How to Troubleshoot & Repair an Electric Guitar

[@m4inline]

Man, honestly, there aren't enough thank you words to go round for this... I just fixed my guitar that was out of action for years

[@cjhoyle]

Really glad to hear! Comments like this are what motivate me to make these kind of videos.

[@Leona656]

@@cjhoyle my electric guitar had a broken wire, do you repair it for me?

[@cjhoyle]

@@Leona656 Do you live in Toronto? Please contact me by email for this.

[@danbbowen]

Amazing video.mate ...helped me

[@viziobehringer3633]

Yes 4 years later and you were the only that helped with my guitar situation! Thank you! 🤩

[@dclrock132]

Best guitar wiring troubleshooting video ever. No need to watch any others, nor buy a book. Bonuses: No annoying background music. No five-minute backstory nobody wants to hear. Just what to do. Thanks!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad this video delivered what you were looking for!

[@Alpine_Nightly]

This tutorial is amazing! On behalf of all beginners, I would just like to say "Thank you, kind person." Virtually every other "tutorial" is either scant on details, or doesn't actually show you exactly where they place the multimeter leads, and what the various readings indicate. Also, kudos for not making us sit through the process of you removing the strings. So many videos like this do that, and it drives me freaking nuts. Great job, my friend!

[@a.m.teague6219]

Thank you for this incredible tutorial. I just learned more in 16 minutes than I have in 2 months of internet searches.

[@akathecops]

Years later and still saving me money. Thank you

[@ChefNongak]

I noticed your iron ring! Many thanks from a fellow electrical engineer who was looking for information about how his guitar works and how to repair it. That helped a lot!

[@barrya7652]

Your video motivated me to disassemble my 1985 US Strat. When opened it reveled all connections intact but the pickup switch was corroded. Sprayed it with cleaner and reassembled. Used your tap method to test the pickups. They worked! Thank you for saving the cost of a trip to repair shop, Awesome! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@davidbarlow431]

You have no idea how helpful that video has just been. Thank you!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks.

[@TerribleDNA]

dude god bless. Couldn't ask for a more straight forward and clear explanation. Your the best!

[@IAskForNames]

Dude, freaking awesome video! You spoke clearly and informative!

[@billjack5394]

Amazing video! This is the way videos SHOULD be made. Your delivery and clarity are rare. Thanks

[@NoCantsAllowed]

Thank you for making this simple and step-by-step. @ 6:52 I had found my problem and fixed it after already watching at least 20-other videos and not finding my problem. THANK YOU!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad I could help!

[@RileySullivan]

Ordered a multimeter, and I’m hopeful that I can fix my Gretsch thanks to your incredibly helpful video.

[@cjhoyle]

Nice! Best of luck with your repair!

[@elektron2kim666]

I'm no expert but I enjoy fixing stuff. Videos like this save us money and time.

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear :)

[@juliettbravobravo]

Here to thank you for this excellent video in 2024! Really appreciate it.

[@iPodVideo80GB]

Thank you so much! I just decided to start playing guitar again after a 9-year break. I have the exact same guitar as you and it did not work. My problem was also with the pickup switch. However, my contacts were just corroded and some WD40 solved it. Once again, thank you for such a straightforward and easy-to-understand video!

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, glad to hear you got your problem solved too!

[@rodneynolan]

Thanks for this! Turned out that a wire had let go from the cord plug. I appreciate how you explained everything and showed exactly what to do. Cheers!

[@thegamingknockout4261]

if 6iy wj w2nh t wn wjtkd hk eem k hmh hlh fkcj n kejkh ooooff

[@NotMain879]

Bro thanks to u I just fixed a broken guitar which had a broken volume variable resistor, even though I just replaced both the volume and tone resistors. Had to steal a 20k ohm volume variable resistor from an old radio, rewired it, now it all works!! Thanks a lot my g great video!!

[@cjhoyle]

Fantastic!

[@beverlyjomitchell2903]

Wow, thank you! ... finally, a video that's straightforward and very informative! I've been searching forever to find something to help me and you are just what I've been looking for. It seems the other videos I've seen have been for someone who actually didn't really need any help at all or just some hotshot showing off his guitar playing skills. Again, thank you so much for your help. I learned a great deal in a small amount of time. Keep up the good work! 😁

[@Nastusia123]

If all tuition videos were made by you life would be a hell of a lot simpler, thank you for an easy to understand video

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

[@crimmas]

The fact that it’s a similar guitar of a similar age as mine really adds some icing onto this

[@arborinfelix]

Today I got my new bass amp but my bass gave up its soul. At first I thought my amp came defect and I plugged my second bass and it worked. I am happy that my amp works but I am sad that my bass does not. So I now will get the right tools and follow your steps. Thank you for this tutorial.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, best of luck!

[@TheBlinkisback09]

This testing method is exactly what I'm needing after my first mod project! I pickup tested the assembly before finishing it all out, but since i did finish it, I'm getting an output to tuner but it won't go past anywhere else thru the amp

[@matthewdeane235]

Thank you! I just fixed my guitar that has been broken for months! Out of tune, but working!

[@speaceyy]

Thank you soo much. I have had my electric guitar for 5 years and my wire had snapped. Thanks for the help!!!

[@michaelkalman2597]

DEAD ON SIR! My Yamaha Pac was out of commission...but 30 mins today with your video and a multimeter and I was jamming with my son to Judas Priest this same night! Simply can’t thank you enough for this video!!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm really glad it helped!

[@tchaos12345654321]

This video helped me figure out what the problem was with my guitar. Thanks a bunch for this video, I’m really happy!

[@mikebrewster7914]

Great video, I knew nothing about electrical wiring but you broke it down and made it simple

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@AbrahamOfei]

Master of the art of teaching.

[@SteveHart-tt7wk]

Great video. No extra BS, just the "how to" needed.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@giantessmaria]

thanks for the wonderfully comprehensive breakdown, and superb camera work! i have to troubleshoot one pickup on my strat which is not working, although i can barely hear it with amp volume cranked way up. not sure if its a defective pickup or what. the guitar is only 8 years old and been well cared for. not even a scratch on it, yet i have this issue. there was no sign of anything either. no scratchy potentiometer sound. no gradual decrease in volume or quality. just one day i plugged in, and it wasn't working, so i'm guessing i just may have gotten a lemon pickup...thanks again my friend, your video will help me get in there with a bit more confidence!

[@cjhoyle]

I'm glad the video was helpful. I hope you were able to solve the problem!

[@georgerobb1546]

Thank you for taking the time. Excellent explanation and demonstration. I will have your demo video with me when I go to repair. Great teacher.

[@joycegrove5602]

Thank you so much for this! It gave me the courage to use a multimeter and soldering iron - I found that one of the the wires had snapped off the power jack! All soldered now (wow those wires are so tiny) and it works a treat! My husband was impressed! ;)

[@cjhoyle]

Really glad to hear!

[@skaterpunk420]

Great video! I appreciate this, I'm learning how to fix anything I can so I'm less dependent on replacing things and this video helped me fix a friend's guitar that he has also had over 15 years now. Your guitar is in much nicer condition than his for sure haha thanks for the video!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad it was helpful! In this day and age so many people throw things away when they break and don't bother even trying to fix them. I applaud you for taking the time!

[@stepankrikava5449]

extremely helpful, didn´t even think about using multimeter, and nobody talks about it

[@cjhoyle]

Glad it was helpful, thanks!

[@peterpelchen5190]

Thanks-a-million, as it happens, I own the VERY same guitar. It just started with a slight crackle... maybe I can fix it with your help here, I sure appreciate the time you spent to share this, thank you!!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I hope you're able to resolve your issue too. I'll be curious to know if yours had a failure of the selector switch as well.

[@peterpelchen5190]

@@cjhoyle Hi CJ - it might just be the amp, but it hasn't made that sound now for some time... If it comes back, my plan is to plug the Yamaha into a newer amp, one that is working well, and see what happens. I'll still keep your link for backup! Thanks again

[@choochoochooseyou]

Absolutely brilliant video. Straight to the point, very clearly explained. Thanks.

[@seniormcgeezer7628]

Very helpful, concise and meticulous . A video that stands out for it's sheer informative value. Thanks for sharing.

[@josephryanwynne]

Here in 2021 replacing the switch on my old Yamaha EG112. Thanks for this video!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@elic13]

I learned a lot. Thank you for taking the time to teach us. Down to business, no crap.

[@rodrigogomez2446]

Thank You so much for the video and explanation, just fixed my Yamaha eg112 , greetings from Mérida México 🤘🏻

[@cjhoyle]

Awesome, nice work!

[@caseymisso8603]

Finally fixed my guitar after watching this. The best explanation!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear that it helped you to fix yours are well!

[@gabrielcomidi]

Thank you Mate! I fixed my guitars in a couple of minutes with your help!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear!

[@ryanrobertson4664]

This is GRRREAT! I love that you took the time go beyond the obvious issue and create a very informative/educational tutorial. I have a switch issue with my LTC EC-256, which I can now approach with confidence. I also love your t-shirt at the end:-) Thanks so much!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@Todd_S]

This video is prefect. My daughter's $20 garage sale guitar is this exact same model with the same problem of the selector switch. Thanks for the info!

[@cjhoyle]

Awesome, glad to hear!

[@robert.a6436]

Came here for help, turns out my eg112 had the exact same issue. Thanks a lot!

[@henrymuasml]

Great troubleshooting! Thanks for your dedication and details

[@muniramani]

Thanks. Really helps. I have a 28-year-old YG1212 similar to yours. Suddenly died while playing. Now I have another issue. 3 screws on the pickguard totally rusted out. Need to find a reverse screwdriver now.

[@noelomeli1520]

I followed your instructions and was able to fix my guitar! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@cjhoyle]

Awesome, really glad to hear, nice work!

[@vegbeast9082]

Amazing and thorough tutorial! You rock!!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@ServiceOrchestramegastore]

very informational. thank you. and by the way your logical examples and preparing works are great advice for anyone who want to work in electronic repairs.....

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks!

[@gitargr8]

I've had a non-functional Jag-Stang for so long, thanks for making this video, gonna attempt to get it working again!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks. Best of luck with your diagnostics and repair!

[@codywood3582]

You have a jag stang? Sick

[@AngelGarcia-pt4bv]

You're the best . Thank you. ND if I would've known this video 2 years ago I wouldn't been stuggling

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@KnoxvilleMX]

You are THE MAN! What a lesson. Thank you!

[@robholt2865]

I bought a pacifica for £5 ( yes really) today from someone local. Obviously I knew it wouldn't work, but the wiring is identical to this one. Can't see that there's an issue with the selector switch, so will be buying a multi meter to run the same tests. Thanks very much

[@ainokesonen8573]

Good stuff, man. Been 10+ years since I last opened up a guitar... so now I have the courage to do it. Cheers!

[@sundialrecords]

Excellent, clear, direct tutorial. Super appreciated.

[@electjmc2355]

Very nice and clear procedure for troubleshooting.

[@____jessica]

how about grounding the snares? bcs my guitar sometimes get some buzz when i didnt touch the snare can you help?

[@AsadZaman]

You deserve at least a subscription and a like. Clearly explained 👌

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks.

[@Hansykes94]

One of the most splendid instruction video on how to not only find the solve of the issue but also how to rectify it! You made it so simple yet clear and I'm so thankful for this video!! I do wish to know, when it comes to replacing the pickup selector or the vol/tone potentiometer, how do you know which kind to buy? As some have different resistance value.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks! When buying my new pickup selector, I just chose one which had the same number of positions. Hopefully the potentiometers and pickups would have some writing on them which you could reference to help you find a like-for-like replacement. I've never needed to do this myself though.

[@constantinototis4859]

Good point!! Is it a linear or logarithmic Pot?

[@mattfranklin8421]

Nice clear direction, well done. Thanks for taking the time.

[@rosscampbell7275]

Fantastic vid , I have always struggled with electrical theory . You made it simple to understand !! Wondering the part number of the replacement switch. Thanks Ross.

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I'm glad it was easy to follow. I believe I just searched for 5 position guitar selector switch. The one that I replaced it with is not identical to the original, but that doesn't bother me, especially knowing that the original failed.

[@GaryT85.]

Great video. All very helpful - I have a bass that isn't giving any sound.. this video is now my guide to getting it working again 👍🏻

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I hope you're able to repair yours!

[@joesabourin9426]

Fantastic lesson. Couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you!

[@cjhoyle]

Happy to help!

[@late2thegatefpvdfreeman319]

Imo videos like this are the reason Utube exists. Ty

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

[@miguelcalleja9274]

this video was so informative and straight to the point!

[@cjhoyle]

Glad to hear. Thanks.

[@vanceflannery4034]

Wow, that was amazing, and taught me more in 16 minutes than I could have ever imagined. Thank you!!

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@jacobarmstrong9173]

Just found this video for this EXACT guitar. Thank you for the breakdown, I hope this will help me with my feedback issues.

[@TheScottJeter]

CJ thanks for showing this. I greatly enjoyed your clear and concise explanation of how things work inside. I'm actually working on a Yamaha Pacifica (basically the same guitar with a different name) with low, dull tone. From your video, I expect that it's one of the potentiometers or capacitor. Everyone: Safety warning...do not try these troubleshooting steps with an amp. While the principles are the same, the capacitor(s) in a guitar amplifier can produce dangerous shocks. Best case you'll zap your multi-meter. Worst case, you'll stop your heart.

[@replicantpedals6085]

I don't agree - replacing pots or jacks on an amp is safe - just good food for thought to not touch any of the capacitors or the transformer. And not to do anything after it's been unplugged for a good 30min

[@juanjuarez7289]

Great video! Very useful. I accidentally disconnected the wires on the tone pod trying to adjust it and due to corrosion on the pod leads was unable to reattach them. Your video helped me trace connections to the switch from another pod. Thanks-JJ

[@joshuadixon7395]

Nice video man! Very well put together and easy to understand.

[@stevetheminer]

Excellent video. Will be saving this for future reference for sure

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, best of luck with your future repairs!

[@lukehay80]

Super helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do this

[@barrya7652]

Well done. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@lganeshkumar8115]

Life saver video, Amazing, Thank you for posting .

[@silkysilk1578]

Very very good. Thank you from the UK

[@zackbay617]

thanks brother this information is very very helpful. my Yamaha Pacifica 112 m has quit working nothing at all just like yours is doing. I was looking for answers to troubleshoot it and I happened to see your video.

[@11calman]

cjhoyle nice one mate we have all done this ourselves over the yrs but yours was very informative. Thanks from the Southern Hemisphere thanks From the

[@MrJdubs14]

Thanks so much for this helpful video! I can't get any sound out of my strat, and everything seems to be OK based off what you explain in this video except that my resistances when measuring from the input to output on the volume pot seem reversed: When the volume knob is at 10, the resistance is at max (~230k ohms), and when at 0, the resistance is also at 0. The resistance between the output and ground is as it should be (max resistance at knob setting of 10 and 0 resistance at knob setting of 0). Any ideas what is causing this?

[@OverflowSoundRules]

Thank you sir! I appreciate your thoroughness and intelligence! You are awesome!

[@cjhoyle]

Not a problem, happy to help!

[@David-r4m4m]

Thank you so much, now I think I can fix my electric guitar! My back pick up is not working or the volume control is not working also.

[@codywood3582]

So I’m remaking a vandalism Strat and with this guitar. I got the humbucker but is there any way to run the other 2 pickups and nothing else and the middle of the selector knob will be a mute. So H - mute - both s simultaneously. Sounds crazy but it’s the vandalism Strat he never used the single coils

[@mbrenne72]

Really good, comprehensive video. I think I might just go get a multimeter! Thanks. FYI - you look like Michael "Flea" Balzary's brother.

[@Icedcaramelmacchiatoo]

I like this video you're a good teacher I salute you dude

[@leich1m]

Great! Just what I needed to troubleshoot my near dead LP.

[@rubrum799]

It's the perfect tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@JohnSmith-nw2ls]

Great video Thank you so much for taking the time to put this info together for us

[@gilwood7530]

Thank you...I just bought a multi meter just for this reason and have no idea how to use one

[@DapperDavo]

Marvelous stuff! Really informative....thanks!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, glad it was informative for you.

[@spokes28]

? Would you know how to check for a cold solder joint? I’ve just put a kit together with all new parts using the 50s Gibson wiring style and while I do get sound out of the two humbuckers, it is extremely low volume from both. Thank you.

[@codywood3582]

Probably not getting all the wires in the solder. Few arnt connected you want everything from a)the humbucker, to connect to b) and if it’s a humbucker the 2 connection wires need to be like 1 I use sleeves for this part

[@MohsenMashkour]

thank you for the great content and high-quality video making.

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, happy to help.

[@victoria653]

thanks i bought a broken IBANEZ RGR321EX for 50$, ended up needing just soldering the input thing. Thanks!

[@ellisballard]

This is really clear and helpful - thank you!

[@cjhoyle]

Thanks, glad it was helpful for you!

[@staticknobs]

Great video, simple and easy to understand. Thanks brotha!!

[@cjhoyle]

No problem, thanks for watching.

[@JohnDavidBalla1927]

I just wired up my very first build from a kit. LP style. When I plug the guitar into an amp and move the 3-way switch around, sometimes I get a ton of noise and sometimes not. I have 3 humbuckers. Since it's my first time doing this, and learning how to solder, I'm guessing that the problems I'm having is because of a subpar soldering job. But when I tap on each pickup, each one makes a noise even when not selected.

[@cjhoyle]

Considering that the switch makes noise when you move it sometimes, my guess would be that the problem lies there. You should be able to confirm this though using a multimeter like I showed in the video.

[@codywood3582]

Bad grounding probably. In my experience with

[@earlotsuka6703]

Super helpful tutorial. Thank you so much

[@cjhoyle]

No problem!

[@bettyswunghole3310]

Very interesting and useful vid. Thank you!

[@dgmang92]

Thanks man! super informative and easy to follow. Legend!

[@WickBeavers]

Wont a working pickup make a noise through the amp when you tap on it with the pick? I never thought about it but suddenly I don’t think my pickups are working,and first want to know if. Thanjs

[@cjhoyle]

Yes, that is a trick I show in the video. Tap with something made of steel.

[@WickBeavers]

@@cjhoyle I have bridge synth pickups by RMC, plus a HSH pickup set up with master tone and volume, plus coil spitters on my humbuckers, all running to a 6 way switch and then a 3 way blend switch. I don’t think any of the HSH pickups are working now, no sound other than when the blend switch is switched to only synth pickups. I tap the pickups with my pick and get no noise, but I’ll try with metal. I highly suspect a short probably in an outer shielded wire used as a ground touching something hot. I’m 2500 miles from my builder or that would be my first move! I’ll get out my multimeter and screwdrivers tomorrow, and use your vid here to help trouble shoot, THANKS!