Are triple shot switches hard to use?

[zionstrat]

I messed around with triple shots quite a few times but have never used one performing and I have heard some people mention that they can be difficult to switch in the heat of the moment.

I've got a client that would probably do well with triple shots but he definitely needs to be flipping switches quite often.

So I wanted to ask those of you who have used the triple shots in the real world, are they easy to switch?

Strengths and weaknesses and any other thoughts appreciated.

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[Demanic]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

I don't think that they are hard to use. However I don't tend to change them when playing. I set them where I want, then just use the main three way while playing.

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[Golem]

Are triple shot switches hard to use?

It can be done with a pick on the fly.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

I don't think they are so hard to change as remember what is what.

Change in between songs - no big deal.

On the fly in the middle of a song? Use mini-toggles.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

When you first get them, it is a little strange. You get really good at it in no time. Some people use a pick, but I used a fingernail to grab 'em. I got pretty quick.

 

[zionstrat]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

Great summary guys.

Sounds a bit like a push-pull pot. Could be a challenge to change between a verse and a chorus and you have to memorize what the position does on your guitar... but works well if you keep the limitations in mind?

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[Demanic]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

You guys are overthinking it.

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[ItsaBass]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

They are not "hard" to use – just slow to use. I can't operate them in the fraction of a beat during which most switch flips need to happen during a song.

That said, I rarely feel the need to switch between different Triple Shot functions within a song. Within a set, sure, but not within a song.

They are also overkill for many things. E.g. I only use two Triple Shot options on my P Rails most of the time (P90 and full humbucker), not the four provided. They are great for letting you know which options you want...and then if it's only a few, you can ditch the Triple Shots and wire those options in in a more typical way.

However, they are great because they let you otherwise keep stock wiring, even if you won't be using all four settings. Great for guitars that you don't want to "gut." If I don't care about gutting, and know I am only going to use two options, then Triple Shots aren't what I'll use. If I don't want to gut, and I might want to use more than two of the available settings, then Triple Shots it is.

Not great because they require the replacement of the stock pickup rings. I often don't like that, myself, unless the rings are getting replaced anyhow. I generally like keeping as many original parts in place as possible, especially on higher end guitars and guitars that have a "vintage repro" vibe/look. I'd rather use "sleeper" mods like push-push pots in those cases. On guitars of mine that I don't necessarily want to have a classic/vintage look, Triple Shots are fine by me.

Bottom line, all factors get weighed on a project-by-project basis. If Triple Shots suit the project, in they go. If they don't, then they don't.

 

[Francois]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

Are triple shot switches hard to use?

In the dark

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

I've been using TS rings for 10+ years and have them on at least a dozen guitars. To me, they are much easier to use than a p/p pot. When I first got them and wired them according to the directions I had an awful time getting used to them and remembering what coil was active in which switch combination. Then I started wiring them with the alternate wiring scheme and have had no problems at all. I switch a lot during songs and have no problem with speed of switching or remembering what does what.

When you use the alternate wiring (provided with the TS), when both switches are pointed toward the neck, the neck coil is active. When both switches are pointed toward the bridge, the bridge coil is active. When both switches are pointed toward each other, the coils are in series. When both switches are pointed away from each other, the coils are in parallel. Simple!

Yes, there is a learning curve, but not much.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Are triple shot switches hard to use?

I agree that they are easier to use than push/pull pots, and maybe even some types of toggle switches (depending on location).