Where do you guys get good quality LP 3-way toggle switches?

[oldmanriver]

I've used the kind that Warmoth sells and found that is was a piece of junk. It looked sturdy and well-built but was constantly jumping to the middle position with even the slightest touch. I tried bending the contacts to relieve pressure on the switch but that didn't do any good (if anything it made it worse because it now has lots of unwanted wiggle room). I've read the exact same thing about the one's that Stewmac sells. I don't trust GuitarFetish because I bought a USA-spec Tele 3-way lever switch from them before that felt flimsy and poorly built. They also come off as trying WAY too hard in the descriptions of their products (They describe their toggle switch as being "the only way to get those Jimmy Page effects". Seriously?!! What kind of idiot do you take me for, it's a just a crummy little switch!!). And I can't find a convenient way to get a hold of any Switchcraft-made toggle switches. What kind do you guys use?

 

[Strat Avenger]

AllParts...

 

[pabloman]

Switchcraft pieces are all over eBay.

 

[pabloman]

GC has Switchcraft switches in Gibson packages.

 

[Steve_Karl]

+3 on switchcraft  ... that's what Gibson use to use and might still.

 

[hannaugh]

You might want to see if there is an electrical supply store in your area.  I have two shops near me that carry high quality switches, pots, etc..., but for the longest time it didn't even occur to me that I could just drive over and pick stuff like that up, so I was constantly ordering things online and paying shipping.  Now that I know they are there, I always go there and check if they have what I want before I go and order something. 

 

[mayfly]

http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/12011X/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYO0fMRfdPTvu123jxigF9vo%3D

 

[bagman67]

http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/12011X/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtFyPk3yBMYYO0fMRfdPTvu123jxigF9vo%3D

Wow.  A 50-pack?  That said, you know where they can be found.  Which is a start.

 

[reluctant-builder]

Holy mother! Thirty-seven simoleons! (whoops)

 

[mayfly]

Holy mother! Thirty-seven simoleons! (whoops)

Well, that one is gold plated.  But it's the genuine item.

 

[bagman67]

Short-frame in chrome (or nickel, or potmetal,who knows):  http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Switchcraft/12120X/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvudeGI7i40XJQ2CvS2j0H3RUUME6rIsfs%3d 

$29.73 canadian.

 

[stubhead]

Angela has good quality parts, though most Fender so to get that switch you have to ask for Gretsch:

http://angela.com/search.aspx?find=gretsch+switch&log=false&category=5

I've found the super-duty Ernie Ball-type ones on Ebay by searching for "on/on/on switch":

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DiMarzio-Three-Position-On-On-On-4PDT-Selector-Switch-/200660867670?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2eb851da56

Here's all 106 of them:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=on-on-on+switch&_sacat=0&_odkw=on+on+on+switch&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

Digikey has 290 different ones (scroll down):

http://search.digikey.com/us/en/cat/switches/toggle/1114212?k=on-on-on%20switch

 

[Steve_Karl]

$9.98 and looks good.

http://angela.com/gretschelectromatichollowbody3positionpickupselectorswitchwithchromeswitchtip.aspx

 

[mayfly]

$9.98 and looks good.

http://angela.com/gretschelectromatichollowbody3positionpickupselectorswitchwithchromeswitchtip.aspx

That's the same one that warmoth has that the OP said he tried and didn't like.  Just Sayn'

 

[stubhead]

That's the same one that warmoth has that the OP said he tried and didn't like.  Just Sayn'

The Warmoth one has fiber plates on the bottom, the Gretsch has plated (metal?) ones; the Gretsch has what looks to be a cast center piece* that the half-round thingie* attached to, while Warmoth's looks like it's another sheetmetal piece; it may be a good design, but executed poorly by different suppliers. There are $5 ones on Ebay....

*(check your electronic part parts dictionary for these babies)

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Be careful with the Dimarzio EB style one. Dimarzio's part #EP1111; 4PDT 3 Pos on-on-on

I had one with the center split wire diagram applied to it, when you roll the volume back, there's still a hint of signal.  It doesn't roll all the way back to mute.  At first I thought it was the pot, replaced it, then I thought it was my wiring, I had it checked.  It's the switch.

I've heard other folks complain of the same issue.

I have it as a spare in my parts bin, but I've found I can have a tele blade style 3 way switch wire so the center position is the inner coils on a 2 hum setup and it works just fine.  Plus, it's a lot cheaper than paying around $30 for a special switch.  The CRL3 works just fine and allows you the future option of upgrading to a Megaswitch.