Ever seen a switch like this?

[GAD]

This switch is causing some problems in my new Guild. Any ideas where to get a replacement?

It's DPDT toggle. Only a two-way toggle, but toggles coil tap in both pickups.

I can find this config in mini switches, but only three way toggles in full size switches.

GAD

 

[matsickma]

I had problems with my switch in the beginning. I checked all the switchcraft part numbers and found some references to this connector but I couldn't get one. I carefully rebuilt mine by cleaning it and making sure the contacts made the right connection. I had to carefully bend the contact reeds to get both to connect properly when switched on. My "Mars Music" X170T only had the bridge pickup switch into the coil tap mode. Eventually I got both to work smoothly.

Hans though he could offer a solution but I eventually got it working and never followed up with him. The hyperlink to that earlier thread is below.

http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8434

I assumed the pickups on mine were the newer Fender HB1 as I never saw HB-1 with the individual bobbin taps openly exposed.

A few years back I was messing around with late 1970's HB1. They have the multiple wires coming out of a cable from the pickup and you can access the individual bobbins. I wired them up into a configuration where the the bobbins were connected in parallel. wow. ( Note: A humbucker pickup has the bobbins in series with the bobbins counter wound from each other.) That was a great sounding configuration. Sounded like a blend of a P90 and Franz. I plan to try that again -soon. That model HB-1 is hard to come by.

M

 

[GAD]

I had problems with my switch in the beginning. I checked all the switchcraft part numbers and found some references to this connector but I couldn't get one. I carefully rebuilt mine by cleaning it and making sure the contacts made the right connection. I had to carefully bend the contact reeds to get both to connect properly when switched on. My "Mars Music" X170T only had the bridge pickup switch into the coil tap mode. Eventually I got both to work smoothly.

Hans though he could offer a solution but I eventually got it working and never followed up with him. The hyperlink to that earlier thread is below.

http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8434

I assumed the pickups on mine were the newer Fender HB1 as I never saw HB-1 with the individual bobbin taps openly exposed.

A few years back I was messing around with late 1970's HB1. They have the multiple wires coming out of a cable from the pickup and you can access the individual bobbins. I wired them up into a configuration where the the bobbins were connected in parallel. wow. ( Note: A humbucker pickup has the bobbins in series with the bobbins counter wound from each other.) That was a great sounding configuration. Sounded like a blend of a P90 and Franz. I plan to try that again -soon. That model HB-1 is hard to come by.

M

Wow - interesting. Those older HB1s won't fit in the MARS though without routing the body. They're bigger. The Fender/Guild pickups are standard pickup sized while the older HB1s are a bit larger. I only know because I have a '73 SFIV and a '00 SF4 and I wanted to put the HB1s in the '00 - no dice. Too bad because they sound amazing. They sound so good in fact that I've considered having the work done to make it happen.

Do you recall what you used to clean the contacts? I'm thinking something like an emory board. Just something to remove corrosion and not material.

Here's a pic of the Fender-made 'bucker in the MARS along with the switch:

GAD

 

[matsickma]

Yep. Thats the Fender HB-1's.

I used a precision file a few strokes and emery cloth to polish the "points". The biggist issue was with the reeds. It took me a hour or so to carefully allign/bend them to make contact on both poles to coil tap the two pickups. I recommend you take your time and don't exagerate any bends or the switch may get so out of allignment you can't salvage it.

Good Luck.

M

 

[GAD]

Spent some quality time with the switch, a nail file, needle nose pliers, contact cleaner/lub and lots of light, and it's now working brilliantly.

This guitar is quickly becoming my new favorite!

The switch is made by Switchcraft, though I couldn't find an exact match anywhere. I called them and sent them pics of the switch, so maybe we'll get a part number so we can have a couple spares. I'll keep you updated.

GAD

 

[danerectal]

I have one of those switches laying about somewhere. I bought it for a project that didn't require a three-pickup switch. Apparently those are standard for a three-pickup Les Paul custom.