Wiring Problem

[Follow Guitarist]

Hi...

Can anyone show me how to wire up my strat with a Cool Rails in the neck; a JB Junior in the middle; and a Hot Rails in the bridge.?
I've tried with a normal 5-way switch, and a 5-way Super switch, and I can't get it to work properly!
I'm sure I followed the wiring diagrams correctly, but with the normal 5-way where the red & white wires are soldered together and taped off, I can't isolate the neck or the bridge pups.
With the Super switch I can isolate the bridge pup, but not the neck...!
Help...!!:
Oh...and I don't really want to use a push/pull pot if possible...!

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Wiring Problem

It's almost the exact same thing as strat wiring with single coils. Make your series connection on the little humbuckers with the red and white soldered together and taped off. Then put the black wires to the switch and the green and bare to ground.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f4/59/a0/f459a0ef80fd6b4e7b9e95366ba68d6a.jpg

 

[shadowfire90]

Re: Wiring Problem

Clint 55 diagram will work.

It's much easier to do this wiring on a standard 5 way blade. Remember the pattern is below. Regardless of USA style such as oaks and grigsby to any 8 contact import switch. There are some weird ones from China but regardless we've got you covered.
1
3
5
0
0
1
3
5

if you've got a USA switch
the top left up to down is - 1,3,5,0
the top right up to down is - 0,1,3,5

If you've got an import blade switch one in a million this will help. As well as show how to add a bridge tone control to share with the middle or neck tone control. When I used to wire pickguards as this is something a lot of people would ask for. Check for cold solder joints and of course any pot touching the inside of the guitar just in case. It's usually the smallest of problems people bring their guitars in to a tech.

and I really do like your pickup combination usually people put vintage rails or duckbucker in. I shudder when I hear that pickups name.

View attachment 102747

 

[Follow Guitarist]

Re: Wiring Problem

Thanks, Clint 55, but all three pups have black, red, white, green and bare wires. They're all humbuckers.

 

[Follow Guitarist]

Re: Wiring Problem

Thanks Shadowfire90, I'll try that. Is that a different kind of switch to the normal one?
'scuse my ignorance..!

 

[VinceT]

Re: Wiring Problem

Thanks, Clint 55, but all three pups have black, red, white, green and bare wires. They're all humbuckers.

That’s what he’s saying. Red and White get soldered together and taped off (as per diagram). Green AND Bare are both ground wires so get soldered to pot back. Black goes to switch. Switch doesn’t care whether it’s seeing HB or single coil!

If possible, can you get a picture of your switch contacts, that way folk can help troubleshoot better.

Best of luck.


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[Mincer]

Re: Wiring Problem

I think I answered you on another forum.

 

[Follow Guitarist]

Re: Wiring Problem

Hi VinceT..... That's the way I did it, as per instructions. What I'm getting is....
When I select just the neck pup, or just the bridge pup, the middle pup is still engaged, as if I was in position 2 or 4.
I studied the diagrams and followed it correctly. Maybe it's just my soldering technique!
I think I'll get it to a pro, and let him do it....
Thanks dude...

 

[Follow Guitarist]

Re: Wiring Problem

Thanks everyone....:yourock:

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Wiring Problem

Sounds like you've got it sorted out. Sounds like you may have had some solder or stray wire strands connecting some of the switch lugs.

Not to be derogative or condescending at all, but I think it is funny that whenever I read a post which says...

"I'm sure I followed the wiring diagrams correctly",

I somehow know that the wiring (or soldering) actually IS at fault, especially when we more experienced luthiers/modders/wiring gurus see that the diagram supposedly followed is so straight forward.

But to the OP, rest assured, we are here to help you not only solve your initial problem but to help you to be more knowledgeable in the process.

 

[Follow Guitarist]

Re: Wiring Problem

Back again...!

Just to let you know, I gave it one more shot...
and it worked...!

You're right...probably a soldering thing.....

Thanks for all your help.:knockedou

 

[VinceT]

Re: Wiring Problem

Good to hear!


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[GuitarDoc]

Re: Wiring Problem

Good news.