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There's no rocket science here. But I had this simple idea for an alternative to the classic 5-way switch, (which I've never really liked.)
All it is, is two stacked 3-way's. This offers a couple of nice options. Basically, you divide your three pickups into two functional "groups". In this diagram, I do neck/middle and bridge. Although, neck/bridge and middle would work great also.
One 3-way switch selects between neck and middle. The other selects between the setting of the 1st 3-way, and bridge. With both 3-ways in the middle, you have all three pups on. Or, with the second "group" option. One 3-way selects between neck and bridge, while the other one brings in the middle. Either by itself, or in conjunction with either neck/bridge.
The main thing is, you can have any combo of the three pickups with a simple switch movement - including all three pups.
(I also show a simple template to make a switch adaptor out of pickguard material, to adapt two 3-way's to the 5-way mount.)
As usual, hold down SHIFT and click the image for the full size version.
I was gonna wait 'til I actually got my new Peavey to post this, (after I actually tried it out), but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
BTW - If you wanted to maintain twin tone controls, simply mount them immediately prior to the second 3-way. This way you'ld have a tone control for each "group".
One last thing: my diagram shows three humbuckers. You probaly wouldn't have that, but it works the same way for singles. I just used pre-existing drawings I had. However, you could use HB's. Make each vol/tone/tone pot a push/pull, and you have individual control over splitting and mixing them in any combo.
Or reversing singles . . . or HB's . . . the possibilities are endless.
All it is, is two stacked 3-way's. This offers a couple of nice options. Basically, you divide your three pickups into two functional "groups". In this diagram, I do neck/middle and bridge. Although, neck/bridge and middle would work great also.
One 3-way switch selects between neck and middle. The other selects between the setting of the 1st 3-way, and bridge. With both 3-ways in the middle, you have all three pups on. Or, with the second "group" option. One 3-way selects between neck and bridge, while the other one brings in the middle. Either by itself, or in conjunction with either neck/bridge.
The main thing is, you can have any combo of the three pickups with a simple switch movement - including all three pups.
(I also show a simple template to make a switch adaptor out of pickguard material, to adapt two 3-way's to the 5-way mount.)
As usual, hold down SHIFT and click the image for the full size version.
I was gonna wait 'til I actually got my new Peavey to post this, (after I actually tried it out), but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.
BTW - If you wanted to maintain twin tone controls, simply mount them immediately prior to the second 3-way. This way you'ld have a tone control for each "group".
One last thing: my diagram shows three humbuckers. You probaly wouldn't have that, but it works the same way for singles. I just used pre-existing drawings I had. However, you could use HB's. Make each vol/tone/tone pot a push/pull, and you have individual control over splitting and mixing them in any combo.
Or reversing singles . . . or HB's . . . the possibilities are endless.
). It's used along with a 4 pole 5 throw (independent throws ... same as a super switch), it activate various series modes along with differences specific to the S/S/S and S/S/H models.
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