When it comes to wiring guitars, an import switch is a popular choice for those who want to create a unique sound. An import switch allows you to switch between different pickups, making it possible to use a variety of tones in one instrument. In this article, we will explore the 5 way import switch wiring diagram, which is a common wiring setup that is used in many different types of guitars.
What is an Import Switch?
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, it’s important to understand what an import switch is. An import switch is a type of pickup selector that is commonly used in guitars that are made outside of the United States. An import switch is slightly different from a standard switch, as it has a slightly different layout and wiring configuration.
Import switches typically have three rows of lugs, with six lugs on each row. The top row is used to connect the pickups, while the bottom two rows are used for grounding and connecting the output jack.
The 5 Way Import Switch Wiring Diagram
The 5 way import switch wiring diagram is a popular wiring setup that allows you to use a variety of different pickup configurations. This wiring setup is commonly used in Stratocaster-style guitars, but it can also be used in other types of guitars as well.
The 5 way import switch has two common configurations. The first configuration is the traditional Stratocaster-style wiring, which uses a single coil pickup in the neck position, a single coil pickup in the middle position, and a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. The second configuration is the “HSS” (Humbucker/Single coil/Single coil) wiring, which uses a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, and single coil pickups in the neck and middle positions.
The Traditional Stratocaster Wiring Configuration
The traditional Stratocaster wiring configuration is one of the most popular wiring setups for a reason. This configuration allows you to switch between three different pickups, and it provides a range of different tones that are suitable for a variety of different musical styles.
Neck Pickup
The neck pickup is connected to the first lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the neck pickup.
Middle Pickup
The middle pickup is connected to the second lug on the top row of the switch. The first lug on the top row is connected to the neck pickup, while the third lug on the top row is connected to the bridge pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to both the input of the tone control for the middle pickup and the input of the volume control.
Bridge Pickup
The bridge pickup is connected to the third lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the third lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the bridge pickup.
The HSS Wiring Configuration
The HSS wiring configuration is a popular choice for those who want a more versatile guitar. This configuration allows you to switch between a humbucker pickup and single coil pickups, providing a range of different tones that are suitable for different types of music.
Neck Pickup (Single Coil)
The neck pickup is connected to the first lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the neck pickup.
Middle Pickup (Single Coil)
The middle pickup is connected to the second lug on the top row of the switch. The first lug on the top row is connected to the neck pickup, while the third lug on the top row is connected to the humbucker pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to both the input of the tone control for the middle pickup and the input of the volume control.
Bridge Pickup (Humbucker)
The bridge pickup is connected to the third lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the third lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the bridge pickup. The fourth lug on the middle row is connected to ground, and it is also connected to the ground wire for the humbucker pickup.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an import switch? | An import switch is a type of pickup selector that is commonly used in guitars that are made outside of the United States. |
| What is the 5 way import switch wiring diagram? | The 5 way import switch wiring diagram is a popular wiring setup that allows you to use a variety of different pickup configurations. |
| How do I wire the traditional Stratocaster-style pickup configuration? | The neck pickup is connected to the first lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the neck pickup. The middle pickup is connected to the second lug on the top row of the switch. The first lug on the top row is connected to the neck pickup, while the third lug on the top row is connected to the bridge pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to both the input of the tone control for the middle pickup and the input of the volume control. The bridge pickup is connected to the third lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the third lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the bridge pickup. |
| How do I wire the HSS pickup configuration? | The neck pickup is connected to the first lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the neck pickup. The middle pickup is connected to the second lug on the top row of the switch. The first lug on the top row is connected to the neck pickup, while the third lug on the top row is connected to the humbucker pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the second lug on the middle row is connected to both the input of the tone control for the middle pickup and the input of the volume control. The bridge pickup is connected to the third lug on the top row of the switch. The second lug on the top row is connected to the middle pickup. The first lug on the middle row is connected to ground, while the third lug on the middle row is connected to the input of the tone control for the bridge pickup. The fourth lug on the middle row is connected to ground, and it is also connected to the ground wire for the humbucker pickup. |
In conclusion, the 5 way import switch wiring diagram is a versatile wiring setup that can be used in a variety of different guitars. Whether you’re looking to create a traditional Stratocaster-style sound or want something more versatile, the 5 way import switch wiring diagram is a great choice to consider. Just remember to follow the wiring diagram carefully, and you’ll have a great sounding guitar in no time!
