Please review: 2channel: 3 switches vs Bridge

[JFrankParnell]

Please have a look. I tried a version of this that didnt work right, so I re-designed it and would like a vetting, before I wire it all up wrong, again

The goal is for the dpdt to choose between

Any combo of the 3 pups (with volume and tone pots, enabled)
or
Bridge only (with only the volume pot working)

[sumgai]

JFP,

Your diagram looks good to me!

You will post sound clips when you're all done, yes?

sumgai

[reTrEaD]

Looks good to me too. This might be better since it's more direct and eliminates some extraneous wire. But both accomplish the same task.

[JFrankParnell]

Jan 6, 2018 0:52:33 GMT -5 reTrEaD said:

Looks good to me too. This might be better since it's more direct and eliminates some extraneous wire.

I see that your little jumper, on the dpdt, tidys it up, but looks like the wire from bridge switch to middle switch would cause the tone to always be in play?

[reTrEaD]

You already cured that problem by routing the bridge pickup through the right side of the 'mode' switch. When in the bridge-only mode the bridge pickup isn't connected to the bridge switch.

The left side of the mode switch disconnects the tone control and all three switches from the volume control when in the bridge-only mode.

[JFrankParnell]

Got it, thanks!

[JFrankParnell]

This one does almost the same thing, but with only 2 switches. One switch chooses N or M or both. The second switch either adds B, to the first switch, or overrides to B only. And, the tone knob is out of circuit, for B only, creating a 'blower'. N, M, N+M, N+B, N+M+B, M+B, B are all available, Especially N+B (tele-ish) being a favorite of mine, swtiching to B, for leads. I think this will be much quicker switching, than the prior.

And, I couldnt find a 'quick', 'lite' switch, for the DPDT, in the first diagram, so, the heavy duty switch, I have on there is fairly stiff, hard to flick, with your pinky.

So, this one, could be 2 of the 'les paul' type switches. Does anyone have a preference, regarding those types of swtiches?

[sumgai]

KDUG,



Your most recent diagram is a true winner! Simple as all get-out, yet able to get all parallel combo sounds with only two switches. Nice and neat, cost-effective - what more could a player ask for?

For a "quick, easy" switch, I'd go with a standard DPDT mini-toggle, on-on-on type, and use just one pole. Unless you've become ham-fisted since I last visited with you, then those should be easy to operate, requiring minimal force, etc. However, I also understand that you have a "special" pickguard, and that you may not want to butcher it further, thus the desire to use a switch that fits the current hole.

A Jazzmaster-style switch will work as you intend, and the under-pickguard clearance will be roomy. To my mind, these are a bit easier to "flick" than the shorter LP-style units, because of the leverage of the throw - shorter requires more effort to go the same distance. Check 'em both out, you might decide a definite yes to one over the other. (I'd bet that Helmer's Music has each type of ax hanging on the wall, just waiting for you to step in and test them. heheheheh)

HTH

sumgai

[reTrEaD]

Apr 16, 2018 17:32:18 GMT -5 JFrankParnell said:

And, I couldnt find a 'quick', 'lite' switch, for the DPDT, in the first diagram, so, the heavy duty switch, I have on there is fairly stiff, hard to flick, with your pinky.

So, this one, could be 2 of the 'les paul' type switches. Does anyone have a preference, regarding those types of swtiches?

DiMarzio has an interesting looking 4PDT on-on-on switch, although I haven't seen one up-close and personal. I don't know if it's a light-action type or would be more like the heavy duty switch you've used and found to be undesirable. And it is rather expensive, priced over $30.

When it comes to Gibson LP style toggles, those marked with the Switchcraft brand seem to be of better quality. And of course dimensions matter for fit. There are basically three styles from which to use. The standard (long) version which might present a problem for thinner guitar bodies, short, and right-angle. The right-angle version requires more real estate horizontally but very little depth is required.


Then of course, there are the offshore 'box' switches. Not quite as light in action as the open toggles but the price is nice.
www.amazon.com/Electric-Guitar-Toggle-Switch-Chrome/dp/B019RYH6CE/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1523983417&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=switchcraft+3+way+toggle+switch

[JFrankParnell]

Apr 16, 2018 22:54:48 GMT -5 sumgai said:

(I'd bet that Helmer's Music has each type of ax hanging on the wall, just waiting for you to step in and test them. heheheheh

We have a music store, in Anacortes, now! A branch of Kennelly Keys, which has a few stores, down around Seattle, including American Music. The huge bonus is that it used to be a church and has an awesome performance space. Here's my band, The Mosstones, playing there, last week:

[sumgai]

^^^^ pics, because it did happen!

I see seven people on that stage, but no split-pickguard Strat.  What happened?

Glad to see that K-K is expanding once again. They were growing for awhile in the 90's, but then started shrinking (closing locations) for some reason. Someone in this region needs to have some chain-store purchasing power, to combat Guitar Center if nothing else.

Did you take the time to flick some switches?

sumgai

[JFrankParnell]

I play about 70% bass, in this band. I most definately used my strat, with the 2channel, 3 switch (i guess 4, total). Flicking from N+B to B, mostly. We do some old soul stuff, like Ray Charles - Lets' Go Get Stoned, in which I lay down some bluesy leads. Mr. Charlie, by the Dead, also bluesy.

This KK store, in Atown has got to be a charity case. Word has it that Mr. Kennelly kept his boat here and noticed the building for sale. We all love the place, but i dont see how it has enough business to be profitable. I think he had to know that and just opened the store, cuz it was a fun thing to do.