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Replacing a 3-way switch?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Lunatique, Dec 7, 2007.

  1. Dec 7, 2007 #1
    Lunatique

    Lunatique Supporting Member

    Nov 23, 2007
    Lincoln, CA
    I just bought a Warwick Corvette double buck 5 string, and it was damaged during shipping, even though it was in a hard case. One of the 3-way switches broke off and now I need to replace it. I've never messed with the electronics of a guitar or bass before, so I'm a little nervous. Any tips on what tools I need and what I should watch out for?
     
  2. Dec 7, 2007 #2
    MrHarrison

    MrHarrison Guest

    Nov 5, 2007
    Lynnwood, WA
    Was the shipping insured? If so did you follow the protocols the shipping company lays down for in-transit damage? If you did then get on the horn to the shipping company and politely ask them what they are going to do to get your new baby fixed.

    Regardless of your answers to those questions I'd call the place you bought it from and tell them what happened, they might be cool and arrange for it to get fixed, or they might not.

    And finally, my advice on doing your own repairs, don't start out on something you don't want to break unless you're willing to pony up the money to have someone else fix any mistakes you might make. I'm not saying that replacing a switch is hard, I'm just one of those really cautious people who knows s@#t about electronics.
     
  3. Dec 8, 2007 #3
    Lunatique

    Lunatique Supporting Member

    Nov 23, 2007
    Lincoln, CA
    I had bought it used on ebay, and the seller did insure it. I'm waiting for him to send me the original receipt for the shipping and insurance. I called around and the switch will cost me about $14~$20, and the labor will cost me around $50~$100.

    Although I've never messed with the insides of an electric stringed instrument, I have quite a bit of experience just fixing random electronics in my house (answering machines, VCR's, DVD players, TV's...etc). I don't know anything about electronics--I just take **** apart and look around inside and then use my best educated guess. So far I've been able to fix about 90% of everything I open up.
     
  4. Dec 8, 2007 #4
    MrHarrison

    MrHarrison Guest

    Nov 5, 2007
    Lynnwood, WA
    Well then, if you know how to solder and read the diagrams then you don't sound like you have a problem. Don't take my reservations as meaning that you shouldn't fix it yourself, I really did mean that I am hesitant to do things myself, not that everyone should be.

    Keep us updated on how everything turns out.
     
  5. Dec 8, 2007 #5
    MrHarrison

    MrHarrison Guest

    Nov 5, 2007
    Lynnwood, WA
    ...oh, and getting back to you actual question.

    Make sure that you don't get the components too hot, you can fry them. Best to use a light touch.
     
  6. Dec 8, 2007 #6
    A9X

    A9X Inactive

    Dec 27, 2003
    Buy the replacement switch. Open up the back of the bass. Take a good photo of what wire goes where. Desolder original switch. Solder in new one as per photo. Small iron, proper techmnque, light touch. Easy.

    If in doubt, contact Warwick and ask for a wiring diagram just to be sure.
     
  7. Dec 8, 2007 #7
    Lunatique

    Lunatique Supporting Member

    Nov 23, 2007
    Lincoln, CA
    I took off the back plate but the two 3-way switches seems to be glued onto the front from the inside (no screws to remove them)? Do I just pry it loose, replace the switch, and then glue it back on? I can't tell how else the 3-way switches are being held to the inside cavity if there are no screws.

    EDIT: Nevermind, I just figured it out--you have to unscrew it from the outside and then push them through the hole with some force (and pull from the inside).