Electric Guitar repair question (Gibson SG)

[Kitchen Guitars]

I have a Gibson SG I am planning on selling. I pulled it out to make sure all was well, it isn't.

The 3 way switch will not stay in Rhythm. It just pops back into the center.

Do I need a new switch or is this a fixable existing switch problem?

[donh]

Depends on how the switch is constructed. It could be as simple as some crud in the well jamming the mechanism. Take it apart and look.

[Bob Womack]

The contacts are exposed in these switches. If there are any chips or junque floating around in the switch cavity they typically find their way to the switch. Look for something between the leaves of the switch. You'll see what I mean when you get there.



Bob

[clintj]

While the switch is out, look at it closely to make sure all the parts are still aligned properly. I had to slightly adjust a new Switchcraft switch that got tweaked in shipping, and wouldn't stay in Rhythm. On some, if the locking ring that secures it to the body comes loose the switch can't move far enough to lock into one or both positions. The original switch in my Les Paul was like that.

[Zigeuner]

That appears to be a Switchcraft. If you can't get it working by cleaning it, they are not all that expensive from numerous sources on the Internet.

My 1966 Martin Electric has a Switchcraft. I had stored it for a couple of years and when I got it out, the switch worked but the bridge pickup was silent. A quick shot of Ronsonol lighter fluid fixed it instantly. Heh heh.

[Kitchen Guitars]

Thanks!

I'll tear into it before dumping money into her!

[arie]

as posted, that switch is a commodity part. if something isn't obviously wrong (and fixable) with it then just replace it.