who sells 3 way switch w/spring

I have a CRL, but it doesn't have the spring. What gives? This switch is easily bumped from the middle position to bridge.

Maybe it's an Oak Grigsby instead of a CRL you have.

Here's the Oak Grigsby 3-way, which Fender has been using for years in Teles:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/telecaster-discussion-forum/7673d1199636260-regretting-buying-cij-tl62-72us-switch_3-way_oak-grigsby-jpg

Here's the CRL 3-way:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/telecaster-discussion-forum/7672d1199636249-regretting-buying-cij-tl62-72us-switch_3-way_crl-jpg

Are the CRL's no longer sold by Fender?

It should have a spring somewhere. Perhaps it's been lost. Look for two holes where it might have been attached. If not a spring there should be some sort of detent to hold it in position.

Edit:

It may be like this 4-way switch used by Fender. A little plastic wheel moves into detents to hold it in position. Maybe you've lost your wheel.

......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/New%20Album/4-waySwitch2.jpg

You can get both types here:
http://www.specialtyguitars.com/electronics/switches.html

I've lost my wheel? Are you implying my sanity or lack thereof?:wink:


It should have a spring somewhere. Perhaps it's been lost. Look for two holes where it might have been attached. If not a spring there should be some sort of detent to hold it in position.

Edit:

It may be like this 4-way switch used by Fender. A little plastic wheel moves into detents to hold it in position. Maybe you've lost your wheel.

......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/New%20Album/4-waySwitch2.jpg

Yes my friend ........... I think you've lost your wheel. Has the switch lever always been loose? If not search the control cavity and the hole going to the jack. Maybe it's in there.

Are the CRL's no longer sold by Fender?

For the Teles that I've looked up part numbers on, and in Fender accessory packaging, I'm only finding that Oak Grigsby which as Jack noted has a mechanism other than the spring to help keep the switch in position.

Here's the Fender package with the Oak Grigsby:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/telecaster-discussion-forum/7674d1199636355-regretting-buying-cij-tl62-72us-switch_3-way_oak-grigsby_fender-package-jpg

Acme's info on the CRL switch (http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/3-Way_Switch_CRL__P59C10.cfm) says Fender's "switch" (pun intended) from CRL to Oak Grigsby was in the '90s:

This is the 3-way version of the switch that Fender used in Strats and Teles from the originals in the early '50s all the way into the '90s, when they switched to Oak Grigsby (both CRL and Oak Grigsby are owned by Electroswitch).

Still made by CRL, these are improved versions of the originals. The contacts on the older switches would sometimes work loose and rotate, making contact where they weren't supposed to and rendering the switch non-functional. These newer switches have punched notches in the phenolic to prevent this. As a result, these are essentially lifetime switches, you will probably never have to replace one.


The CRL has a real solid feel and makes more noise, when switching. The Oak Grigsby is smoother and quieter. I like the characteristic CRL clunk, same way I like the sound and feel of a Harley transmission. YMMV.

I decided to rummage through old parts and found a slightly beat up CRL switch.. Feels better than the "smoother" Oak switch.

Now if I can figure out why the CRL switch crackles when switching between the middle and bridge position I'll be happy.

hmm just saw the above post from yegbert.
Lifetime switch? If by lifetime you mean two years... :roll:

This is very timely for me. I was just looking at replacing several 3 way switches and the lowest price I could find was $14 plus shipping. They are way cheaper, though I don't know what shipping will add...

I'm actually going "backward" with my Strats- I've had it with that in-between sound, that "everybody-who-plays-a-Strat-sounds-the-same" thing. I'm going to put 3 ways back in my main Strats- plus I have a Tele that's intermittent with the 3 way so that has to be replaced too...

-I'm another one for CRL switches. They just feel a lot more solid to me. And Billy Claire, I'm with you on the Strat sound. I rewired my Strats with the Jimmie Vaughan wiring a few years back. My favorite position is the mid p'up alone without the tone connected. I absolutely love the tone coming from it. Next one would be the neck p'up alone.

L8R,
Matt D.

This is very timely for me. I was just looking at replacing several 3 way switches and the lowest price I could find was $14 plus shipping. They are way cheaper, though I don't know what shipping will add...

I'm actually going "backward" with my Strats- I've had it with that in-between sound, that "everybody-who-plays-a-Strat-sounds-the-same" thing. I'm going to put 3 ways back in my main Strats- plus I have a Tele that's intermittent with the 3 way so that has to be replaced too...

You know, I only use a 3-way in my strats. You can get that in between sound as that's 90% of what I use. Come on, 5-ways are just a fad. And strats are supposed to sound like strats so if everyone sounds the same then I guess Fender did it right, huh?

Now as for the telecaster question, I'd like to chime in. I see these in the link say the one model is for 2 pickup guitars? Does that mean it won't work in strat? I could you could use the same 3-way in a telecaster or a strat.

Now as for the telecaster question, I'd like to chime in. I see these in the link say the one model is for 2 pickup guitars? Does that mean it won't work in strat? I could you could use the same 3-way in a telecaster or a strat.

The 3-way switches used on Teles and Strats are identical. It is just a question of wiring.

I have several CRL switches with springs. They produce a substantial "clunk" at either end of switch travel which you either like or hate. For me it provides a heads-up for the audience that I am about to change pickups, because they need to know that.

Yes, they sure do.

Yeah, I'm a big middle pickup fan.... I think because it's a less heard sound from a Strat...

-Yeah, you get a little bit of the bridge brightness and a little bit of the neck tubbiness all in one p'up. Almost perfect.

L8R,
Matt D.