DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

80s

80s

New member
Hey all,
I was wondering, is it possible to use a DPDT on/on switch rather than using a 3-way selector for a 2 humbucker setup ?

Basicly, I never use the middle possition on one of me guitars and would make it alot easier (i think) if i could just select Bridge or Neck.

The setup would be, 2 SD's, 1 Volume and 1 tone.

Any suggestions ?
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Quite possible.

Choose one vertical row. Wire one pickup's hot wire to the first terminal, the other hot to the last, and a wire from the center terminal to the output jack hot.

O @ <-- pickup bridge hot
O @ <-- to output jack hot
O @ <-- pickup neck hot

("@" represents a soldered terminal. You could use the other vertical row, if you prefer. Orientate the switch so that the end with the neck hot wire attached is closer to the bridge, and the end with the bridge hot wire is closer to the neck).

Edit: this does assume a mini toggle switch. I'm don't think there are two way blade switches, but if there are, the wiring would be different.
 
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Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Yup . . . thats the correct one for what SV suggested. And its not a bad idea either. I've noticed more and more that on my twin-'bucker guitars, I tend to use one or the other.
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Might wanna try a SPDT on-on with a large actuator if its just to switch between pups. Almost as big as a 3 way toggle.

Lot easier to get a hold of on the fly than the little switches. Only bout $3 if I remember right.
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Yeah I never use the middle on a 2 pickup guitar and sometimes its annoying to flick it quickly then it goes to middle possition rather than neck.

Any ideas where i can get a DPDT on/on with a big actuator
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

80s said:
Yeah I never use the middle on a 2 pickup guitar and sometimes its annoying to flick it quickly then it goes to middle possition rather than neck.

Any ideas where I can get a DPDT on/on with a big actuator
Click to expand...


I dont think you NEED a DPDT for that. You can use a DPDT, but you don't have to use one. A SPDT will do the trick. Radio Shack has SPDT switches w/large actuators for around $3.

FYI-I found that DPDT large actuator switches are made, but not as readily available as SPDT. And they cost ALOT more. I got one from Newark-In-One for $12.50, $5 shipping and $5 under $25 charge.

Over $20 for a friggin switch! Ouch! But I needed a DPDT to go direct to jack and hate those little toggles.
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Well, if you can get a SPDT switch, my diagram stays the same, except the extra row of terminals is removed, so that's one less choice to make.
 
Re: DPDT Question with 2 Humbuckers

Thanks guys, 1 thing that does come to mind, the quality of the switch. you know like when you buy a guitar the stock switch is usally crap unless the guitar is very high spec. Will these DPDT's and SPDT's be the same ?
 
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