I want a better Strat switch

thermionic

The switch in my MIM Classic Lacquer Strat is lacking a positive, feel - it feels “soft” with no real click between the positions. I notice it has no spring like the quality switches I expected to see in there:

https://i.imgur.com/VFEf1u0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/mw819Dp.jpg

So then - Oak Grigsby or CRL… do both have the classic spring action? Any preference of the two?

ICBM

CRL. The action is much nicer and they're more reliable.

swiller

10 way if you are changing it

thermionic

CRL ordered - thanks.

prowla

A Freeway (10-way) gives you other options, like neck+bridge, all three, or a couple of series options.

It works like a normal 5-way but also switches sideways onto a second row of five.'

https://www.freewayswitch.com/

SteveRobinson

It is an Oak Grigsby which is standard Fender. As @ICBM says a CRL will be a big improvement.

ICBM

SteveRobinson said:

It is an Oak Grigsby which is standard Fender. As @ICBM says a CRL will be a big improvement.

Ah, I can see the pics now - yes, that's an Oak Grigsby.

According to something I read recently, they're owned by CRL now, but they're keeping making both designs.

tone1

Very timely thread….CRL it is then. Any suggestions of where to buy to avoid fakes? 

thermionic

I just googled to see what the difference was and I found this thread:

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/44719/crl-or-oak-grigsby

Same conclusions there, but the prices have gone up about 50% in 9 years!

thermionic

tone1 said:

Very timely thread….CRL it is then. Any suggestions of where to buy to avoid fakes? 

I ordered one from Northwest Guitars, mainly because I needed a small pot of touch-up lacquer as well. Plenty of other places have them - Six String Supplies, Gear4Music, Strings Direct... although they are £30 in some places!

roberty

CRL are pricey but they are noticeably better to use

nero1701

I got caught out on ebay bout a year ago.

Oak Grigsby style switch...

So..not an oak grigsby, less than a year in and about 4-5 gigs and its starting to miss!

PAL

As already mentioned CRL.

FelineGuitars

I will only stock and supply a proper CRL switch because anything else isn’t worth it for a standard switch. Especially when it costs the same to install so for a couple of quid more you might as well have the one that feels good and will last longer

CasperCaster

tone1 said:

Very timely thread….CRL it is then. Any suggestions of where to buy to avoid fakes? 

I generally buy either from Axecaster or Six String Supplies, depending what else I might be buying/ stock availability at the time.