7-way (switch) vs Blender (7-way) Overview

[ssstonelover]

I decided to do a visual/written review of all the types of "7-way" and "blender" switching for SSS guitars.
Row 1*: 7-way switching
-Double 7-way switch (something I created per a request, kind of ridiculous in my opinion),
adds Neck to positions 1, 2, 3
adds Bridge to position 3, 4, 5,
-Neck-on 7-way
adds Neck to positions 1, 2, 3 ("Gilmour Mod")
-Bridge-on 7-way
adds Bridge to positions 3, 4, 5
*Note: shown on push-pull, yet DPDT or SPDT typical/preferred. Just imagine that SPDT/DPDT switch off the body of the pot if you have a similar aversion to push-pulls LOL, and of course rotate it so UP on
the lever position is ON and Down is OFF

Row 2: Blender pots
-Classic "Full" Blender (think Fralin, where I took this from and redrew)
blends Neck to positions 1, 2
blends Bridge to position 4, 5
-1/2 Bender Neck type (think Fralin 1/2 Blender, where I took this from and redrew)
blends Neck to position 1, 2
-1/2 Bender Bridge type (possible Fralin extrapolation I made up)
blends bridge to position 4, 5
-Kinman type Neck Blend (I took from Kinman)
blends Neck to position 1, 2, 3

Row 3: 1/4 Blender (requires Oak-Grigsby super switch)
-1/4 Neck-on type (typical version I found this on the web in several places and redrew, no idea who came up with this first)
blends Neck to position 1 only
-1/4 Bridge-on type (possible extrapolated version I came up with)
blends Bridge to position 5 only

Commentary:
Row 1:
-I like the classic "Gilmour mod" mounted on a SPDT or DPDT as it helps makes position 1 more usable and I do like position 2 too. (I dislike push-pull slipperiness with fender Strat knobs!)
-I've have also tried the Bridge version (I like the neck version more)

Row 2:
-I dislike the full blender, far too many duplications when I tried it.
-In terms of 1/2 blending, I have tried and like the Kinman version, but dislike how it is connected to the tone pot (too interactive so use a 500K or 1M pot if you go that route).
I would steer you toward the 1/2 Neck blend version as used by Fralin generally speaking. I especially like how mindless duplication is eliminated, nice and clean!

Row 3: laser focus blending onto a single position
-Interesting use of the simpler #51720 Super Switch. I'd generally steer you toward the neck blend version....but that's just my personal aversion to bridge alone.
Note: You lose N+M+B, but some don't like that option anyway
**Additional Note** Not shown but an alternate to "1/4 blending" is the use of the Oak Grigsby 6-way switch so you can retain 2 tone controls and get a dedicated N+B position (position 6) without messing with any other one. The only negative it the larger lever travel (15 degrees more) meaning you need to lengthen the pickguard switch slot (2mm file from Harbor freight does the job and is cheap)

General: blending vs switching: Pros/Cons
-For the way I play I find blending too subtle, so switching works better for me. Others feel differently, i.e. many approaches possible to help you get the results that work for you.
-In terms of cutting holes on pickguards and bodies, if that is your issue, blending avoids that, also it gives a good/better purpose to the 2nd tone pot, letting the 1st one be used as a master tone (nice).
-Switches eliminate ambiguity on knowing what is selected. 2nd tone pot can be repurposed for Bridge or as a PTB (2 good options)
I did this late last night, feel free to point out errors....and I'll update this resource.

[stevewf]

This is for Parallel, In-Phase combinations.

It's a nice library. The pickguard doesn't get any new holes in it, and the original control switch and pots are retained. I see that the choice of solder lugs on the blend pot would give the smoothest blend taper, if the original pot is retained; and that would be why turning the blend knob Counter-ClockWise would increase the inclusion of the controlled coil.

ssstonelover didn't ask for vetting but I did manage to check out the first one, which looks good to me.

[ssstonelover]

stevewf, yup, simple and basic mods most can do with just a small investment to get a few new sounds.
As you mention these will be in phase and in parallel, which also uncomplicates things.

It's kind of interesting there are so many ways to get similar results within those basic parameters. One can basically choose the approach that works best for playing style/usage and functionality objective.