Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

Jack_TriPpEr

Well-known member
Ibanez has a current production git that uses a pickup switching combinationI that I really like, and want to incorporate into my own Ibanez git. The production Ibby git is the FR1620 Prestige, it uses the Ibanez VLX91 5-way switch *which is designed different than traditional 5-way switches*, and it accomplishes the following pickup switching scheme in a H-H pup set-up without the use of push-pull pot or mini-toggles, etc.

1. Bridge (series)
2. Bridge (split)
3. Neck (split) in series w Bridge (split)
4. Neck (split)
5. Neck (series)

for added info: there's only 1 Vol, and 1 tone knob in this setup

I cannot find a wiring diagram for this scheme (that specifies the VLX91 switch) anywhere on the web.

Anyone know of an existing diagram or able to figure out what the wiring needs to be to accomplish w the VLX91 switch?
 
Re: Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

The vlx switch is a 4pole 5 way super switch
Look at the link in my sig
 
Re: Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

The vlx switch is a 4pole 5 way super switch
Look at the link in my sig

Yep, you're right. I just realized I had a misunderstanding about the VLX91 switch. There are some threads at the Ibanez forum and at SevenString.org where they talk about some of Ibanez's five way switches being non-standard designs, and I came away thinking the VLX91 was one of them.

So, with that, I know some diagrams at guitarelectronics.com that will work for what I am looking to wire up.

Thanks!
 
Re: Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

The Otax VLX91 is a straightforward, four pole, five-way selector switch.

The "special" Ibanez switches are the two-pole, five-way ones that can automate between series and parallel connection of one of the humbuckers courtesy of some unusually complex tracks on their PCBs.
 
Re: Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

Its not the switch. Its the fancy wiring. A standard Fender 5-way does this. I've already got this drawn up using a 3-way. Gimme 'til morning to mod the diagram for a 5-way and you'll see how its done. ;)

Here it is quik-'n-dirty:

5-way switch diagram

5-way Chart diagram

The 2nd diagram shows you the basic signal path in each position. Its hard to visualize how it works without that. Basically, you're connecting all 4 coils in series, (in just the right sequence), then "shorting" them out, in just the right order.

Artie
 
Last edited:
Re: Wiring Diagram needed - based on Ibanez "special" 5-way switch

Follow up question: the pup i'm planning to use in the neck, is the Stag Mag. Because it is a rod-based design vs. standard bars, do I still need to flip its orientation like I would for a traditional humbucker pup?
 
Back
Top