Stock 5 Way Switch Popping Noise

DogRox · #1 11-16-2009, 04:03 PM

I have a RG2EX1 Guitar i just recently bought. I specially love the neck on the guitar which is why I picked this one. I know it is on the lower priced end of the Ibanez Models. I plan on doing some extensive hardware modification to it, which is also why I purchased the lower priced one.

But the problem is that the STOCK 5 way switch makes a loud cracking and popping noise every time I switch between any of the pickups. Any of the combinations it makes the noise.

I sprayed the switch with good contact cleaner as I use on ALL my guitars and all the pots in my rack mount gear. But that doesnt help! It has been like this from day one. And I thought it would something simple to fix aside from putting in a new switch.

But I like to get this switch problem fixed first before I do amy other modifications to this guitar! Does anyone have any ideas what could be the problem with this? Has anyone else experienced problems like thisl with a stock guitar?! And how did you fix it?! Thanx in advance!

Cheerz

Dog

DogRox · #2 11-20-2009, 01:46 PM

Oh well i was hoping to so get some enlightment on this noisey switch issue. hasnt anyone experinced this problem ? i dont recall of fthe top of my head the model number of the switch.. i have it in my records.. I will dig it up and post the model number of the switch... I am curious if this is normal for this particular switch to make a poppin noise when swithcing between pickup combinations.?

it happens when i go through an amp.. or without just direct into a mixer.. or direct into my rp-12 and using headphones.. and my other guitars do not do that.. so i am assuming it is the switch since it did that from day one when i got the guitar!!

i appreciate any info on this?!?! Thank you in advance

Sincerely
Dog

djohns74 · #3 11-20-2009, 03:27 PM

I've certainly had issues with noisy switches before, but I typically just replace 'em. Ibanez switches are usually sealed up and the problem is probably internal, so I wouldn't expect that spraying contact cleaner on it would accomplish much.

DogRox · #4 11-20-2009, 06:34 PM

yeah exactly... i did take the cover plate off theback to see the switch itself.. so i could reference it online.. and it is sealed switch.. and the spray obviously didnt work! Since ti is still stock I am going to just hold back for now till i am ready to put the new carvin m22 pickups in it .. and then i will probly replace the switch if i can find a GOOD one somewhere that will allow me to get the same pickup config. I know that another five way i have here in my box of parts.. will not work for that specific configuration!

thanx for the Response

Dog

Quote:

Originally Posted by djohns74

I've certainly had issues with noisy switches before, but I typically just replace 'em. Ibanez switches are usually sealed up and the problem is probably internal, so I wouldn't expect that spraying contact cleaner on it would accomplish much.

rickwh1973 · #5 11-20-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogRox

yeah exactly... i did take the cover plate off theback to see the switch itself.. so i could reference it online.. and it is sealed switch.. and the spray obviously didnt work! Since ti is still stock I am going to just hold back for now till i am ready to put the new carvin m22 pickups in it .. and then i will probly replace the switch if i can find a GOOD one somewhere that will allow me to get the same pickup config. I know that another five way i have here in my box of parts.. will not work for that specific configuration!

thanx for the Response

Dog

I can recommend this switch

www_dot_stewmac_dot_com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Switches_and_knobs/Super_Switch_dot_html

I used it for my recent project and it is awesome. smooth switching etc. Plus it is made really well. It is quite a bit bigger than the stock ibanez switch I replaced, but it fit in nicely.

DogRox · #6 11-21-2009, 03:35 AM

HI, yeah i seen this switch before in my search for wiring diagrams. The only thing is about this switch aside from it requireing a deep wiring caveity which i think is just a little deaper then what my guitar has.

I noticed that on that superswitch, is that the solder lugs are like on the outsides of the slider portion area. What i am saying is that they sandwitch the slider in between it as it makes contact. As compared to the Stock switch in this RG2EX1 which is like the oppsite it ony has one layer, the slider moves over the main back part which is where the connects are made, there is no sandwitching. It seems more solid that way.

now it could be JUST me... but I always have bad luck with this type switches. The contacts of the solder lugs seem to always spread apart after awhlie making bad connections over time! They seem to also wear faster too, cause the contact points so so small in comparison to this other switch.

So in your opinion, How does ThIS Superswitch work for you as far as quality of the construction? and sound? meaning popping or noise? I never dealt with his particular switch, from the way it looks, i am just comparing it with others that are similar to it.

Thanx doode

Dog

rickwh1973 · #7 11-21-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogRox

So in your opinion, How does ThIS Superswitch work for you as far as quality of the construction? and sound? meaning popping or noise? I never dealt with his particular switch, from the way it looks, i am just comparing it with others that are similar to it.

Thanx doode

Dog

Quality is awesome. There is absolutely no noise and it slides from one position to the next really super smoothly. The lugs are spaced far enough apart to allow even a novice wiring dude like myself to get the job done..

As far as wearing out over time.. We'll see. Like I said I just installed it in the last few weeks.

I'd say if it fits in your guitar you can't go wrong. Or course if it wont fit you'll need to find something else...

Rick

DogRox · #8 11-23-2009, 04:31 AM

Thanx for the info Rick... I willhave to check on the cavity in the guitar to see.. but i think it is to shallow in depth to hold the switch... the lugs are already like justabout touching the cover plate... I have the switch bookmarked so i can refrence it later when i take the cover off the back again to measure!

Thanx again!

Cheerz
Dog

nsabino · #9 11-23-2009, 01:34 PM

The 5-way superswitch is your best bet if you're after a quality switch that won't let you down. There should be more than enough space in the cavity for it. I put one in my guitar about 8 months ago and it's top notch all the way, smooth,silent and with plenty of pickup configuration options. I Highly Recommend it.

Regards,
Nelson

DogRox · #10 11-25-2009, 02:19 PM

Thank you for the info Nelson! I appreciate it.. Imay get it cause i dont like this noise in this stock switch. But i do think my wiring cavity is not deep enough!! Thatmay be the main problem!..

nsabino · #11 11-25-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogRox

Thank you for the info Nelson! I appreciate it.. Imay get it cause i dont like this noise in this stock switch. But i do think my wiring cavity is not deep enough!! Thatmay be the main problem!..

Well I really don't know, I fitted the switch in an RG770 DX, I don't know if the guitars are identical in terms of cavity depth... I can only praise this switch but if it didn't fit I'd be in a different boat...

Regards,
Nelson

DogRox · #12 11-27-2009, 12:46 PM

Hmm i wonder though why the stock switch makes such a noise from day one?!?! i meani can see it if it was wearing out over time.. but this is from day one?!?!

Could be just a cheap switch inside it. but i never read any complaints about the stock switches in the RG2EX1 Series guitars!

I havent gotten a chance to measure it but i will soon!.. and then i probly get that one switch!

Thanx Neslon!

Dog

DogRox · #13 12-02-2009, 08:14 AM

Ok i have one more question... i am trying to check the dimensions of the orginal switch in the guitar before i TAKE out.

Does anyone know if the orginal switch in this RG1EX2 guitar a "3PS1SC5" switch?!

cause i cant find any wireing diragrams for anything other then that that "3PS1SC5" and that supposed to be a original STOCk switch from Ibanez?!

if that IS what is inside mine.. and people are buying it... then maybe it isnt the switch making the popping noise?!

UPDATE!!

I just took the back cover off... and it si barely 1 inch and 7/16 so thats cutting it close for that switch!.

ALSO i did notice that it says CORTEK on the side of the stock 5 way!. So am I wrong to understand that the part "3PS1Sc5" switch and this Cortek switch are TWO different switches?! I am reading that the "3PS1Sc5" is a QUIET switch but if it is the SAME one i have inside BY CORTEK.. then i will tend to just stay clear of that particular switch!

DogRox · #14 12-06-2009, 06:34 AM

Hi, me again!.. i know I am getting to be a pain!.. But ti is nice to get the opinions of other people. And it is very appreciative!

I see ont he Stewmacs.. that have Megaswitch aside form the Superswitch

Now the megaswitch is smaller in DEPTH size and would FIT better in my guitar.

I see there is different options for the Megaswitch

Megaswitch E-Model
For 3-pickup combo of single coils or humbuckers, or 2 humbuckers.

Megaswitch P-Model
For two humbucker pickups

Megaswitch S-Model
Standard 5-way Strat

Megaswitch T-Model
3-way Tele options

I think inmy best shot would be the "E" switch!

I am also going to replace the V pickups in my Ibanez with CARVIN m22s.
I love them pickups.. so i want to have the ight switch. and since i am rep;lacing the STOCK SWITCh anyways cause ofthe popping noise.. I may as well put my NEW carvins in there

Does anyone have any experiences with any ofthe mega switches?! Are they quiet? ands durable?!!

I know the size it would fit in my guitar!

also what is the difference in the "E" switch in comparison to the "P" switch? which seems like it is ALSO for DUAL hums?!

DogRox · #15 12-22-2009, 10:01 AM

Well this is a NEW UPDATE... i got one of them MEGASWITCH MODEL E from stews... and i Got it in.. and it is QUIET.. and works like a charm... Fits perfect too. So wiht that i put in my Carvin m22 pickups (m22sd and m22v) also.;.. as well as my Washburn Wonderbar! MAN this thing ROCKS now!.. And looks HOT!! man i love this neck!!