Two Fender 5 way super switches. Question about the posts for soldering to

[vocalnoise]

I have been waiting for a few days to have my first post on the Fender page, but it is still not up, so I am hoping somebody here might know the answer to this:

My '97 American Lone Star Strat that I have has a 5 way super switch with 12 total posts on each layer (front layer has 12, back layer has 12).

The guitar I am modding my lone star to approximate is the Elite strat which has an S-1, a push/push switch, 1 vol, 2 tones, and a 5 way super switch . . . BUT the 5-way super switch has 12 posts on the front layer, but only 8 on the back layer. I have the S-1, and the push/push switch and capicitors are arriving tomorrow.

My question is in regard to wiring up the pots, switches, and pickups. Are the 8 posts in the rear of the Elite basically a common on either side, then the middle 6 from the Lone Star Strat style 5 way super switch? In other words, if we leave the first posts on the left and right as common, then ignore/remove the next 2 on each side, would the remaining 3 be the same thing as the Elite Strat 5 way switch?

If this makes no sense, I'll draw it out and put an X through the 4 posts I'm talking about ignoring/removing (I wouldn't actually remove them).

The other thing that I believe might make sense would be to leave the first posts on left and right as commons, then ignore/remove the 4 at the top of the arch (2 on the let, 2 on the right), leaving the remaining posts as 8, like the Elite.

I'll just buy a new Elite style 5 way super switch if I need to, but I'd prefer to learn about how these things work and use the new Lone Star style 5 way super switch that I already have. I just cannot find any material on the Elite switch that sheds light on this particular question.

Thanks for your help. If I get my Fender post up soon and find an answer, I'll come here and add it.

Jon

 

[Jacew]

Re: Two Fender 5 way super switches. Question about the posts for soldering to

If those are open style switches, like they should be, you can see where they connect with each position just by looking it from it's side.

In doubt, check the continuity between tabs with mutlimeter.

Just by explaining it'll be unlikely you get it right first time. Personally I've wired those backwards so many times just by following schematic I now check them multiple times while working to make sure.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two Fender 5 way super switches. Question about the posts for soldering to

Like Jace says, a description will be difficult, however, here goes.

It appears the new super switch is a 4-pole like before, but 2 of the poles have 5 discrete positions like the previous super switch and 2 of the poles have 3 positions that “bridge” connections for the in between positions, similar to a standard 3-way. You’ll have to create jumpers on the old style switch to get the same effect in the in between positions. On the Elite diagram, one of these is used for tone control selection, that one should be easy. The other one is part of the S-1 switching, so you’ll have to trace to make sure it functions the same way.

I too just use a multimeter to confirm the functionality of the switch.

 

[vocalnoise]

Re: Two Fender 5 way super switches. Question about the posts for soldering to

Thanks y'all,

I'll dive in with the multimeter to see what's what, then decipher the description provided--I figured it would be tough to put it into words, but that gets me facing in the right direction since I at least know those basic terms now.

Think I'll start with alligator clip wires at first so I can experiment with different positions easily.

Best,
Jon