HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

Artsi

New member
Hello,

I originally asked about this wiring issue in the Facebook but some questions were still left open:

My pickups would be Humbucker in the bridge position and single coil in the neck position. There should be a 3-way switch and in the middle position the humbucker should be split.

As you can see, my intention is to have a strat single coil neck sound, a strat in-between sound and a humbucker bridge sounds. No push-pull pots, just straight forward sounds that cover most of my playing.

It was said in FB that Tele switch should have this option available. If so, is it possible to place Tele switch to strat pickquard or does it need different slot? Or are any of the 3-way strat switches similar to the Tele switches so that similar wiring schematics would be applicable?

And then, last but not least: any pickup suggestions that would give the classic Strat tones in neck position and middle position? I'm quite open with the humbucker, because I like most of the "close to '59" output range humbuckers.

Sincerely,

Artsi
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

Yes, I'm pretty sure this can be done with a regular Tele 3-way switch. The Tele switch fits into a Strat just fine, they're pretty much the same thing. Strats originally shipped with 3-way switches, the exact same part as in a Tele.

The wiring will be quite unconventional. You would use one side of the switch to switch the neck pickup in and out, but the other side would be used for switching what part of the humbucker is connected to ground, with the humbucker output always connected.

I will try to come up with a diagram for you later today.

The best thing you can do for a Strat neck tone is to put a Strat pickup in there. If you can't manage that then just a slightly higher output Tele pickup might be nice.
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

To achieve this, the humbucker is always on. The selector switch determines how many coils (if any) of the humbucker contribute any signal. I do not like wiring pickups this way as it can contribute additional noise.

Unless the host guitar has over thirty frets, the distance between the neck and split bridge position pickups is not going to result in a convincing Stratocaster "in-between" sound.

If the guitar being modified is a Stratocaster, I would be inclined to wire its control pots as Master Volume, Master Tone, Spin-a-split for the bridge PU.
 
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Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

Sorry to bump, did anyone ever got a diagram for this? I may have to wire a guitar this way for a friend.

Cheers
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

I just finished an HS Strat with 3 way blade switch (dummy middle single coil). STK-S7 neck, TB12 Screamin Demon bridge. I wanted to split the SD in middle position but it is not possible with a regular 3-way blade switch.
But to my surprise, it's the first time I'm liking a middle position with a humbucker!!! Maybe due to SD, to my ears, having a single coil flavor? I'm happy I didn't split in middle position as I really have 3 usable positions out of that guitar.
And with tone pot on 10 on clean channel, not vintage but real usable strat bridge sound.
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

I don't find the split tone of the TB-12 to be all that great, FWIW.

By themselves, I find I really only like some of the 44AWG offerings in split mode for the bridge position.

A split Custom (or 59/Custom Hybrid) by itself is only meh for me (SH-5, SH-14, SH-16, etc.).
 
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Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

It's do-able, but not ideal:

Tele_HB_Split.png

In the middle position, (split mode), the stud coil of the HB'er will be hanging out on the "hot" side of the circuit. Perhaps, acting as a noise antenna.
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

In the middle position, (split mode), the stud coil of the HB'er will be hanging out on the "hot" side of the circuit. Perhaps, acting as a noise antenna.
For those (like me) who might want the slug coil active: replace the red/white with black/green, green (to ground) with white (to ground), and black with red (as the hot lead)
 
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Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

I'm thinking of doing an HS strat with a 59/Custom and an SSL2, a volume and a tone with a 3 way blade and want to have a middle position of bridge slug and neck in parallel.

Reviving this thread since it's the only productive one I've found on the topic rather than starting another one.

First of all, I have to admit I don't get the diagram since I'm used to 4 per side charts.


Second, is it sure that it will act as a noise antenna?

Finally, is there a 3 way super switch I could use to avoid the noise antenna issue?

I know I could use a 5 way but I really just want these three positions and not have to pull/push either.

Thanks!
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

I've done the 4 way switch version in my Squier 51 and it is silent in the middle position (neck single and split hb bridge, with the other coil hanging on the hot). And honestly, the split bridge by itself is no more noisy than the single alone. I had good luck with the setup.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

If you find a way with a regular 3-way blade switch let us know. I tried every permutation and none worked.
I'm surprised to be happy with neck and full Screamin Demon in middle position, maybe you can try first.
 
Re: HS wiring with Tele switch, auto split

I've done the 4 way switch version in my Squier 51 and it is silent in the middle position (neck single and split hb bridge, with the other coil hanging on the hot). And honestly, the split bridge by itself is no more noisy than the single alone. I had good luck with the setup.

That's good to hear.

If you find a way with a regular 3-way blade switch let us know. I tried every permutation and none worked.
I'm surprised to be happy with neck and full Screamin Demon in middle position, maybe you can try first.

I haven't. Like I said this thread was probably the best source (along with some wirings on the phostenix that now seem to be down).

I entertained myself doing the wiring with a DiM EP1111 (hopefully it's correct)but I prefer normal blades.

fc7bfa3980ee17e19e3fa841eade850e.jpg
 
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