|
Good news, guys!
It looks like the unwanted distortion issue was being caused by a low battery. I put in a new alkaline (thanks for the tip! I would have gotten a rechargeable without it) last night and it sounds like what I remember from the week I had it pre-repair. Actually, it sounds better, because I was using the TASCAM only then and now I have the Vox AC30 amPlug (I usually use them together when practicing. Vox for the guitar amp and TASCAM for drum/metronone, backing tracks, recording, etc.). I can still get some distortion on it, but I think that is to be expected when pumping up the mid-boost high (one of the reviewers on Harmony Central called the mid-boost the "scary button" he-he).
I feel like a ninny for not knowing about the battery, TBX and mid-boost, but I didn't know that I had an EC model Strat! It was sold as a ST54-LS (when they repaired it, they wrote ST57-LS, but I think that was an clerical error). The manual is an older generic Strat manual that has nothing in it about electronics. My prior research into the Lace sensors and ST54-LS didn't lead me to learn about the battery and active circuitry.
I will post more about where I am at musically later - my history, equipment and tastes. Right now, I want to ask you about the remaining two issues with my Strat.
First, the selector switch still has a problem. After putting in the new battery, and in position 3 for middle pu only, the pu will cut out if I accidentally flick the selector switch while strumming. The flick has almost no force to it, so the impact is almost nothing. When this happens, I have to jiggle the selector knob around lightly until the sound comes back. Pre-purchase, I noticed that, when playing through the TASCAM, the selector switch made a little bit of a static sound when changing selections (no other tested guitar did this), but when testing it on a true combo amp, it didn't seem to make the switching noise. The manager thought there might be some rust on the selector wheel from lack of use. He said that with play, that would go away and I believe he oiled the selector switch. Prior to the repair, I did not notice any pickups cutting out.
So, I'd like to get your feedback on this and find out what I should ask for in a repair. Is there a certain piece of equipment I should replace the current selector with, like a specific brand and model of new selector switch? If needed, should I offer to buy the part if the shop will cover the labor?
On the tuning issue, I think I need to take the guitar to the store and play around with it in reference to other Strats. I did this in testing pre-purchase and mine actually seemed the easiest to tune out of all the Strats I tested (USA, Japan and Mexican). Perhaps there is a simple solution that my inexperience is causing me to not see here.
Anyhoo, I humbly and gratefully ask for your advice on the selector (and tuning if you feel like it). I will probably be too tied up today for another post, but will be checking periodically for your replies. I probably will go to the shop in the next few days, so I am eager for your feedback.
Thank you sooo much for all this help. You guys rock!
All the best,
Chordial
|
