Three way switching option

Demanic

PenultimateTone Member
How is it possible to allow the middle position of a three way switch to have the choice of either series or parallel wiring? I find this to be particularly interesting for a guitar with dual HB's in Triple Shots. Along with maybe a phase switch option.
 
Re: Three way switching option

Going from memory and without drawing a lot of scribble lines on paper (I can't help it, I'm an engineer) I believe it's tough to get a series/parallel switch to work only in the middle position of a typical Gibson-style 3-way toggle. I think if you want a series combo on that type to guitar, you settle for a switch that adds the neck in series to the usual bridge position.

Series/parallel is easier to do with a Fender-style blade switch. Bridge/parallel/neck/series is a common mod on Teles with a four-way switch. Check the support page, I'm sure there will be 4-way Tele diagram there.

Does the Page wiring include a pickups-in-series mode? You might find some insight there, but tied amidst all the other doodads.
 
Re: Three way switching option

Definitely possible via a CRL lever selector switch à la Telecaster. (DPDT mode switch required.)

The Switchcraft type three-way selector switch actually works by "deselecting" which ever pickup is not in use. The toggle parts the sprung metal contact leaves within the switch assembly. A simple series/parallel switch, in circuit before the selector switch, will probably leave something hanging and introduce noise.

The so-called Jimmy Page wiring using four push-pull pots does allow the operational coils of two pickups to be linked in series.

In recent years, Page has been making extensive use of the Freeway selector switch. These offer six possible selections and can be wired up in numerous ways. I have the Freeway 3X3-03 in my 1993 PRS Custom. I'll never go back to the rotary selector.
 
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