Pickup blender *toggle* pot?

[sumitagarwal]

Not exactly a toggle, but using that term to illustrate the ergonomics.

I'm used to Gibson toggle selectors but am interested in experimenting with pickup blend wiring. I thought it'd be ideal to have something that moves in a single sliding axis, like a toggle switch, but instead of 3 discreet positions having a continuous slide and blend.

Ergonomically it'd be like a single-axis joystick, if that makes any sense. Anyone familiar with a potentiometer that would work that way?

 

[beaubrummels]

Just use a regular fader control. Only L/R controls might have a center detent, however.

 

[sumitagarwal]

Just use a regular fader control. Only L/R controls might have a center detent, however.

Do you know of one that would fit in a toggle switch space? Don't want to route or change too much of the ergonomics

 

[beaubrummels]

Do you know of one that would fit in a toggle switch space? Don't want to route or change too much of the ergonomics

I've never seen a fader that would fit in a toggle switch space. How would you slide it if it was only the width of a toggle switch?

 

[sumitagarwal]

I've never seen a fader that would fit in a toggle switch space. How would you slide it if it was only the width of a toggle switch?

I was thinking less like a slider and more like a mini joystick that only moves in one axis

 

[beaubrummels]

FWIW I used a balance/blend pot on my SG to solve that problem.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I've never seen a fader that works like a toggle, certainly not that will fit in a guitar switch hole.

 

[beaubrummels]

I will say, the idea is a great one. A blend instead of a switch is a fantastic solution for some situations. In my case, I had songs where I needed to play rhythm, hold a chord, and then fade into a lead tone for the solo section, then fade back out of the last solo note into the next rhythm section. It's different than just rolling the volume, because you are actually switching pickups gradually. Can't replace a switch all the time, but it's a great option for certain songs/music.

 

[sumitagarwal]

I will say, the idea is a great one. A blend instead of a switch is a fantastic solution for some situations. In my case, I had songs where I needed to play rhythm, hold a chord, and then fade into a lead tone for the solo section, then fade back out of the last solo note into the next rhythm section. It's different than just rolling the volume, because you are actually switching pickups gradually. Can't replace a switch all the time, but it's a great option for certain songs/music.

Glad you think so.

​​​​​admittedly it's probably a better idea for a Strat-style lever but I play Gibson types

 

[El Dunco]

Glad you think so.

​​​​​admittedly it's probably a better idea for a Strat-style lever but I play Gibson types

I was thinking it would be possible to find or make a fader that fits into a blade style switch slot. For Gibson style, why not a blend pot/knob? The action wouldn’t be much different from riding the volume or tone.

 

[sumitagarwal]

I was thinking it would be possible to find or make a fader that fits into a blade style switch slot. For Gibson style, why not a blend pot/knob? The action wouldn’t be much different from riding the volume or tone.

Definitely thinking about putting a pot in there. Might look a little funny on the lower horn of an Explorer

 

[GuitarDoc]

A blender pot like the Fender TBS double pot, but without the resister and cap?

 

[ehdwuld]

A knob would work
like they use on a bass guitar

Outside legs to pickups
Center to volume or out put jack
Depending on topology

 

[ehdwuld]

The joystick idea would be cool but
even on those its just four contacts
And some sort of brain that cyphers out what to do with different combinations