Process of elimination...

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 15 Jun 2005 7:22 am

So, I have the same problem described in my earlier posts: tone and volume drop off abruptly while playing, tone gets kind of hairy and dark, volume significantly drops, and abruptly returns shortly thereafter.

I've switched cables around, I've switched volume pedals, I've switched amps, the gremlin still lives on.

If it is in the guitar (which I have to assume it is), what the heck is the problem???

Someone had mentioned a possible open coil on a pickup, but when it happens, it happens equally for both necks, when I switch back and forth.

It's an Emmons LeGrande II, and while I never use the thing, it still has a tone control in line.

Could this be a tone pot problem? Even though I use the bypass switch I can't figure out whether it might still be affecting things.

Any help is MUCH appreciated.

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 15 Jun 2005 7:48 am

The symptoms you describe, points to a faulty bypass switch or associated wiring.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 15 Jun 2005 7:53 am

Loosen the jack in the end-plate, and then turn it a little and retighten it. I once had a guitar quit altogether because the jack wasn't making good contact with the end-plate! Normally, there should be a star washer under the nut to assure a good ground connection.

Frank McBride · Post by **Frank McBride** » 15 Jun 2005 8:12 am

Check your line voltage. I have had the same problem a few times befor, Low voltage -- Well pump --Dryer--AC-- anything pulling your voltage down? I played a gig a few weeks ago and every time somone turned the water on the well pump kicked on and I lost more than half my volume. just my 2 cents.

Nicholas Dedring · Post by **Nicholas Dedring** » 15 Jun 2005 10:27 am

I appreciate the line voltage issue, but I've had this happen in a bunch of different rooms, including a stage run by a professional sound crew, with dedicated hi voltage lines running the board... I don't think that that sample set leaves the possibility of the line being in flux.

I'm going to check the jack, and see whether there's any looseness, and just in case it's another issue I'm going to run out for a completely new set of decent 1/4" cables. It's been expensive, but I've eliminated each of the issues one at a time... hey, I guess maybe I wanted a new amp and VP anyhow...

The wiring on the bypass looked like it was possible for there to be contact between the two lead wires, but I couldn't tell for sure.

The funny part is that the tone knob (even though it's constantly bypassed) is set to wide open anyhow, so it's hard to understand how I could be getting a volume and tone cut this way.

Frustrating!!!!

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 15 Jun 2005 4:41 pm

I would be more inclined to think the knife (pickup) switch is causing the problem. I have replaced the switch in my Emmons at least 3 times in the 12 years since it was built.

Bill

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 15 Jun 2005 4:44 pm

Hey Nick--don't hesitate to get in touch if you want a hand doing any switch or pot replacement work.

Dave Grafe · Post by **Dave Grafe** » 15 Jun 2005 6:18 pm

it happens equally for both necks, when I switch back and forth

It may be corroded contacts in the switch itself.[This message was edited by Dave Grafe on 15 June 2005 at 07:19 PM.]

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 15 Jun 2005 10:59 pm

Have you tried playing another guitar through your current set up. Try this if you get a chance. If there's no problem then set your guitar back up and start one by one checking anything electical beginning with the volume pedal. Then I would checkout the jack on the endplate, wiring to the pick ups, the pick ups, the tone control and neck selector switch. There's only a few things here so it's got to be something that is right there. Whenever I've had problems with my guitars over the years this is how I've found problems. Until I started using the George L cords I used to have problems with cords. Good luck! This is only my .02 worth. I'm more of a player/teacher that I am a steel mechanic!