I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

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preacherofrock

New member
I have a gretsch that currently has 4 knobs and a 3 way switch. I have to track down a grounding problem in the guitar, so I have to pull all the electronics out. I figure while I'm in there i may as well make some mods, as i'm not a huge fan of having 3 volume controls for 2 pickups, and would love to do something unique to it.

Basically, i would like some input into how to get the best range of tones without drilling any new holes.

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

One of the things I like about one of my guitars (HSH) is I took one of the 3 pots and made it into a blend for N-B. I have done this with strats as well. It does differ from the traditional 2 vol 2 tone blending I can do on my LP's or 2 vol 1 tone of my Hamers. Another thing you can do is a variable coil tap type thing I think. My HH jag has that and it is a great option.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

drpietrzak said:
One of the things I like about one of my guitars (HSH) is I took one of the 3 pots and made it into a blend for N-B. I have done this with strats as well. It does differ from the traditional 2 vol 2 tone blending I can do on my LP's or 2 vol 1 tone of my Hamers. Another thing you can do is a variable coil tap type thing I think. My HH jag has that and it is a great option.
Click to expand...

I'm not wanting to do the boring 2 volume 2 tone thing on this guitar. it's great on my super swede, but i want the gretsch to be unique.

I like the idea of this, but would the blend get rid of the 3-way? What would the wiring look like? My pickups are 2 conductor single coils, so I can't coil tap. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

It would make the middle position somewhat redundant with a 3 way. This would be the same as the full both pups as opposed to some blend. However as that is a very common sound it may be useful for when you are not wanting to blend. BTW - when it moves from standard wiring into anything different I have someone else do it. So I would not be the one to help much with the how.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

I'm thinking of doing a PRS 5-way rotary switch with master volume and master tone and use the other two knobs for coil-=splits, etc
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

The most versatile for 4 knobs is the Jimmy Page system. You get coil cuts, phase, and the PU's linked in series or parallel. At least 21 different sounds.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

The dude's using single coils, guys. No coil taps...
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

Is this a Gretsch that has the 4th nob on the bottom bout? If so, you might do a bass contour control on the lower bout, and then have 2 volumes and a tone.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

2 volumes, 1 tone and get an EMG active control like the SPC to boost the pickups...

Although if you have single coils and a full hollow body you might encounter problems like too much hum or feedback (don't know if anybody had tried it before).


Edit:
Or you can get a Varitone...
 
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Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

Two volumes, one tone, and a master volume to raise and lower the blend.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

3-ways are best when there is only 1 knob.
 
Re: I've got 4 knobs and a 3-way...what would you make them do?

Hey Threadstarter, please post an update once you figure out the grounding issue. I'm having the same problem with my bass, and while the electronics are def lower grade, I can't think of any logical reason why the grounding would be dysfunctional.
 
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