Bridge pickup not working, worth checking out?

[FromBeyond]

Howdy folks,

The bridge pickup on my Epiphone Ripper bass (P/J model) isn't working properly. When i put my pickup selector switch to use the bridge pickup only, it doesnt work, even after fiddling with the volume control. However, when i put it in the middle position, so both the bridge and neck pickup are used, the bridge pickup seems to come back to life again.

Is this something to be worried about? I barely use the bridge pickup anyway, it's just something that struck me as odd. I don't know a great deal about electronics yet (have been playing for 4 months now and i barely know how to lower the action) but from the looks of it, checking the wiring is going to be a pain, as i need to remove all the strings and the pickguard in order to reach the control cavity.

Much thanks in advance!

EDIT: On second thought, maybe i should have placed this in the Electronics section...could a mod move this thread please?

 

[aquateen]

sounds like it could be the switch. should be an easy fix.

 

[FromBeyond]

sounds like it could be the switch. should be an easy fix.

No offense, but that's not helping me a lot. Like i said in the OP, i am an absolute novice when it comes to electronics. What could be wrong with the switch, and what can i do to fix it?
And most important of all, would it be worth the effort to fix the bridge pickup when all i use is the neck pickup?

 

[ProfGumby]

No offense, but that's not helping me a lot. Like i said in the OP, i am an absolute novice when it comes to electronics. What could be wrong with the switch, and what can i do to fix it?
And most important of all, would it be worth the effort to fix the bridge pickup when all i use is the neck pickup?

If the pickup does work with the switch in different positions, you know the pickup works. That is a plus.

What could be wrong with the switch?
It has failed or it has dirty contacts.

What can i do to fix it?
Contact cleaner or replace the switch

Would it be worth the effort to fix the bridge pickup when all i use is the neck pickup?
That is up to you. A simple switch replacement is not that tough and a local shop can probably do it, affordable enough. However if you are never going to use it, you may be fine. However the switch, if faulty, may one day fail totally...

 

[FromBeyond]

If the pickup does work with the switch in different positions, you know the pickup works. That is a plus.

What could be wrong with the switch?
It has failed or it has dirty contacts.

What can i do to fix it?
Contact cleaner or replace the switch

Would it be worth the effort to fix the bridge pickup when all i use is the neck pickup?
That is up to you. A simple switch replacement is not that tough and a local shop can probably do it, affordable enough. However if you are never going to use it, you may be fine. However the switch, if faulty, may one day fail totally...

Great! Thanks a bunch! That was all the info i needed