:10 pm
Location: West Palm Beach

Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 853Post markT
Mon Mar 11, 2019 9:04 pm

Good ending to a frustrating story.
All good suggestions above.

If it happens again you might want to try some electrical contact cleaner. Will clean and lubricate that switch to keep it working smoother longer.

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elambo
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Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 857Post elambo
Tue Mar 12, 2019 3:24 pm

markT wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2019 9:04 pm If it happens again you might want to try some electrical contact cleaner. Will clean and lubricate that switch to keep it working smoother longer.
It's a good idea to keep a bottle of that handy -- it probably won't be the last time you get scratchy switches or pots.

Skydog
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2019 12:06 am

Re: Bad Switch - what to do?

Post: # 1763Post Skydog
Sat Oct 12, 2019 12:40 am

There had to have been a fairly sizable chunk in there to kill it, no?

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