B302A Help Needed

[noc]

As the newest owner of a 1980 B302A I am very glad to a part of this group.
I finally purchased a very nice 302A and needless to say I think it is awesome in sound, feel, playability and lastly looks but having said that .....
A typlical 2-2-2 setup, 2 pu, 2 vol, 2 tone with a 3-way usually is one position neck, opposite position bridge and middle both. One position on mine is acting like a kill switch, nothing, the other two react normally. I am thinking I have a bad 3 way. Can anyone confirm?

Thanks! noc

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome. What you described is what is expected from the previous bass generation JS II but as soon as I say your switch is bad someone will come along and tell me I'm wrong. But someone will be along. Kurt?

(Kurt's 1981 B-302A)

 

[mellowgerman]

Do the two that react normally sound the same or very similar? If so, it sounds like you have an issue in the wiring or with one of your pickups.
If the two functioning positions sound different (you would definitely hear the difference) then it really is one side of your switch that doesn't work.
In my experience though it's far more likely that there is something wrong with one of the two Vol/Tone paths or with one of your pickups.
These switches are pretty simple mechanical parts, I feel like if something was wrong with the switch, you'd physically feel it when you flip it... as in it would feel looser or not lock in on one side

 

[noc]

There is a definite difference between the two positions that are operating. Down-Inop, Mid-Works, both pups, Up Considerable louder and much more bassy than the mid.
Physically the switch feels fine.

This help is much appreciated.

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

When the switch is up it should be the neck pick-up, in the middle both, and down the bridge.

I've always found the best way to tell if a pick-up is "on", is when the instrument is plugged into an amp, tap on a pick-up pole with a small metal screw driver. You should hear something through the amp.

 

[noc]

Thanks, that's consistent with what is happening. Oh well.....Stew-Mac time...hello.

Best-Noc

 

[mellowgerman]

Yeah, sounds like it's your switch then. Cheap repair!
Good thing it's not one of the pickups!