If you are a guitar enthusiast or musician, you may have heard of a 5 way switch. This switch is commonly used in electric guitars and is responsible for allowing the player to access different combinations of pickups. However, wiring a 5 way switch can be confusing and intimidating for beginners. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to wire a 5 way switch, along with some frequently asked questions.
What is a 5 Way Switch?
Before we dive into the wiring process, it’s important to understand what a 5 way switch is and how it works. A 5 way switch is a type of pickup selector switch found in electric guitars. It has five positions and each position activates a different combination of pickups. The five positions are:
| Position | Pickup Combination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bridge pickup |
| 2 | Bridge and middle pickups |
| 3 | Middle pickup |
| 4 | Middle and neck pickups |
| 5 | Neck pickup |
The 5 way switch is an essential component of many electric guitars, as it allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Wiring a 5 Way Switch
Wiring a 5 way switch may seem intimidating, but it’s actually a relatively simple process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A 5 way switch
- 3 pickups
- 1 volume potentiometer
- 2 tone potentiometers
- A 0.047uf capacitor
- Wire (22 gauge recommended)
- Soldering iron and solder
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start wiring your 5 way switch, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Refer to the list above to make sure you have everything you need.
Step 2: Wiring the Ground Wire
The first step in wiring your 5 way switch is to connect the ground wire. This wire is typically black or bare and it provides a path for electrical current to flow to the ground. Locate the ground wire on your switch and connect it to the ground lug on your volume potentiometer. Then, connect the ground wire from your output jack to the same lug.
Step 3: Connecting the Pickups
Next, you’ll need to connect your pickups to the switch. Each pickup will have two wires – a hot wire and a ground wire. Connect the hot wire from your bridge pickup to the first lug on the 5 way switch. Then, connect the hot wire from your middle pickup to the second lug on the switch. Finally, connect the hot wire from your neck pickup to the third lug on the switch.
Next, connect the ground wires from all three pickups to the ground lug on your volume potentiometer.
Step 4: Wiring the Potentiometers
The next step is to wire the volume and tone potentiometers. First, connect the input lug of your volume potentiometer to the fourth lug on the switch. Then, connect the output lug of the volume potentiometer to the input lug of your tone potentiometer. Finally, connect the output lug of your tone potentiometer to the output jack.
Step 5: Adding the Capacitor
The final step is to add the capacitor to your tone potentiometer. Connect one leg of the capacitor to the input lug of your tone potentiometer and the other leg to the ground lug of the tone potentiometer.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your 5 way switch should be wired and ready to use. Remember to test your wiring before installing it in your guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a 5 way switch and a 3 way switch?
A 3 way switch has three positions and controls two pickups. It usually controls the neck pickup and either the bridge or middle pickup. A 5 way switch has five positions and controls three pickups. It allows for more tonal possibilities and a wider range of sound.
What happens when I switch to position 2 on a 5 way switch?
When you switch to position 2 on a 5 way switch, you activate both the bridge and middle pickups. This produces a brighter, more chimey tone than using the bridge pickup alone.
Can I wire a 5 way switch to work with only two pickups?
Yes, you can wire a 5 way switch to work with two pickups. In this case, you would simply skip the connection for the middle pickup in the wiring process.
What gauge wire should I use?
It’s recommended that you use 22 gauge wire for wiring your guitar, as it’s the most common gauge used for guitar wiring.
Do I need to ground my guitar?
Yes, grounding your guitar is essential for safety reasons and can also reduce unwanted noise and hum. Make sure you ground all components of your guitar, including the pickups, potentiometers, and output jack.
Conclusion
Wiring a 5 way switch may seem daunting at first, but it’s a relatively simple process that can greatly enhance the tonal possibilities of your electric guitar. Using this guide, you should be able to wire your 5 way switch with ease and confidence.
