Import 3-way blade diagram

[DrNewcenstein]

It seems these are missing from the list of Duncan diagrams, even though more guitars are sold with these types of switches than the "regulation Fender" switch.

So, here's a diagram for a typical import 3-way blade with all contacts on one side. Diagram taken from a Jackson DK2M in working order.

Now all we need is a reliable import 5-way blade diagram.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Problem is that there are several variations of "import" switch, each with their terminals laid out in different orders.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

All the ones I've seen were all-8-terminals-on-one-side. Granted some were bent over the bracket and some were bent away from the bracket, but they all make the same connections.

 

[rortiz10]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Will this configuration have both pups working in the middle position? I have a Ibanez rgt-42 that I switched the 5 way blade for a 3 way blade and I can't for the life of me get the neck pup to work by itself.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Yes.

Dr.N's diagram is, effectively, modern Telecaster wiring. Simply choose pot and capacitor values to suit your guitar.

 

[hermetico]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

:fing2:

 

[lordraptor1]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

It seems these are missing from the list of Duncan diagrams, even though more guitars are sold with these types of switches than the "regulation Fender" switch.

So, here's a diagram for a typical import 3-way blade with all contacts on one side. Diagram taken from a Jackson DK2M in working order.

Now all we need is a reliable import 5-way blade diagram.

basically in order to better understand the above diagram since it doesnt exactly show the complete picture:

neck pup hot wire goes to 2 outermost tabs on one end
hot wire on bridge pup to 2 outermost tabs on opposite side
wire from outer tone pot tab to outer tab on vol pot which is then soldered to center 2 tabs on switch
ground wires from both pups to ground solder location on pot where capacitor is soldered
center tab vol pot to "tip" of output jack
"sleeve" ground of output jack to ground location on pot
wire from bridge also goes to the same pot housing location as all other grounds

there are a few other variations but this is the more common one i have seen across multiple brands ( hofner, ibanez, jackson, and fender to name a few)

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

basically in order to better understand the above diagram since it doesnt exactly show the complete picture:

Well, if you want to show the "complete picture", you forgot to mention thet the back of the vol pot will be connected to the back of the tone pot. And there is usually a ground tab on the end of the switch that should also be connected to the back of one of the pots.

neck pup hot wire goes to 2 outermost tabs on one end, hot wire on bridge pup to 2 outermost tabs on opposite side

This is different from the diagram and reverses the switch positions. In the diagram by DrN, position 1 is bridge only, 2 is neck+bridge, 3 is neck only.

Wired the way you said will give: position 1 is neck only, 2 is n+b, 3 is bridge only.

In a three-way switch like this it is no big deal, you can wire it either way. But you will have to rotate the switch 180 degrees to get the right orientation wired the way you suggested.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Hey, Funkfingers, how come you are posting as a guest?

 

[Artie]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

I hate to say it, but I'm getting to where I prefer the import switch to the "genuine" version. I've torn apart a few and I like the internal contact configuration. A little shot of Deoxit, and they're good to go.

 

[User34603]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Well, if you want to show the "complete picture", you forgot to mention thet the back of the vol pot will be connected to the back of the tone pot. And there is usually a ground tab on the end of the switch that should also be connected to the back of one of the pots.



This is different from the diagram and reverses the switch positions. In the diagram by DrN, position 1 is bridge only, 2 is neck+bridge, 3 is neck only.

Wired the way you said will give: position 1 is neck only, 2 is n+b, 3 is bridge only.

In a three-way switch like this it is no big deal, you can wire it either way. But you will have to rotate the switch 180 degrees to get the right orientation wired the way you suggested.

The diagram shown seems to lay out connections for a switch as seen from 'below' (rear of the pots). It should put every components in that same view.... and as I look at it, the switch tip pushed forward will cause the bridge pickup to be on.... Am I wrong ? Regardless or whether I am right or wrong, the diagram is not clear about every detail.... mainly the switch toggle itself!

 

[AlexR]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Well I don't know a single guitar that has the volume and tone knobs between the pickups. So this is connections based diagram that applies to anything which is 3 position blade 1v, 1t.
If for example you simply applied this to a Tele, but chose to flip the plate around as some are, then you would have the same issue of the switch not being the same way around operations wise.

So in short, brains have to be used when doing wiring for guitars.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Import 3-way blade diagram

Please save to your local computer for convenience.