Question about 3-way switches:

[Mapleg4]

On a 3-way switch, does one have to use the middle position for both pickups or can the "top" position be used for both pickups?

 

[dbw]

Most 3-way switches (tele, LP) cannot do this.  You will need a dp3t toggle.

 

[Unwound G]

On a 3-way switch, does one have to use the middle position for both pickups or can the "top" position be used for both pickups?

Yes, you can.  What you get is :-

Position 1 - both pickups on in parallel.
Position 2 - only neck pickup on.
Position 3 - only bridge pickup on.  

 

[dbw]

What?  How do you figure?

 

[Unwound G]

Like so...............

 

[Rick]

Or you can use a four way switch
1 B + N = series
2 N only
3 B + N = parallel
4 B only

 

[Mapleg4]

Forgot to mention that it would be with an EMG 85 in the bridge and an EMG 89 in the neck. So it would probably not work anyway. :-\

 

[Unwound G]

As long as your guitar uses a pickup blade selector switch, all EMGs will work.

 

[Mapleg4]

You mean it will be possible to wire it with the EMG 89 in the middle position?

 

[Rick]

OK let's reverse this ... what makes you think it won't work?

 

[Unwound G]

For the EMG89, it comes with a coil split volume pot.  For Gibson type Vol/Tone layout, the right lug of the volume pot (looking from the rear end of the pot) goes to the pickup selector switch.  Solder the wire from this lug to the 3-Way blade switch.

For one volume type of layout, just follow the diagram : http://www.emginc.com/content/wiringdiagrams/EMG-81TW-89.pdf and replace the Gibson type toggle switch with a Tele blade switch using the schematic in my earlier post.

 

[Mapleg4]

Would it be possible to fit a tele switch in the gap for the 3/5 way on a top routed body?

I'm considering using an on-on switch because I would never use both pickups anyway and I would also use the single-coil part of the 89 so much that it would make sense to just have a separate volume control for the 89 and just have an on-on switch.

 

[dbw]

Like so...............

Oh, very clever  :redflag:  I'm hopeless with those Tele/Strat switches.  Next time I'll keep my mouth shut  :toothy11:

 

[Unwound G]

Like so...............

Oh, very clever  :redflag:  I'm hopeless with those Tele/Strat switches.  Next time I'll keep my mouth shut  :toothy11:

You're good, dbw.  I love sharing whatever knowledge I have acquired over the years  ccasion14:

 

[Unwound G]

Would it be possible to fit a tele switch in the gap for the 3/5 way on a top routed body?

I'm considering using an on-on switch because I would never use both pickups anyway and I would also use the single-coil part of the 89 so much that it would make sense to just have a separate volume control for the 89 and just have an on-on switch.

The wiring below will never have 2 pickups on at the same time.  Positions 1 and 2 are similar.

 

[Mapleg4]

Would it be possible to fit a tele switch in the gap for the 3/5 way on a top routed body?

I'm considering using an on-on switch because I would never use both pickups anyway and I would also use the single-coil part of the 89 so much that it would make sense to just have a separate volume control for the 89 and just have an on-on switch.

The wiring below will never have 2 pickups on at the same time.  Positions 1 and 2 are similar.

So with this wiring I can split the 89 into the single coil position too?

 

[Unwound G]

No, you will still need the push-pull volume pot to do that.

 

[davidpaul2009]

Hi, I'm having a dp3t swtich tp wire my custom made les paul style guitar, it states ON-ON-ON  above the switch and the position states are
   
            pos 1        pos 2      pos 3
            1-2            2-3        2-3
and a ON-OFF-ON switch which can be more appropriate......
Can any one help me on this....  ???

 

[davidpaul2009]

On a 3-way switch, does one have to use the middle position for both pickups or can the "top" position be used for both pickups?

Hi, I'm having a dp3t swtich tp wire my custom made les paul style guitar, it states ON-ON-ON  above the switch and the position states are
   
            pos 1        pos 2      pos 3
            1-2            2-3        2-3
and a ON-OFF-ON switch which can be more appropriate......
Can any one help me on this.... 

 

[woj74]

I'm afraid it wouldn't be possible but have to ask more experienced people.

3 way Tele switch
pickups: HSS
pos1:bridge
pos2: middle+neck
pos3: neck

I don't want any push-pulls, extra toggle switches etc. Just the simple 3 way switch to select positions i use. Thanks for your help.