Not pedal related - need to replace the pickup selector in my guitar

[onemhz]

I have a cheap-o guitar that I can't seem to let go of. But I think the pickup selector is fried. It's the sealed-box style 3-way (like this). But it seems like that style is just destined to fail - most of the ones I've found have comments about them falling apart the moment they're installed and it seems like they can break from just soldering them in.

Any issues I should consider before I swap to an open-frame style (like this)? And, does anyone know of any good-quality parts that aren't $25 like the Switchcraft? I don't want something that will just fail again, but I'm not sure if it's worth the part cost.

The wiring is honestly janky looking too (attaching), so I want to make sure I'm getting something compatible as well or will be able to rewire if needed.

 

[onemhz]

Totally agree with the buy-once-cry-once mentality. I think if I replaced all the hardware with the good stuff, it'd be more than I paid for it to begin with. Maybe putting a bit of work and $ into it, I'll finally buckle down and fix the action, truss rod, intonation...

Do you have any links for the pushback wire you use? Do you use two conductor (looks like that's what's in my guitar) or just single-conductor and do more runs?

 

[EGRENIER]

Not sure I would pay that much for a switch in a cheap-o-guitar....

Yes there are differences in quality, but unless you want to fix an original Fender or Gibson to maintain resale value, you can get good quality components for much less.

Check out these guys, I bought from them a few times and they never failed me. Post sale service is excellent, I had a shipping mistake recently, for the first time, and they didn’t hesitate to ship replacement within 24h. No questions asked.

Guitar Electrical Components

if I were you, I would probably also invest into shielding the cavity. Not sure what that white stuff at the bottom right is, but it almost look like mildew. You probably want to clean this up. You can go copper tape or shielding paint, don’t get fooled by a 40$ 3oz bottle. There are much cheaper options out there.

if your pots are working, a little bit of cleaner can go a long way to revive them and get the corrosion out that make them stiffy/grainy. Easy to do and usually a good try before investing and considering a swap.

If you want to do a full swap, you can get a full wired harness for a good price. Save time and money...

my 2 cents.

 

[fig]

I have a cheap-o guitar that I can't seem to let go of. But I think the pickup selector is fried.

are you sure it's the switch?

 

[zgrav]

set the tension in the neck and adjust the bridge if you haven't done that already. that restores the playability of the instrument more than any upgrade for a part that is already working. I agree with the comment above that you don't necessarily need a $25 pickup selector to get better hardware than you already have. I like cloth covered wires for a vintage look, but doubt if you would hear the difference if you switched to them.

 

[EGRENIER]

set the tension in the neck and adjust the bridge if you haven't done that already. that restores the playability of the instrument more than any upgrade for a part that is already working. I agree with the comment above that you don't necessarily need a $25 pickup selector to get better hardware than you already have. I like cloth covered wires for a vintage look, but doubt if you would hear the difference if you switched to them.

For sure, a good setup is important and changes everything.... I like the TRAIN method:

Tune
Relief adjustment
Action adjustment
Intonation
Noodle and fine tune....