360/12 Toggle Issues

[35012]

Today, I was playing my 360/12 when I noticed that whenever I switched to the bridge pickup, there was no sound coming from it. Then I noticed that the neck and middle selections had the same tone (no hint of the bridge pickup in the middle setting.) The pickup was working fine literally seconds before, so I know it is not just the pickup itself. The toggle switch is making squeaking sounds when I use it now, as if the switch has something caught in it. What should I do?

[jingle_jangle]

The squeak is probably friction between the toggle pivot and its socket, or between the bottom post of the toggle and one of the spring strips that it acts upon. A bit of Vaseline applied with a toothpick and worked in by operating the switch several times, will take care of it.

Check the wiring for broken connections. If there are none, it will probably be a switch contact that has corroded. This can be cleaned up with a small strip of fine sandpaper passed between the contacts to remove oxidation from both sides.

It's also possible that one of the switch springs has bent beyond its service limits, and the contacts for the treble pickup are not connecting. Viewing the switch from directly above will tell you if there are any gaps in the contacts when the treble side is activated. If so, some gentle and judicious bending will probably correct the defect. Go easy.