3 way switch coil split query

[Meard]

Hello everyone,
Long time lurker first time poster

Ive read probably well over 100 similar posts here but none that are what im looking to do,
ok here goes, ...

Im awaiting my order of SD Hot Rails to place in the bridge of my beloved strat and hoping to modify with an added 3 way Switch so that i can have the following options :
position 1 - North coil
Position 2 - Full Humbucker
Position 3 - South coil

I have done some serious extensive searching and the closest i could find was the Series/Split/Parallel option,

ok so here is my dull question after all that explaining, ..
I know i need a 3 way DPDT switch, but, does it need to be an ON-ON-ON or an ON-OFF-ON switch ?


I hope that made sense, thanks for listening

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

Seems i literally just stumbled across my answer by pure chance, ..
so, just in case anyone else is having a similar issue in the future here are my findings, ...

For this configuration I would need an ON-OFF-ON switch :
position 1 (ON) - North coil
Position 2 (OFF) - Full Humbucker
Position 3 (ON) - South coil

And for this I would need an ON-ON-ON switch :
position 1 (ON) - Series
Position 2 (ON) - Split
Position 3 (ON) - Parallel

If i am wrong please someone jump in and tell me im an idiot

[ArtieToo]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

You are correct sir. Let us know if you need the actual diagram. I've got one floating around here somewhere.

And welcome to the forum.

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

Hi ArtieToo, and thanks for the welcome,

Thanks also for confirming for me,
I would love to see the actual diagram that would probably save a headache.

One other question is lingering in my mind, would i need 3 way switch with 3 or 6 connection poles or can i do the same with either ?

Thanks again

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

Ive had a look around and a bit of a play ... could anyone tell me if the following diagram would be correct for the required configuration mentioned in first post :

[ParameterMan]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

No. The series link needs to be connected and then alternately shorted to either hot or ground. You only need one side of the switch - red+white to the middle lug, hot and ground to either end.

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

No. The series link needs to be connected and then alternately shorted to either hot or ground. You only need one side of the switch - red+white to the middle lug, hot and ground to either end.

Hi ParameterMan,
Thanks for clearing that up for me,
I was unsure with it having 6 lugs as ive seen plenty of similar diagrams with only the 3 lugs.

My pup should be with me tomorrow so ill let you know how i get on with it

Thanks again

[Jocelyn]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

Just my 2 cents. Go for the Series, Split, Parallel 3 way switch. More tonal options, then switching between north coil, south coil and full humbucking.

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

Just my 2 cents. Go for the Series, Split, Parallel 3 way switch. More tonal options, then switching between north coil, south coil and full humbucking.

Thanks for the comment, its funny you should say that as i was kind of in between which would be best,
I will probably try them both and see which i prefer

[Meard]

Re: 3 way switch coil split query

SD pup and Switch came in the post this morning, took about 40 mins to drill a hole and install the switch and exchange pup with new,
Tried both ways and yes i prefered the 2nd option better

Thanks for your help and opinions guys, my beloved strat is now even more amazing, in fact im staggered how good the new tone/s are

Thanks again