Wiring problem HSH

T

Tumblinman

New member
Hello

I' having some trouble wiring a set of HSH pickups in my guitar. Hopefully, some of you good folks here can help me out.

First, let me state what I'm trying to achieve with my 5-way switch:

Pos Pickup

1 Bridge Humbucker
2 Bridge split + middle pickup
3 Bridge Humbucker + Neck humbucker
4 Neck split + middle pickup
5 Neck Humbucker

So, essentially it's a regular HSH wiring but I wan't the middle position (3) to be like the middle position of a Les Paul. That is, both humbuckers together (parallell, I believe?)

I have tried soldering using this schematic http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/WDUHSH5L1102/WDU-HSH5L11-02.html. However, this results in that the middle pos is a combination of the middle pickup and the FULL humbucker (not the split humbucker). The desription in the schematic says that it should be middle + split, but that's not what I'm getting.

I wondering if maybe I soldered something the wrong way or if it's the schematic that's faulty? It's been a pain soldering the 5-way superswitch - since there's very little room in the control cavity - so I would like to avoid having to get at it multiple times.

Also, am I correct in assuming that I need a superswitch for this application. All schematics I've seen with a standard 5-way have had the middle switch position being the middle pickup on it's own.

Thanks in advance!
 
Re: Wiring problem HSH

Yes, the diagram you posted is correct and will get you what you want. If you're not getting it, it is your wiring that is faulty.

Yes, that switch is a super switch, it is not the standard strat 5-way.

I would suggest that you remove the super switch from your control cavity to do the wiring. As you said, it can get very cramped in there and you need good clear working space around that switch to make the proper connections.

And yes, again, with a standard strat 5-way switch, the middle position will give you the middle pup alone.
 
Re: Wiring problem HSH

Thanks, GuitarDoc - I will have to go over my wiring again. I'm starting to think that one/or more of the tabs on the switch is shorting out by it touching the wood in the cavity. The cavity is painted with conducting spray. At least, now I know that the schematic is sound which will put my mind at ease and give me confidence to try again,

All the best!
 
Re: Wiring problem HSH

Tumblinman said:
Thanks, GuitarDoc - I will have to go over my wiring again. I'm starting to think that one/or more of the tabs on the switch is shorting out by it touching the wood in the cavity. The cavity is painted with conducting spray. At least, now I know that the schematic is sound which will put my mind at ease and give me confidence to try again,

All the best!
Click to expand...

best thing to do is get some electric tape and put little strips where ever there might be contacts you dont want.. such as by the lugs on the switches and pots..

I have my cavities shielded with shielding tape and I always put a few strips of tape on the side of the cavity by the switch and under the lugs of the pots..

..i learned after i wired the guitar up and got NO signal but the wiring looked perfect.. pot lugs where touching the tape and shorting the whole thing out
 
Re: Wiring problem HSH

Solved!
Indeed, it was a short. The switch (which I have had to customize and grind down to make it fit this Ibanez S series) was unintentionally grounded to the cavity paint.

Solved it by removing a little wood under the switch. Works like a charm now.
 
Re: Wiring problem HSH

Tumblinman said:
Solved!
Indeed, it was a short. The switch (which I have had to customize and grind down to make it fit this Ibanez S series) was unintentionally grounded to the cavity paint.

Solved it by removing a little wood under the switch. Works like a charm now.
Click to expand...

I had this happen to me on a guitar before. It drove me crazy for a week trying to figure out what why it wasn't working, because it should have been.
 
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