3-way toggle or tele switch

[onedrop]

Ok here's a funny question

On a two-humbucker (rear-routed) strat with a three-way pickup switch, would you use a tele switch, or a gibson-style toggle?

Is one type of switch mechanically superior in any way or is just looks and feel.

I will have to drill the rest of the control holes myself anyway, so that's not really a consideration.
But I could have W cut the standard slot for the strat/tele style switch.

I'm kind of leaning towards the toggle switch though... what do you think?

 

[RLW]

Toggle. Just to be different.

 

[Funky Phil]

The Fender style (blade type) 3-way switch is a much better design.
Every time you mave the switch it (sort of) cleans itself.

The Gibson style switch is usually quite poor, even from new, even the best quality ones (Switchcraft).
There is plenty of space for dust etc to get in and get trapped between the contacts.

So go for the Fender style  :headbang:

 

[spauldingrules]

I have both on different strats, and I prefer the toggle in its use and appearance, although it does seem more fragile.  I think it looks A LOT better on a rear routed guitar as well.

 

[dbw]

Cosmetically I don't like knife-switches, but I agree that they're a better design.  For longevity get the Tele switch... if you're just concerned about the appearance get whichever.  You may have to replace an LP switch in 5, 10, 25 years... but frankly it doesn't matter that much.

 

[onedrop]

Thanks guys.

I agree the toggle looks cleaner.
I can see how the blade switch might last longer, specially if it wipes itself clean each time.
I kind of prefer the feel of a toggle switch though, and can deal with having to replace it in 20 years or whatever.
I haven't had to replace either type of switch on any guitar I've owned.

Plus Warmoth even has an all-black one  :icon_thumright:
And it'll be a more ES-335 style of control layout anyway.

 

[dbw]

Yeah either one will last many thousands of operations... unless you do rhythm tricks with your switch it will take a long time to break one.  Knife switches eventually get scratchy... Toggles eventually get all gummy and loose.

 

[jackthehack]

Toggle