Series 2 electronics - 3 issues: squeal; worn selector switch; LEDs

[gtrguy]

A possible work around solution to the the switch problem might be to get a length of brass hollow tubing (not to thin) that the inner diameter is slightly smaller than the threaded end of the switch (Hobby stores and a few hardware stores around here have tubing), then acquire the correct tap that matches the threads on the switch (might be hard to find) and then cut off a inch or less of tubing and carefully grip the tubing in the chuck of a electric drill to hold it without distorting it, and tap the threads into it slowly by hand.


Next you could obtain an automotive flaring tool (often used to make up brake lines) and insert the tubing and flare the end just enough to not slip down the hole in the guitar but still fit within the recess of the bottom of the pickup selector knob. I also use a Dremel tool to remove metal to size stuff a lot. If the tubing is loose in the flaring tool, you can wrap some tape around it. Now test fit and trim tubing to size. You might also have to ream out the wood hole a bit larger in the bass.


Again, this might or might not work and I only come up with it because I already have the tools to do it. However, I have not tried it.

[lozbass2]

Thanks very much for this gtrguy - the creativity and expertise on here is extremely impressive and reassuring.  I think your idea here would work and I'd be tempted to try it, though don't have the tools to hand.  Finding the materials shouldn't be too difficult, but securing or accessing the right tools may take a little time.  As I have no engineering skills, I'd probably need some help here - my sister-in-law has agreed to help in principle, though I'll need her to see the bass for measurements.  On the issue of reaming the hole, when I inspected the inside of the cavity, it appears that there's a small metal washer recessed into the wood behind the surface - this would probably make any reaming a little difficult.  Finding the right gauge of tubing is going to be critical here.  Thanks again, much appreciated. 

[pauldo]

Loz, it does sound like you have things squared away for now and hopefully forever.
An alternative thought (please do not allow my ramblings to veer you off your path), would be to carefully pry out the recessed metal washer.  This would/ should allow more thread exposure on the outside of the instrument.  Then apply blue loctite (again).   

This would require very careful torquing of the nut as I assume the metal washer provide extra structural integrity to the whole kit and kaboodle.  Cracking the wood would not be desirable.

Paul - keep it low and stay outta treble.

[JimmyJ]

Are you sure there is a metal washer in there?  Like, under the silver shielding paint?  Hard to tell from your first posted pics.  If there is ... THAT should be the piece with the "keyed" hole in it, and it should be glued in place to help resist switch rotation...  But that would also be a complicated fix.  You'd need to be very careful not to damage the thin body wood while trying to remove the existing washer.  You'd also need some shielding paint to touch up the cavity when you were done.  Plus you'd still need the "sister-in-law collar-nut" (which is what it must be called from this point forward). 

Jimmy J

[lozbass2]

Hi all,

thanks Pauldo and Jimmy - apologies that I went missing for a few days - a very busy and sometimes trying week.

The fix re: the pickup selector appears to be holding for now.  There's definitely a washer that has been sunk/routed into the inside of the cavity and against which the 'shoulders' of the switch housing sit.  I understand the idea but I'd be really loath to try to remove the washer as - and you suggest this Pauldo - I'm pretty sure that this would compromise the integrity of the timber.  It really is a lovely piece of timber too. 

The sister-in-law-collar-nut - has a real ring to it!  Unfortunately, I can't make any progress on this until April when my brother and his wife will be here.  The intention is to take the relevant measurements and then my SiL can try to work her magic.  I'll keep all updated - I'm not sure how the nuts will work out but I'd hope they're not too expensive.  There may be others on here that could benefit (including Jazzyvee).  Thanks again all, some excellent suggestions!

[gtrguy]

Twisted-Sister-Collar-Nut! Not that hard to do, but time consuming setup. Best of luck getting it fixed!