Is this a sign of bad pup or bad 5way?

[LLL777]

My S1520 with a split 5way has a problem.

The guitar sounds fine in all positions 1,2,3 (neck HB, neck split, both HB) and even 4 both HB split but....in the 5th position (bridge HB only) the output drops dramatically. It's wierd that it sounds fine split but not in full series.

So is it the HB or could it be the 5way?

If it's a 5way where do you get the sealed rectangular Ibanez types? I only see the exposed Fender/Ernie Ball types on-line.

thanks

[ibanezking]

Hiya

If its a 2 humbucker guitar? then it has a 5 way switch, but its not the same configured switch as a standard Strat type 5 way. It works the same as a PRS rotary type switch

these switches have 2502N stamped on them

If you think yours is faulty, I have them for sale on my website

The idea though is that it does give a volume/gain drop in these positions as these are the parralel positions etc so it gives a more Strat like sound.

Max

[dex]

Max, position 5 on any guitar should give you the full bridge humbucker sound (unless you have a coil tap engaged) so I'd say something is most def not right.

The thing is you can't really tell if it's the switch or the pickup but in my experience switches fail way more often than pickups.

What's hapening is it seems your switch when it goes from 4 (2 split Humbuckers) to 5 (Bridge hum full on) the switch has to disengage the split neck hum and engage both bobins on the bridge hum but it seems that for some reason your switch does not do that.
I'd say that the problem is 99% with the switch and you can test that by selecting position 5 and taping both bobins of the humbucker with a pick - I bet you only the inside bobin will be active.
Have a look inside the guitar for a loose wire or something but chancess are - it's the switch.

ilia

[frankfalbo]

Try to make sure your #3 position (both Humbuckers) is hum cancelling, and that when you tap the pickup both coils are equally as loud. If not, then you probably do have one bad coil. If you are definitely getting both bridge coils in position 3, (and you're sure the two bridge coils aren't out of phase with eachother) then I'd say it has to be the switch.

[Rich]

1520's have VLX91's in them. They are not stamped 2502N, they have a VLX91 sticker on them.

[ibanezking]

Originally Posted by dex

Max, position 5 on any guitar should give you the full bridge humbucker sound (unless you have a coil tap engaged) so I'd say something is most def not right.

The thing is you can't really tell if it's the switch or the pickup but in my experience switches fail way more often than pickups.

What's hapening is it seems your switch when it goes from 4 (2 split Humbuckers) to 5 (Bridge hum full on) the switch has to disengage the split neck hum and engage both bobins on the bridge hum but it seems that for some reason your switch does not do that.
I'd say that the problem is 99% with the switch and you can test that by selecting position 5 and taping both bobins of the humbucker with a pick - I bet you only the inside bobin will be active.
Have a look inside the guitar for a loose wire or something but chancess are - it's the switch.

ilia

I was refering to positions 2 and 4 being lower gain/volume. Was speed reading and didn't notice where he'd put that P5 was low too!!!

So after making sure the pickup is OK, then its the switch.....
(I have both in stock)

And Rich, i've noticed quite an inconsistency with switches......
I bought an RGT3120 recently and this had the cheaper 2502N switch in it.
Maybe whats available at the time is whats fitted. Most of the guitars i've seen upto and inc 5 series come with the cheaper 2502N switch with the VLX's reserved for Prestiges and Signatures etc.....
Pure business - if a supplier lets them down for the VLX's and 2502N's are available, then rather than hold up a batch of say 500 guitars, then thats what gets fitted.
Would Ibanez admit to it though????

Max

[Rich]

Somebody replaced a VLX91 with the cheap switch, Ibanez didn't put it in at the factory. And of course I have the 3PS1SC5's and VLX91's in stock also.

[LLL777]

thanks everyone....it was the pup....bad coil.