If you’re a guitarist, then you know how important it is to have a good understanding of how your guitar’s electronics work. One of the most crucial components of your guitar’s electronics is the pickup switch. The pickup switch is responsible for selecting which pickups are active at any given time. In this article, we will be discussing the 3 way pickup switch wiring diagram and how it works.
What is a 3 Way Pickup Switch?
A 3 way pickup switch is a switch that has three positions. It is typically used in guitars with two pickups. In the first position, the switch selects the neck pickup. In the second position, the switch selects the bridge pickup. And in the third position, the switch selects both pickups.
Position 1: Neck Pickup
When the 3 way pickup switch is in the first position, it selects the neck pickup. The neck pickup is located near the neck of the guitar and produces a warm and full tone. This position is typically used for rhythm playing, as it provides a mellow sound that is great for strumming chords.
The wiring diagram for this position is relatively simple. The hot wire from the neck pickup connects to the center lug of the switch. The ground wire from the neck pickup connects to one of the outer lugs of the switch. Finally, a wire is run from the other outer lug of the switch to ground.
Position 2: Bridge Pickup
When the 3 way pickup switch is in the second position, it selects the bridge pickup. The bridge pickup is located near the bridge of the guitar and produces a bright and twangy tone. This position is typically used for lead playing, as it provides a cutting sound that can cut through a mix.
The wiring diagram for this position is similar to the previous position. The hot wire from the bridge pickup connects to the center lug of the switch. The ground wire from the bridge pickup connects to one of the outer lugs of the switch. Finally, a wire is run from the other outer lug of the switch to ground.
Position 3: Both Pickups
When the 3 way pickup switch is in the third position, it selects both pickups. This position is typically used when the player wants a fuller and more balanced sound. It is also used for some rhythm playing, as it provides a sound that is somewhere between the neck and bridge positions.
The wiring diagram for this position is slightly more complicated. The hot wire from the neck pickup connects to the center lug of the switch. The hot wire from the bridge pickup connects to the other center lug of the switch. Finally, a wire is run from both outer lugs of the switch to ground.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the purpose of the pickup switch? | The pickup switch is responsible for selecting which pickups are active at any given time. |
| How many positions does a 3 way pickup switch have? | A 3 way pickup switch has three positions. |
| What is the purpose of the neck pickup? | The neck pickup produces a warm and full tone and is typically used for rhythm playing. |
| What is the purpose of the bridge pickup? | The bridge pickup produces a bright and twangy tone and is typically used for lead playing. |
| What is the purpose of the third position? | The third position selects both pickups and provides a fuller and more balanced sound. |
Overall, the 3 way pickup switch is an important component of your guitar’s electronics. It allows you to select which pickups are active at any given time, providing you with a wide range of tones to choose from. By understanding how the switch works and how to wire it correctly, you can ensure that your guitar’s electronics are working properly and that you are getting the most out of your instrument.
