Can I fix these two problems on my own?

I'll address the switch problem. It may be that the switch is just dirty. Get yourself a spray can of contact cleaner and see if that clears the problem. Try that before changing a switch, which can be anything from dead easy to "better let a pro do it", depending on the guitar.

I'm no expert on classical guitar problems, so I'll leave that to someone who is more qualified than me.

Thanks for the suggestion! I took it to a music store a year or two ago and they apparently fixed it. It worked fine for about two months before messing up again. Do you think that sounds like a bad pickup switch?
Thanks!

Good answer on the electrical switch.

Regarding the classical, I haven't seen many with a truss rod, or adjustable re-inforced neck. Seems to me, that many are re-inforced with the steel rod, but they may not be accessible. Look for a hex key adjustment inside the heel, and google the internet. Your problem is indicating a negative bow, or a possible hump in the neck/fretboard.

Otherwise, check the white plastic saddle which the strings cross over at the bridge. You might be able to shim it up a bit with a piece of compatible material underneath, or replace the entire thing for a couple of bucks (to raise action just a tad). Good luck.

I appreciate the help! I don't know much about guitars and their electronics or anything like that, but I would really like to know enough to work on my guitars and understand what other guitarists are talking about. :)

I appreciate the help! I don't know much about guitars and their electronics or anything like that, but I would really like to know enough to work on my guitars and understand what other guitarists are talking about. :)

It's always for a worthy cause, if you like to fix your guitars and that includes electronic in addition to mechanical issues. It can be more satisfying being a do-it-yourselfer often, than taking them into a guitar tech or repair shop. Of course it is sometimes necessary to have person who does it for a living, take care of your guitar. I hesitate to say that it makes them a pro, but they should be reliable if you ask about the problem, get an estimate, and choose them based on their abilities and quality of work.

However, I've noticed that there are quite a few people here who know their stuff, with years of experience and technical smarts and are willing to help you, so ask any question. :)

I myself got more distracted with troubleshooting and repairing guitars than I did with playing them, which in some instances led to dissatisfaction in the factories' standard equipment and production methods, so I spent more time modifying and building electrics than I did playing. Changing pickups, electronics and shielding was almost essential.

Oh well, it's still a great hobby - just took a different direction? Different strokes. :roll:

I took it to a music store a year or two ago and they apparently fixed it. It worked fine for about two months before messing up again. Do you think that sounds like a bad pickup switch?

Yep- specifically sounds to me like the music shop did what another poster recommended- cleaned the switch. BUt if it stopped working again in a couple of months, the switch itself is going- it may be that the contact points are worn enough that they're corroding easily, may be a cheap switch to begin with, or may just not be making contact any more for whatever reason that I'm not thinking of.

Seems to me that a replacement is pending. I've only done this once- it's not super easy, but not difficult either. If you know how to solder, it should be do-able. If not, I'd have a friend show you, or else get to the shop.

In either case, before you take the old switch out, label the wires and take photos of the way it's connected now...

What did they tell you when you last had it in the shop?

Best,
Ande

I took it to a music store a year or two ago and they apparently fixed it. It worked fine for about two months before messing up again. Do you think that sounds like a bad pickup switch?

Yep- specifically sounds to me like the music shop did what another poster recommended- cleaned the switch. BUt if it stopped working again in a couple of months, the switch itself is going- it may be that the contact points are worn enough that they're corroding easily, may be a cheap switch to begin with, or may just not be making contact any more for whatever reason that I'm not thinking of.

Seems to me that a replacement is pending. I've only done this once- it's not super easy, but not difficult either. If you know how to solder, it should be do-able. If not, I'd have a friend show you, or else get to the shop.

In either case, before you take the old switch out, label the wires and take photos of the way it's connected now...

What did they tell you when you last had it in the shop?

Best,
Ande

Unfortunately, it was picked up by someone else who doesn't know anything about guitars and didn't bother to ask what was done. Eventually, I hope to buy a better guitar, but for now I would like to fix this.

Thanks again! I guess I'll buy a replacement and try and do it on my own.