jtvrider

Also reviving an old thread but I had the same problem and I think I have a good fix. Like Kevbo4, the problem was the 5 way selector switch affecting the middle pickup. The switch assembly comprises the mechanical part and a small narrow pcb that the pickup wiring is soldered to. The pcb is connected to the mechanical switch via tiny crimps - like rivets. Those rivets corrode and make a bad contact with the copper on the switch. Fortunately, after unscrewing the switch assembly from the scratch plate, the bad joint was just visible and accessible without unsoldering any of the wiring. I was able to flow a tiny amount of solder over the bad joint, hopefully resulting in a permanent fix. Other similar joints were not accessible so I guess it's only a matter of time until another joint goes bad. Time will tell. I recommend using a good quality soldering iron with a small tip (eg. for electronics work) and good quality solder (also for electronics work) with a flux that will cut through the corrosion. Maybe this will help someone else. Update 1 year on ... developed a similar problem with the selector switch not selecting program modes reliably. Cause was corrosion as described above, just affecting a different set of switch contacts. This time required disassembly of the switch and reflowing solder over each of the crimped contacts between the switch and header board. Managed to do it with the wiring still attached but wasn't easy. Hoping it will be a permanent fix this time.