2-way Strat style switch??

metalchurch79

New member
Does anyone make such a thing?
Basically a 3-way switch, but without the center detent. So it's basically bridge OR neck with nothing in between, just one smooth action....

If not there should be.
And if not, has anyone taken a switch and ground away the center detent, so it's one smooth action?
I have a few 5way switches, I may investigate if I can mod them. I currently have 4 to choose from;

- Switchcraft....has an inner wheel which rides over detents...promising....

-CRL made in USA....spring loaded, perhaps the most promising for the mod

-Schaller made in W.Germany....has a wound band spring as a tensioner, so probably not....

-no name generic, prob not worth mentioning.


Thanks for any input or ideas on this subject. I've looked but never found anything really what I'm asking about...
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Yes that's about my only other option if I can't get one or mod one to just eliminate that position. I also can't believe that such an item doesn't exist...
Is it that crazy of an idea? I'm sure others would want one as well. Especially the 2 pickup guys who run series all the time.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Yep it's not that crazy of an idea at all. I'm sure a lot of people play like that of only using their bridge and neck in series on their own. You could use an on/on mini toggle.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

They do make them. These switches were not invented for guitars. Same with the toggles used on Gibsons.

I've seen them listed in catalogs. You would have to try an electronic parts supplier and not a place that sells guitar parts.


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Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

They do make them. These switches were not invented for guitars. Same with the toggles used on Gibsons.

I've seen them listed in catalogs. You would have to try an electronic parts supplier and not a place that sells guitar parts.


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Yep, old electronics parts spec'ed by Gibson and Fender became the standard for an industry! Poring through the full Switchcraft or CRL catalog may yield dividends.

Sorry I don't have a part number though!
 
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Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

And yea i was thinking more along the lines of a main breaker type switch. Just On/On...would be awesome to have the same sound when switched like a main breaker. But not really, I actually want it to be a smooth action.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

two position toggle at auto parts store
3/8 hole

big paddle on it just like that gibson
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

You could use an on/on mini toggle.

That's what I was thinking too, to use an on/on switch. I've never seen a 2-way switch like you describe among guitar parts myself, that does not mean they don't exist though. Maybe you can find one that fits at an electronic parts supplier like the guys above suggested. Keep us informed on what you find if you would take a look there metalchurch79!
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

2 way switches were made for the original Ritchie Blackmore Fender in the early 90s, which had a set neck and 2 single coils. Ritchie only uses the neck & bridge pickups, and never together. I don't know who made the switch though.
strat1.jpgstrat2.jpg
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/23245-mod-garage-ritchie-blackmore-stratocaster-mods

3 way switch with a jumper wired in so the middle position isn't dead. You have the center detent but you can switch right past it and if you do accidentally land on it, you still have signal. Or just wire bridge and neck to middle and don't use it, just for signal in case the switch ends up in the middle. Anyway, I'd do that rather than paying too much for the leslie switch.
 
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Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Here you go, Electroswitch E2G0402S. Good luck finding one at retail, though. Or get the E2G0402S-3 and remove the centering spring, those seem to be readily available.
 
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Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/23245-mod-garage-ritchie-blackmore-stratocaster-mods

3 way switch with a jumper wired in so the middle position isn't dead. You have the center detent but you can switch right past it and if you do accidentally land on it, you still have signal. Or just wire bridge and neck to middle and don't use it, just for signal in case the switch ends up in the middle. Anyway, I'd do that rather than paying too much for the leslie switch.

Perhaps you can also file the detents out.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Here you go, Electroswitch E2G0402S. Good luck finding one at retail, though. Or get the E2G0402S-3 and remove the centering spring, those seem to be readily available.

That's pretty much it right there. I will have to inquire on a price, but it has to be better than that Leslie switch. I also like that spring as opposed to the Leslie's..

I appreciate all of the help and ideas.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

It's not cheaper than the Leslie if you want one now ...

http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=E2G0402n

There are apparently only two 2 position switches, one shorting and one non-shorting. The one in stock above is non shorting (break before make). For some reason, they also list what looks like the same switch with just another number added at the end of the model number. It's 23 bucks, but not in stock. The make-before-break version isn't in stock either.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Perhaps you can also file the detents out.

If I really had to have no center detent, that's what I would work on. The 3 way switches aren't real expensive. Not being much of a strat or tele type guy, I haven't studied the switches but it may just be a matter of removing a spring contact for the center position.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

It's not cheaper than the Leslie if you want one now ...

http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=E2G0402n

There are apparently only two 2 position switches, one shorting and one non-shorting. The one in stock above is non shorting (break before make). For some reason, they also list what looks like the same switch with just another number added at the end of the model number. It's 23 bucks, but not in stock. The make-before-break version isn't in stock either.

The -3 version has a centering spring. I'm not sure that's really desirable in a guitar switch.
 
Re: 2-way Strat style switch??

Thanks for pointing that out darg...

This is becoming difficult isn't it? 1 step forward and 2 steps back. However, I am in a much better spot with you guys help on this matter. If I can get a batch of 10 at a reasonable price, I'm going to keep a few and give some away to you guys for helping me. Mark my words on that.
 
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