Feathered Toggle

There is a technique that some Les Paul players utilize to get a funky fazing affect. They Feather the Toggle switch so the output varies rather quickly from front pickup to back. After years of this kind of abuse the toggle suddenly decides that one of the pickups just doesn't deserve to be heard. You can see in the photo how the top tab is bent out of shape and the two copper leads are not touching anymore. The simple fix would be to replace the toggle and be done with it, $12.50 from Stew Mac. But on a classic collectable such as this one, replacing electronics devalues the guitar. I had to take a mechanics approach and bend the tab back into proper shape, making sure the connection of the two copper leads was consistent. Unfortunately I was in a hurry and forgot to take an "after" shot. The repaired toggle worked like new. This player should get a few more years out of this toggle... My suggestion would be to buy a "Faze" pedal. Save's wear and tear on the guitar... :)