I just noticed this recently. It seems like the volume drop switching from any position to position 2 and 4 has gotten larger (I know this is expected, but it seems like its gotten to be a larger change and more noticeable than other strats). I also just noticed on these positions some of the attack is gone, especially on the neck/mid position. It sounds kind of like its being run through a compressor. The attack just isn't there, and yes I messed around w/ my settings quite a bit to try and fix it, but nothing works. The neck, middle, and bridge pickups on their own still sound fine. What's going on? This is a completely new development, within the last week(at least that's the first time I noticed it). Any help would be appreciated.

Have you changed any of the pickups lately or at all? It sounds like your middle pickup is out of phase with the other two.

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no, I still have the same Vintage Noiseless pickups that came w/ the guitar (Deluxe Players Strat)

Well, if you say your middle pickup by itself is still regularly responding at full output, that might eliminate one of the coils in that pickup as having crapped out. At this point, a hands-on assessment is necessary. You'll have to bring it to a competent tech.

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I read a review from someone who had this problem. Apparently, this is expected with Vintage Noiseless pickups. Maybe I just didn't notice it before? I don't know

From my experiences with the VNs, if they aren't DOA new, they usually last, provided they are not abused.

If you have a Volt-Ohm Meter and know how to use it, you could measure the pickup's resistance. If it isn't reading 9.3K ohms (+/- 10%), then you know the pickup itself is the culprit. Either way, if your not familiar with the innards of an electric guitar, you should consult a a competent tech.

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