Squier VM Jazzmaster, why you treat me so bad?

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 12:40 pm

Howdy folks, long time no... read?

Just bought meself a Squier VM Jazzmaster. No complaints so far, apart from one massive one. The first time I went to change pickups, the selector knob fell off in my hand. I've taken the scratchplate off, but I've no idea what it's supposed to look like when it's fixed. Anybody any experience with it? Can't find much information on how to fix these things.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 1:11 pm

Is it the actual plastic tip of the pickup selector switch ? or entire switch ?

Or the actual concentric knobs near the jack ?

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 1:12 pm

Just the toggle part of the switch. The plastic bit on the end's still on there, and the electrical part of the switch is still attached to the scratchplate. I'll fire a photo up when I find my phone.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 1:19 pm

Ah ok.... that's not good.

Did you buy it new ? if so it'll be covered under warranty.

If the switch has collapsed it sounds like the pin or whatever that holds the toggle in place has given way.

Try reposition or buy whole new switch.

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:06 pm

Balls. Really would not be fucked sending it back. This is why you don't buy guitars over the internet.

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:18 pm

If you can solder fitting a new switch is a pretty easy and cheap repair. Just order a new toggle switch from axesrus.com then solder the wires from the old switch on to the same part on the new switch. You could always take it to a guitar tech - they wouldn't charge very much.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:42 pm

You could see if the shop will speak with Fender and have them send out a replacement part FOC, rather than the additional cost of shipping a whole guitar etc. They probably would want to see the guitar though, or at least a photo.

If you've only just got it, you could say it's happened in transit and it's shipping damage and get a replacement guitar... although you're probably better off being honest about it.

... if it were me I'd opt for a higher quality switch, at least that way you have upgraded and it wont likely happen again. Like mrperson says... it's a very easy solder job.

The quality of the electrics in the VM Squiers have concerned me otherwise they're really nice.

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:46 pm

There is that. Not too bothered about the soldering part - only thing is I can't see how to unmount the switch from the scratchplate, the way it's attached. Looks like it needs a really thin spanner.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:50 pm

WIth a bit of care.... I would say cloth and pliers....

This part here just un screws if its the same. and the switch will drop inside.
----------------------------------------------------------------V

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:00 pm

That's exactly the job. Got it with some pliers. Going to see about saving the original switch, but if I can't, getting the dealer to send one.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:08 pm

You can see on the threaded part in the photo a little black hole which should be the same on the other side. From memory that's where the pin / rod should go & is where the switch pivots from... that's what I guessed had fallen out, but that's just a guess.

BacchusJim · Post by **BacchusJim** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 3:40 pm

You're right, the little pin that holds the toggle in place is loose, and keeps falling out. To speak technically, I think it's fucked. Just called to dealer for a new one. Thanks for the help, folks - it's been a learning experience.

honeyiscool · Post by **honeyiscool** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 7:41 pm

That's the thing about import guitars. They have terrible toggle switches. Don't try to save it or get another from Squier. Just get a good hefty $15 switch and it'll last you the next 30+ years.

NickS · Post by **NickS** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:03 pm

honeyiscool wrote:That's the thing about import guitars. They have terrible toggle switches.

For many posters on this board (including Jim), USA-built guitars are imports.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:41 pm

i've never replaced an toggley on any imported guitar i've owned.

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 2:23 am

honeyiscool wrote:That's the thing about import guitars. They have terrible toggle switches. Don't try to save it or get another from Squier. Just get a good hefty $15 switch and it'll last you the next 30+ years.

I'd agree to this, I was going to suggest it earlier too.

honeyiscool · Post by **honeyiscool** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 6:59 pm

I'd say nowadays with Alpha being the norm (or JS, which aren't bad), selector switches are the one universally sucky thing left in Asian guitars. Even Japanese Fenders, I've seen with some really wack switches.