Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a 2002 360 that I've been having some noise issues with. The newest issue is a selector switch that makes quite a bit of scratchy noise if I touch or wiggle it a bit while the guitar is sustaining any type of sound. Once the guitar goes quiet, it won't make noise when I touch the switch. Any ideas? I wonder if it's related to the guitar overall being noisy in some situations (not all).

Clean the contacts and make sure the blades are making a good connection; I take it this only happens in the middle position?

jps wrote:Clean the contacts and make sure the blades are making a good connection; I take it this only happens in the middle position?

Yes -- only in the middle position! It's always nice to know that my problem has been seen before.

This is a very common issue with this type of switch, but is easily fixed.

jps wrote:Clean the contacts and make sure the blades are making a good connection; I take it this only happens in the middle position?

jps,

I am also having this problem, middle position only. To clean the contacts, does one simply give them a wipe with a dry cloth?


Thanks,
bluewhale

To clean the contacts, does one simply give them a wipe with a dry cloth?

Wiping the contacts with a cloth probably won't remove any corrosion, but rubbing them with a piece of emery paper or sandpaper should do the trick.

Or some contact spray (is it called in english this way?). I mean the stuff every electronics technician is using.
That will avoid starting new corrosion for years, too.

I did it with my old '90 360/6. Even over 10 years later the scratchy noise appeared never again.

De-Oxit contact cleaner and lubricant will do the trick. Carefully bend the tab contact leaf springs closer together as well; it will be like a new switch afterwards.

Don't ever use electronic cleaner of honfers though...I called hofner and they told me to use that, I did, and it dissolved the switches. I had to send it in to get a new control plate. They were extremely nice though!

jdawe wrote:Wiping the contacts with a cloth probably won't remove any corrosion, but rubbing them with a piece of emery paper or sandpaper should do the trick.

Fine sandpaper did the job. The switch is like new. Thanks to the OP and respondents for this helpful thread.

As Jeeves would say, "I endeavour to give satisfaction, sir". Glad to help.

bluewhale wrote:

jdawe wrote:Wiping the contacts with a cloth probably won't remove any corrosion, but rubbing them with a piece of emery paper or sandpaper should do the trick.

Fine sandpaper did the job. The switch is like new. Thanks to the OP and respondents for this helpful thread.

Delivered.