Help w/ S1 switching mod

[ArtVandelay]

I have an American Deluxe Strat HSS with the S1 switching system. I have a set of 3 Kinman single-coils on the way, and am considering various wiring options.

The pickup combinations I really want are as follows: ALL the standard strat 5-way settings, neck and middle in series, middle and bridge in series, all three (not sure about series or parellel for this one), and neck and bridge (probably in parallel). I also want a stock look (i.e. no mini-toggles).

The SSS wiring for the S1 switch offers most of the combinations I'd really like to have EXCEPT the neck and bridge combo. Does anyone know if/how the S1 system could be modded to get the neck and bridge?

Are there other ways of getting these settings I should consider? I've thought about trying to add a push-pull tone pot (in addition to the S1) to turn either the neck or bridge on, but I'm not sure if that would interfere with the wiring for other settings on the S1. Any non-S1 solutions I should look into?

If you haven't guessed, I'm a novice at guitar electronics (and electronics in general), but am not afraid to experiment a little bit.

Thanks!

[Runewalker]

Art:

This thread addresses many of your intents.

guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=wiring&action=display&thread=1116476418

Rune

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks for pointing me to the other thread. Unfortunately, unless I'm misunderstanding it (which is quite possible), that thread is dealing with toggle switches, whereas my strong preference is to retain a stock appearence.

[Runewalker]

Sorry ArtV. I need to read more carefully, I see that you mentioned you wanted that stock appearance.

I wish I could find something like the 4PDT pushbutton Pot type or Push/Pull 500K pot that Fender uses on this model.

This venerable approach to adding the Neck/Bridge combo has been around awhile and may solve your challenge:



But do not know if there are other interactions since the S1 simply does what the options in the other thread I listed do, just with the inherent limitations of the 5-way. You would want a Push/pull pot to keep it stock. At least this is easily reversable if it does not work like you wish.

RW

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks, I think I might just give the "neck on" mod a shot and see how it works out. My preference is to have all the mods activated through the S1, b/c its easy and more efficient to get to them all that way -- w/ S1, no two settings are more than 1 button push and 1 lever pull away from any other, whereas introducing another push-pull creates as many as three steps to get from one setting to another. But I think the "neck on" may be my best bet at the moment.

As for the S1, there is some discussion of getting it through Fender parts in the thread link below. Also, I've seen them on eBay, but they seem to sell for an awfully high price, especially once you add in the special knobs they require -- looks like it would run you almost $100 for the set. Thats probably in part b/c they're selling the whole system (vol, tone pots, completely wired), and b/c they aren't readily available elsewhere right now. I'd probably try getting one through Fender replacment parts. I haven't seen any other push-pull (or push-push) 4PDT pots, but that would be equivalent, I believe.

Discussion of S1 switch:
guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=wiring&action=display&thread=1117026419

[Runewalker]

This guy:

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41428&item=7327257905&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Has another option for you to get to some of your tone combinations. It means abandoning the S1, and sounds like you have your motor ergonomics down on tone switching, so may not find his approach to you liking.

Have not read it carefully, but it looks like a more commecial kit-form version of Deaf-Eddie's approach, with the use of a substitute rotary switch for one of the tone controls.

[Runewalker]

I was going to pm this but your email is hidden.

do you have plans for the original pup now that you are going the kinman rout?

I may be interested if so.

RW