I own a American Deluxe HSS Mahogany Strat that I bought new in '05. It came with the S-1 switching system, which I frankly never really use. Recently, I've had a problem with the guitar completely cutting out that seems to be connected to the S-1 switch. When I work the switch in and out a number of times, it seems to fix the problem for the moment. It is beginning to happen on a more frequent basis lately.
Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Any idea if Fender would repair this under warranty since the switch is barely ever used?
Thanks!
Steve

Hi Steve

Its probably just oxidised contacts in the switch, its worth getting some
decent (like caig deoxit) or similar cleaner and giving it a squirt.

Work the switch regular and it should help to stop this happening.

Thanks for the response. Sounds like the cheapest thing to try first. Ya think the DeOx will penetrate through the knob switch, or do I need remove the knob from the pot or even take the pickguard assy' off?

Steve

Its worth easing the knob off, using a couple of spoons carefully it should lift up. This will give the switch cleaner a better chance to penetrate.

If it looks like its not able to get in then ease the pickguard up to gain access from below. Course this means strings etc being removed so go for the top access first.

Oh and welcome to the forum Steve. Hope the cleaner works.

I've just been through this with my Am. Deluxe Strat. I rarely used the S1 switch but tried it recently and the guitar would cut out when trying to return the switch to the "out" position. I took the guitar to a local Fender authorized repair shop and they were willing to replace the switch under warranty. I mentioned that I didn't use the switch and wished it didn't come on the Deluxe. The tech suggested replacing with a normal Strat volume pot. I did it and won't look back.

The tech. put the original switch in my guitar case so I took a good look when I got it home. The plastic insert in the switch presses against a narrow brass post in the pot. That post had bent over and was dragging against the inside of the outer post. I don't know how it got bent just from pressing the switch but I believe it's a delicate piece.

Follow the previous advice to pull off the knob and inspect the inner post. If it's bent you may be able to salvage it but most likely it will need to be replaced. It it's not bent, maybe spray cleaner will work.

_________________
Custom Shop '59 Stratocaster
AV Hot Rod '52 Telecaster
AV '56 Stratocaster
'65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

i really dont use my switch either but i wondered if it could be replaced with standard volume pot now i got my answer lol. if the switch gives me any trouble, that is what i will do..just replace pot with standard one.

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2009 american deluxe ash stratocaster

2009 epiphone es-335 dot.
2009 65 drri amp
2009 fender vibro champ-xD amp.
2009 takamine g-4400 acoustic/electric guitar

1980 fender harvard reverb 1 amp

Well I cant add to that as you were given great advice.So welcome to the forum.lol

Thanks everyone for the advice. If I have the switch replaced with a normal volume pot, should it be 250K or 500K?

Thanks again...
Steve