Replacing pickup switch with Switchcraft

[de_conne]

Hi there,

My original pickup selector switch is a bit wonky and I decided to replace it with a new one.
I bought a Switchcraft SW-210-N switch.

But when opening the guitar I saw that my 2018 Les Paul Standard HP II has something called a “Quick Connect” to simply plug out and then replace the switch. The Switchcraft switch need to be soldered, so I did. I cut of the 5(!)-pin connector and soldered to my best knowledge the green-red-white and black wires to the switch. (On the last pic you see a yellow green wire, which I eventually soldered to 5th wire (ground/shield?) to test if it should also be connected or not. This didn’t help… I suppose it’s not necessary?)

When I test the guitar, I get nothing … only lots of static and hum when I touch the switch …

Can somebody tell me what I did wrong?

Thank you so much!

Some picture to make it clear:
Original Switch:

Circuit Board:

Soldering on new switch:

Soldering on new switch (other view):

Complete body:

[sequences]

Sounds like you did not get the wires connected to the correct places.

If you have an Ohm meter, set your original switch in all three positions and write down what wires get connected in each position. Next, do the same for the new switch and compare to see what wires got swapped.

Position of the solder lug can be very different on different switches, so you want to look at matching the functionality of the switch positions, not a physical position of the solder point.

Also, you will need to solder that switch in, not just wrap the wire. I’m guessing you have it wrapped just for testing? That’s fine and an easy way to verify you didn’t goof with your measurements above.

If you need any assistance in soldering, this may help

Soldering Tutorial

Soldering Tutorial This is intended for people who want to repair or alter their guitar electronics and have little or no experience in soldering. I have seen a few people updating their guitars recently that have little or no experience with soldering. This will hopefully be a good reference for them. Author’s Background I learned to solder from my father about age 8. He held a job as a quality inspector at one point and had my capability up to military standards by the time I was about a…

[de_conne]

Thx @sequences .

I did measure the old switch and figured out that green and black prolly should switch.

So I did and now everything works…

Only issue is my Treble is now up and my Rythm down .

I’ll see if I can get used to it, but if this is what defines “my guitar” and makes it unique then I’m cool with it

Soldering is also better now… But tbh it was allready pretty ok, but I think it doesnt show on the pic because it was mostly on the other side of the pens.

[DeltaTyne]

Hi Ignace, Hec here are you sorted if not give me a shout cheers

[de_conne]

I just played for two hours.

It may be my imagination but the guitar seems to sound so much better now…

Not sure why they put that “wonky” pickup-selector in such a high end guitar. I feel like it has always been “wonky”. Just didn’t feel that sturdy and solid.

The Switchcraft seems and feels a lot better…

[sequences]

@de_conne

Treble is now up and my Rythm down

I’d guess you can simply loosen the switch a bit, rotate it, and tighten it back down.

[de_conne]

Yes, If I have enough slack… It’s pretty tight.

[de_conne]

So yesterday, I managed to rotate the switch.

It’s pretty tight, but it works.

Perhaps, if I find some time, I’ll get it out again and switch the red and white wires and then I can rotate the switch again.

Third time 's a charm?

[sequences]

@de_conne

Third time 's a charm?

I hope so! My painting of my project guitar body is not going well.

[de_conne]

Another two times and it will be perfect