Category Archives:

This is typical on Gibson’s using two pickups. Normally, it can be eliminated by reversing the two wires that are connected to the # 2 & # 3 lugs on each volume potentiometer. This will allow independent volume for both the neck and bridge pickup when the toggle switch is in the center position.

An easy solution is to put a .001 mfd., 25 volt capacitor in parallel between the # 2 and # 3 lug on the volume controls. This will help retain the high end in the circuit.

It’s due to the taper of the 500 K audio taper potentiometer and the impedance of the pickup. It’s common on many old instruments and I think that might be why Gibson started using the 300 K audio taper to help eliminate the dilemma. As the volume is turned back the value of the potentiometer…

You can use a 250 K audio taper potentiometer for a basic two pickup blend control. The # 1 lug is unsoldered from the case of the potentiometer (if previously used as the volume control) and the hot lead from the bridge pickup can be soldered there. The # 3 lug will have the hot…

First I would use a reliable contact cleaner – here are a few I use and recommend. DeoxIT-D5 by Caig Laboratories, part number D5S-6. It improves conductivity, deoxidizes, seal & protects connectors and contacts. Cramolin-R-5 by Caig Laboratories, part number Cramolin R5. It cleans, preserves and lubricates contacts on moving and stationary parts. Spra-Kleen by…

I would inspect a faulty switch to make sure you don’t have a cold solder joint and occasionally spray it with a quality contact cleaner. Many switches oxidize due to the climate, humidity and constant use. Lever switches often get bent on Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars. At times the switch can be put back…

I generally use 250 K Audio Taper potentiometers for traditional single coils pickups such as Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass, Precision Bass etc. For instruments with humbuckers, I like using 300 K or 500 K Audio Taper potentiometers. There are several other values that are used with active pickups and the majority of vintage instruments will…

The Vari-tone system is a great tone circuit that has been used in the Gibson ES-345 and ES-355 guitars along with other custom instruments. Gibson says the Vari-Tone selector has fundamental positions, and the six pre-set push button switches place a wide choice of tone colorings at the player’s command. It’s a combination of capacitors,…

When your switch cuts in and out is usually caused by the contacts being corroded or bent and first I would clean with a quality contact cleaner and then check to see if the switch is still intermittent. Often the sweeper blade connected to the toggle arm assembly gets oxidized or dirty from moisture and…

Often on Gibson (Switchcraft) Toggle switches the plastic cap at the end of the toggle post becomes loose and needs to be pushed firmly back into place. Also you can lightly lubricate the plastic cap with white lithium grease and this will allow the toggle to freely move between the metal flanges. When the cap…