Guitar repair question

[griffiti]

I have a Peavey EVH Wolfgang (not the new ones). About a month ago, the bridge pickup went silent. I'm not sure if it's a failing selector switch or the pickup itself. Anyone know of any YouTube videos or instructional sites that might assist me? I've looked around a bit, but I'm really not sure how to determine what is failing. I could easily spend $25 + parts to get it fixed. But I kind of wanted to learn myself.

I've been using my Fender SuperStrat Custom Shop lately.

 

[johnnyjellybean]

I have a Peavey EVH Wolfgang (not the new ones). About a month ago, the bridge pickup went silent. I'm not sure if it's a failing selector switch or the pickup itself. Anyone know of any YouTube videos or instructional sites that might assist me? I've looked around a bit, but I'm really not sure how to determine what is failing. I could easily spend $25 + parts to get it fixed. But I kind of wanted to learn myself.

I've been using my Fender SuperStrat Custom Shop lately.

If it is completely silent then it's probably just shorted to ground. It's when they lose "most" of the output and all the bottom end that you have to worry. That usually signifies an open coil.

 

[griffiti]

So to fix it, I just need to resolder the ground wire - if in fact, that is what's wrong? Is soldering difficult?

 

[sswanson]

So to fix it, I just need to resolder the ground wire - if in fact, that is what's wrong? Is soldering difficult?

That would be an open, not a short, but it's still common. I've had wires come un-soldered from the backs of control pots. Soldering isn't difficult but I'd practice on something before going after your guitar. A lot of times if a switch is going bad it will be intermittent for a period of time. See if the pickup cuts in and out if you wiggle the selector switch (Gently). If that doesn't work open up the control cavity and look for wires that have come loose, you could play the guitar and move the wires around (Again, Gently. Don't pull on anything) If the pickup cuts in and out by moving a specific wire it should be pretty easy to pinpoint the problem.

 

[glpg80]

the wiring in those guitars is not cheaply done - i highly doubt it is the wiring. i owned an early model EVH wolfgang special for 4 years.

it is probably the butterfly pickup selector - when was the last time it was cleaned/inspected? the contacts could have alot of buildup - or the metal pieces are not making complete contact.

thats what i would check. the wiring on the pots/pickups is very well done and i doubt that is your problem

 

[griffiti]

the wiring in those guitars is not cheaply done - i highly doubt it is the wiring. i owned an early model EVH wolfgang special for 4 years.

it is probably the butterfly pickup selector - when was the last time it was cleaned/inspected? the contacts could have alot of buildup - or the metal pieces are not making complete contact.

thats what i would check. the wiring on the pots/pickups is very well done and i doubt that is your problem

What do I use to clean the pickup selector?

 

[Strat+Marshall]

the wiring in those guitars is not cheaply done - i highly doubt it is the wiring. i owned an early model EVH wolfgang special for 4 years.

it is probably the butterfly pickup selector - when was the last time it was cleaned/inspected? the contacts could have alot of buildup - or the metal pieces are not making complete contact.

thats what i would check. the wiring on the pots/pickups is very well done and i doubt that is your problem

What do I use to clean the pickup selector?

Contact cleaner.