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Post subject: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:13 am
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Hi,

I purchased an Elite HSS Strat in March of last year. It has recently developed a problem where if I choose the bridge pickup (humbucker) it loses a lot of power. The sound is still there - just extremely weak and thin sounding. If I choose any other pickup selection the sound is normal - just the bridge position.

Is this something that you guys think I should fix myself or is there something else I can do. I tried squirting a little WD40 into the pickup selector switch etc.

Thanks!

Rich.


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 9:20 am
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Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
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Location: Province de Québec, Canada
No WD40, its is oil for lubricate mechanic . You can damage parts

Humbucker pickup is defective
Pickups switch is defective
Bad solder on switch or pickup

Return on waranty


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 11:06 am
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If you're gonna use anything, use a contact spray cleaner. don't use WD40, that's not gonna help at all. And the way to do this, is to pull up the pick guard so you can get the contact cleaner TO the contacts.

If that makes you queasy, or is a no go, then you probably need to contact Fender get a local authorized warranty service location, call them and set up a service ticket. I've got guitars that are 25+ years old, pickups normally don't just "DIE"

It's probably some gunk in the selector contacts for that position, unless you left your strat out in the rain or something which I doubt ya did..


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 11:12 am
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Who can tell how fast and cheap pickups are built today ?


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:03 pm
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RichUKUSA wrote:
Elite HSS Strat

That's the Shawbucker, S1, passing lane version, right?
That's quite a complicated wiring, so there are more things to check than the (usual suspects) 5-way selector and bridge pickup plus bad solder joints...

RichUKUSA wrote:
in March of last year

Take the warranty route, see paragraph above.

RichUKUSA wrote:
If I choose any other pickup selection the sound is normal - just the bridge position.

Just clarifying and training my diagnosis capabilities:
Does the bridge pickup work OK in combination with other pickups?
Any difference if the S1 is on or off?
What about the passing lane switch (bridge only, no tone, all switch positions)?


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:48 pm
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The service diagram is here
http://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Origi ... 0-2015.pdf
Jmattis is correct, perhaps check all the switch positions out from the function charts.


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 3:58 pm
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Easy to check for somebody with basic skill in electronic and with a ohmeter.
IMO op have no skill in electronic as he ask to use WD40 :(


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:17 pm
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Thanks for the replies.

When I said WD40 this is contact cleaner and I have been using it for years on my guitars. It has helped in the past. I think this is likely something like a dry joint etc. I very much appreciate the documentation. I have a multi-meter and soldering skills so I will look at opening it up. I would rather fix it myself if I can. I can be without this guitar for a little while since I have a lot of others. Kind of annoying nonetheless.


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2018 9:57 pm
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RichUKUSA wrote:
When I said WD40 this is contact cleaner and I have been using it for years on my guitars.

WD40 does not produce a contact cleaner product. It is a solvent, and somewhat of a light lubricant... it is basically kerosene.
LPS is a contact cleaner that is often confused with WD40. It's an OK contact cleaner, but Blue Shower is one of the best, if you can find it. The good stuff is no longer available in California.

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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2018 1:12 am
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CB91710 wrote:
RichUKUSA wrote:
When I said WD40 this is contact cleaner and I have been using it for years on my guitars.

WD40 does not produce a contact cleaner product. It is a solvent, and somewhat of a light lubricant... it is basically kerosene.
LPS is a contact cleaner that is often confused with WD40. It's an OK contact cleaner, but Blue Shower is one of the best, if you can find it. The good stuff is no longer available in California.


What about Deoxit ?
IMo this is not a contact cleaning issue, guitar is new


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Post subject: Re: Elite HSS problem
Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2018 10:18 am
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stratele52 wrote:
What about Deoxit ?
IMo this is not a contact cleaning issue, guitar is new

I've not seen Deoxit. It could be one that has been banned in California for a long time. At work, I've used GC and 3M products. For home I've stuck with Blue Shower.
Apparently, WD40 does now make a contact cleaner.

But I agree, it is not a contact corrosion issue on a new guitar. It is most likely a cold solder joint or faulty switch.

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