Author Topic: Rogue LED switch (Read 267 times)

lyla53 · « **on:** July 10, 2014, 06:40:10 AM »

I just picked up an 04 5 string with side LED's. Absolutely perfect - except, intermittently when switching the LEDs on, I have to wiggle the switch to get them to illuminate. I inspected the back side of the switch - all looked clean and tight. I've actuated the switch a dozen times or so and no real change. Is this normal? Can I lube/clean the switch? or does the switch need replacing? Thoughts?

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2014, 07:35:50 AM »

I have exactly the same situation with my 2009 Europa bass and I recall reading a few others have the same thing. I'm not sure why it affects only that switch as all the other switches look similar and work perfectly. Unfortunately I have got used to it as once it's on it stays on and I have a spare switch somewhere but just never got round to changing it.
Fire off an email or phone call to Alembic you will definitely be able to get a new one from there.

lyla53 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:35:47 AM »

Yup - mine stays on as well however, I can get it to flicker if I wiggle it side to side. Thanks for the info.

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2014, 12:08:08 PM »

Alembic got a not so perfect batch of these switches. I believe they are now using a different source. The LED switch on my custom Further did it too. I brought it to the mothership and they replaced it, no charge.

Bill, tgo

hammer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2014, 04:47:36 PM »

Exactly the same thing with my SC Signature standard. Always works when I wiggle it a bit though. As for sending the bass back to the mothership from Minnesota and risking damage in shipping and not having it for awhile...though I'm a perfectionist there are some things with which I have just learned to live (like my mediocre bass playing).

lyla53 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2014, 07:09:51 PM »

I talked to the great folks back at the factory today. We have a plan for replacement - Thanks all for your help - Mica and Mary too!

terryc · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2014, 02:51:58 AM »

Lyla..are you skilled in soldering?. All you need is a on-off toggle switch which is readily available from most electronic stores.
Before replacement I would remove the battery clip to isolate the circuit. My MK Signature did the same(see post Alembic failures-are there any April 15). It is not a big fix at all, even if you are not adept in soldering maybe you know someone who is?

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2014, 02:00:18 PM »

The actual problem with the switches seemed to be the lubricant. If the switch is unused for a time (like a couple of months) a crust forms on the lube. When you use the switch, that crust can fall to where the contact is supposed to be made, and you know what? It blocks the contact! I know, whaaaat? Anyway, it's most annoying. Sometimes, repeated actuating will pummel that crust into small enough pieces to function, but it doesn't always work.

This problem started when they moved manufacturing from USA to Mexico. Then they moved again to Costa Rica. They are moving to China now, and we want nothing to do with the next batch of unknowns. Every time they move they seem to forget how to do something important.

The 3-position switches for the Tribute and Further guitars will get the first of the new manufacturer switches. These are still made in the USA!

Probably more than you wanted to know about this stuff!

lyla53 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2014, 06:54:06 PM »

Hello Mica, Thanks for the info although TBH now my head hurts!
I sent you an email to determine next steps. In the mean time I'll do my best to pummel that nasty crust into small particles - hopefully it will fix the problem.

lyla53 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2014, 10:10:15 PM »

Hello Mica,
Have the new/improved LED light switches arrived yet? I'd like to get one on order for my Rogue.