Minor Hamer Repair(?)

[django49]

I guess this is not specific to Hamers, though it involves a Hamer.

In short form, the 3 way switch is malfunctioning.....It will not stay in the bridge position----Bounces back to the middle position.

Is there a good way to "tighten" it to hold the position? Or am I better to replace the 3 way?

Sounds like a really simple (minded) question, but I might as well do it right.,

Thanks.

[murkat]

check in side the control cavity,

see if there is anything obstructing the wafer or knob in the switch assembly

from locking into the desired position.

or

somehow, something went out of alignment in the switch assembly...

contact wafer arm is same as the other side?

A Pic will help me and you

[django49]

Looks like an obstruction it is......The rout that the switch sits in is narrow. There is slightly more than enough clearance on one side (for neck pickup selection). On the other, the "bent or angled" metal on the lower end of the arm makes contact with the wood at that side of the rout. I am thinking it will would make sense to dig out a Dremel tool and "notch" it slightly to allow it to move far enough to lock. Should be able to do that without disturbing anything.

At least that seems preferable to trying to bend the metal to a different angle or moving the switch, resoldering, etc.

[django49]

OK, I AM an idiot.....Went back to double check the contact......It does NOT hit against the side of the rout.

I can see upon reflection (and looking inside another guitar) that the switch locks into place when the "inside" part of the switch tip(?) slips UNDER that bent end, thereby holding it open. It does NOT slip under. So it almost looks as if the end is not bent ENOUGH to allow the tip to get under it. Or maybe the flat end of the switch tip is slightly too long on the one side(?)

Not sure that this is making any sense. It seemed to be working before (at least according to the person I got it from). Does not appear to be anything that would have been bumped out of shape in transit.

This is TERRIBLE photography as the flash washed out the image pretty badly, but I think you can see that, in the "bridge select" position, the black switch/button does not slip under the bent arm to hold it in place..

Guess I will have to try for a better picture when I have some natural light.

[murkat]

take out the switch.

see if it works out of the control area.

1. yes, then there is going to be some triming involved.

or, try turning, clocking it so it does not hit up on the wood.

2. no, bend the already bent wafer a little more till the black nub works like the oppisite side.

try that

[django49]

Thanks....I appreciate your good advice, experience AND patience with my struggle to explain. Will get into it tomorrow'

[kizanski]

THOSE DAMN WAFERS!!

[django49]

OKAY! Made some adjustment to the wafer (Now that I know WTH a wafer IS).....It all works, so the guitar is no longer a "double threat".....THREE really great sounds.

I really appreciate it. Where do I pay the consulting fee?

[murkat]

donate to HFC

[django49]

I can do that! Is there a link?

[Bobby Marshall]

I found a link before (can't find now) and my $$ went to hikarateboy, is that the right person for contributions, Jay?

[specialk]

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/faq.htm

Questions 4 and 5 answer this.

[django49]

Thanks......Now I am up to speed.

[Morris Davis]

Hope that wasn't the guitar I just sent you !

[django49]

Hope that wasn't the guitar I just sent you !

Absolutely NOT.....It was/is perfect......Better than you said it was...... I will have a hard time ever wanting to let that one go!