question about wiring two HB/two volume w/3-way

[roahboah]

Folks,
I'm wiring 2 PAFs on my project guitar, and had a quick question about wiring.
I'm using a 3-way Tele-style switch, and I've found diagrams that illustrate using a single vol/tone that are pretty straightforward at Stew-Mac and seymourduncan.com (no endorsement - just info!). However, I'm unclear on how to take those diagrams and extrapolate to tie each of the humbuckers to one volume apiece (no tones). If some kind soul could either show me a diagram or point me in the right direction, that'd be great. I understand that this is basic stuff; I'm unsure how to proceed and really want to do it right the first time.
TIA,
roah

[michaelcbell]

Without the time to do a full drawing, check out your standard Gibson wiring. If you only look at the volumes, that should be the ticket. Be aware that there are two versions out there. One is for two master volumes, and one is for two independent volumes. Pick your poison and take it

[roahboah]

Michael,
thanks for the reply.
Here's what's causing my puzzlement.
See Stew-Mac's wiring diagram in the following link:
www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/I-3191.html
Diagram in question is the one titled 'Wiring Kit with 3-way Lever Switch'. As stated, this is a nice straight-forward diagram for a single volume and tone. I took a look at the Gibson diagrams, too.
I guess the time is now to admit that I must be a bit thick, because I'm......stumped. I look at the Stew-Mac diagram and think the following:

1. Okay, if I have two volumes and one output jack, then that means the pots must go to the switch and then the switch must connect to the output jack. Maybe that's the answer - I don't know. GAAH!
2. Is there some reason why folks who sell switches don't just include a small section of diagram that says "pole 1 is the common, pole 2 is blah, pole 3 is etc.'? I understand that almost all people who are buying a switch for themselves know what it does already, but I'M A LITTLE SHAKY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, REPUTABLE ONLINE RETAILER!!! heheheee....sorry, got a little het up there.
Anyway, dudes, I'm depending on you. Anybody help a guitar brother out?
thanks,
Roah

[ChrisK]

1. Okay, if I have two volumes and one output jack, then that means the pots must go to the switch and then the switch must connect to the output jack. Maybe that's the answer - I don't know. GAAH!

!You betcha! (Unless you've got one volume and two output jacks.....)

Is there some reason why folks who sell switches don't just include a small section of diagram that says "pole 1 is the common, pole 2 is blah, pole 3 is etc.

Yeah, they don't know either (or care). Actually they're trying to give boards such as this one reason to exist.

Pole 1 is blah, pole 2 is blah^², and pole n is blah^ⁿ.

Seek, and ye shall find....
guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=schem&action=display&thread=1158705194

[roahboah]

Dude, you're like a genius, man! Damn....
Just one more li'l question and I promise I'll shtup for a while!
In those wonderful diagrams you referenced, what does the 'P' stand for on the end poles?
thx and gratitude,
roah

[setain]

The P represents the common terminal. It is the terminal that is always connected.
explains how the mechanics of switches works, if it is still unclear.

[UnklMickey]

^ this makes me happy to see more guys helping each other.

Your explanation was accurate.

let's take this one step farther:

P stands for Pole (the common connection)

the numbers indicate the throws. the connection that will only be made in that position of the switch.

A wire connects to a lug. That's the general term that can be used for any connection, whether it be a pole or a throw.

Now that we have defined the terms, we can talk about these things with less confusion and ambiguity.

cheers,
Unk

[roahboah]

Thank you all for pointing all these wonderful resources out to me, folks - and also for your patience in doing so.
As I see it, then, what I want to do is this:
connect the pickups to the pot input lug - go out from the pot to the appropriate position lugs - connect the appropriate throws to each other for the in-between position - and then use one of the common terminals to go out to the hot of the output jack. Sound about right?
Once again, this beginner thanks you for your assistance. One of these days, perhaps I may be able to repay the favor!
thx,
roah

[ChrisK]

As I see it, then, what I want to do is this:
connect the pickups to the pot input lug - go out from the pot to the appropriate position lugs

So far, so good. Connect each pickup to the respective pot input lug Connect each respective pickup volume pot wiper to a "P" terminal on the 3-way switch.

connect the appropriate throws to each other for the in-between position

and then use one of the common terminals to go out to the hot of the output jack

Uh, nnnnno. Connect one end and middle throw for the bridge side (the terminals related to said bridge "P" terminal) to the other end and middle throw for the neck side (the terminals related to said neck "P" terminal) together and then to the output jack tip terminal.

If the switch works backward (in the neck position the bridge is selected), just rotate the switch 180 degrees and mount it back into the control plate (if you mount it on the other side of the control plate folks might laugh at you).


In other words, just use standard Tele wiring, place an interposing volume pot circuit between each pickup and the switch (same switch wiring), and take the wire from the switch that usually goes to the top terminal on a single volume pot Tele directly to the output jack.

Transposition is.

(And done is too.)

[roahboah]

chrisk said:

If the switch works backward (in the neck position the bridge is selected), just rotate the switch 180 degrees and mount it back into the control plate (if you mount it on the other side of the control plate folks might laugh at you).

You mean they're not laughing already!?

If I read you correctly, I actually CAN basically follow that stew-mac diagram previously mentioned, just interposing the pots between the pickups and the switch!
Awesome.
Thanks, man - you're the best! I definitely took the hint from your 'Before you query' post, too..I'll work harder on doing that in the future.
roah

[ChrisK]

The goal of this board is to help others with the knowledge that we have, to become able to help themselves and thence able to help others as well.

We already know that we're real dang smart. (Pompous IS.)


We want more fisherman, not more fish.

[roahboah]

Hey,
IT IS COMPLETE!!!
And thanks to everyone's assistance, I wired the whole works correctly the FIRST time! Yeah, man!
For a first-time, cobbled-together parts project, it's awesome, too. The PAFs sound really nice. I went with the 500k pots and it's just right. I'll try to post some pics soon. It's been a great learning experience and it only cost me about fifty bucks including pickguard and pots. Nice!
Thanks again, folks.
roah

[roahboah]

Here are a couple of pics, folks. I know - it's a little rough, but it sounds good and plays nicely. A great learning experience, and probably a springboard for more adventures.
thanks again for all of your kindness, help, and patience!
regards,
roah