Folks:
I've got an EJ and the middle pickup began to drop out, then mysteriously return. When it's up and ON it is not distorted or anomalous in any way, but of late does not work at all.

My suspicion is that the 5 point switch is the culprit and not the pickup itself.

Anyone out there with similar experience with pickup or switch failure?

Tks in advance for the advice.

Rgds,
Yukon

Welcome!

Your problem is not uncommon. I agree, the switch would be the first place I'd examine too. Here's what to look for with the switch:

- Check the quality of the soldering in general;
- Check that no stray lead wire strands are touching anything they shouldn't be;
- Check that the mating mechanical contacts of the switch are firmly connecting. Of course, ensure that dirt, grit and oxidization are not present but it is common that one of the contacts simply has to be, "plumped up" a bit;
- Check that the bottom of the switch is not grounding out under pressure against the body. Oftentimes, it will ground out when it comes in contact with the shielding paint or foil in some Strats. Obviously, your EJ wouldn't have the shielding there so in your case, possibly just the installed pickguard forces the bottom of the switch too close to the body, causing a terminal to bend and this in turn, will cause poor mating with the mechanical contact. Simply moving a soldered wire to a slightly different angle around the switch can be enough for the proper and necessary clearance.
- Lastly, check for gremlins.

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Martian:

will follow your guidance step by step.
Tks for your thorough reply.

Rgds,
Yukon

Glad to help. If you still haven't discovered the cause of your problem, just yell!

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Martian:

you are the man. Sacrificed my strings and disassembled the EJStrat to get at the switch. Saw no abundance of crud, but suspect there was a film build up and potentially some contact points that needed adjustment.

When I thought I had the right amount of tweak I lit up the amp and finger tested the pickups before re-stringing the guitar. All three EJ pickups responded without drama.

Restrung, re launch amp and absolutely zero skip or missed connection when switching thru neck/mid/bridge pickups.

The missing middle coil was disconcerting.....not so anymore. Back in step with my EJ.

Your guidance was spot on. Blessings to you and yours for the upcoming holidays.

Rgds, Yukon.

That's what they pay me the 'big money' for! LOL

Glad to help and Blessings to you and your's as well!!

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