3 pickup switching question

[monacosis]

Hello all,

I have a Hamer Monaco III with 3 P90s and a 5-way rotary switch (in a strat configuration) feeding one volume and one tone control. The problem is I find the 5-way cumbersome and I never use the in-between positions.

I am searching for a way to use a LP type toggle in a BR/MID/NECK configuration without adding another volume control (that's a last resort). I cannot discover a wiring scheme that can do this. Is it possible?

Alternatively, is there anyone that can provide a custom toggle switch that will solve my problem?


Thanks,
Mike

 

[TAVD]

Not possible with a LP style switch. It is possible with the proper switch though, it's simply a 3 position on-on-on switch (3pST).

 

[monacosis]

Thanks. I suspected it was not possible, but thought I would ask those with more experience.

Do you know of anyplace that sells such a switch in a LP toggle style? My usual sources (StewMac, ...) do not seem to have anything like that.

mike

 

[TAVD]

Maybe a hardware store. Maybe Radio Shack. Mouser. Digikey. The hardest part is finding one with a center on, since center off is most common.

There are other ways to do this too. Like maybe a LP style switch for the bridge and neck pups, with a volume pot for the middle. Stew Mac sells concentric pots so you can put a middle/master volume or a tone/middle volume in one hole. That would be my preference and it will give you more switching options.

 

[monacosis]

Originally posted by Denyle_Guitars
There are other ways to do this too. Like maybe a LP style switch for the bridge and neck pups, with a volume pot for the middle. Stew Mac sells concentric pots so you can put a middle/master volume or a tone/middle volume in one hole. That would be my preference and it will give you more switching options.

This looks like the most attractive option for me. Thanks for the help!!

mike

 

[rooster]

Why not set it up with a 3-way switchcraft on the neck and bridge pickups, and convert one of your vol/tone controls to a push-pull pot that puts the middle pickup in and out of the circuit? That will give you the option of any setup other than the middle by itself. Lots of options, and not too complicated.

rooster.

 

[Clorenzo]

Originally posted by rooster
Why not set it up with a 3-way switchcraft on the neck and bridge pickups, and convert one of your vol/tone controls to a push-pull pot that puts the middle pickup in and out of the circuit? That will give you the option of any setup other than the middle by itself. Lots of options, and not too complicated.

rooster.

Or, since you never use the in-between positions (middle comined with either neck or bridge), you could also wire the push/pull to activate the middle and switch off the neck and bridge, so you can have it by itself. If you need a wiring diagram let me know and I'll be happy to draft one for you.

 

[monacosis]

Thanks for the options. There's a few here I had not considered. I would definitely like to have the middle one by itself, so either the concentric pot (controlling the N) or the push/pull Clorenzo described.

I will probably go with a N/N+M/B toggle with a master VOL pot and a N VOL/TONE concentric pot. If I'm thinking correctly, this should allow all 3 individually and a N+M blend, with a master VOL and master TONE.

I knew I could find some answers here . Thanks,

mike

 

[TAVD]

Originally posted by monacosis
Thanks for the options. There's a few here I had not considered. I would definitely like to have the middle one by itself, so either the concentric pot (controlling the N) or the push/pull Clorenzo described.

I will probably go with a N/N+M/B toggle with a master VOL pot and a N VOL/TONE concentric pot. If I'm thinking correctly, this should allow all 3 individually and a N+M blend, with a master VOL and master TONE.

I knew I could find some answers here . Thanks,

mike

Well, to get the middle p/u only, you'd want a vol for the bridge/neck p/u's only and a vol for the middle (which means no master). If you want to stick with the concentric pot idea, you can get them with a center detent. Use the factory vol as master and use the center detent pot to blend the middle with the other p/u's. You can use the other half of the center dentent pot for a TBX style tone control.

 

[monacosis]

Yeah, I see what you mean about my *master* volume. However, your description of the volume controls works for me.

The center-detent pots are an interesting option I need to think about. Sounds like lots of possibilties.

Thanks,
mike