If you’re into guitars, you’ve probably heard the term “CRL” before. CRL stands for “Centralab Replacement,” and it’s a brand that has been producing electronic components for guitars since the 1950s. One of their most popular products is the CRL 5 way switch, which is used to control the pickups on a guitar. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the CRL 5 way switch wiring diagram, and what you need to know to install one on your guitar.
The Basics of the CRL 5 Way Switch
The CRL 5 way switch is a type of pickup selector switch that allows you to choose between different combinations of pickups on your guitar. It has five positions, hence the name “5 way.” In each position, different pickups are connected to the output jack of your guitar, resulting in different sounds. Here’s a breakdown of what each position does:
Position 1: Bridge pickup only
Position 2: Bridge and middle pickups
Position 3: Middle pickup only
Position 4: Middle and neck pickups
Position 5: Neck pickup only
Wiring the CRL 5 Way Switch
Now that you know what the different positions of the CRL 5 way switch do, let’s talk about how to wire it up. The CRL 5 way switch has eight lugs, or terminals, which are used to connect the switch to the pickups, volume and tone pots, and output jack of your guitar. Here’s a diagram of what the switch looks like:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Common | Bridge | Bridge & Middle | Middle | Middle & Neck |
| Neck | ||||
| Common |
As you can see from the diagram, there are three “stages” of the switch. The first stage connects the common lug to either the bridge or bridge and middle lugs. The second stage connects the common lug to either the middle or middle and neck lugs. The third stage connects the common lug to either the neck lug, or nothing at all.To wire up the switch, you’ll need to connect each pickup to one of the lugs on the switch, as well as connecting the output jack, volume and tone pots. Here’s a diagram of what the wiring should look like:
As you can see, each pickup is connected to a specific lug on the switch. The output jack is connected to the “common” lug, which is the lug that’s connected to the middle pin of the switch. The volume and tone pots are also connected to the switch, with the tone pots using a capacitor to filter out high frequencies.
FAQs About the CRL 5 Way Switch
Here are some frequently asked questions about the CRL 5 way switch:
What guitars use the CRL 5 way switch?
The CRL 5 way switch is used in many different types of guitars, including Fender Stratocasters, Telecasters, and Jazzmasters, as well as many other brands and models.
What’s the difference between a CRL 5 way switch and other types of pickup selector switches?
There are many different types of pickup selector switches, including 3 way switches, 5 way switches, rotary switches, and others. The CRL 5 way switch is popular because it offers a wide variety of pickup combinations, allowing for more tonal options.
Can I install a CRL 5 way switch on my guitar myself?
If you have some basic knowledge of guitar electronics, you should be able to install a CRL 5 way switch on your guitar yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with soldering and wiring, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
Where can I buy a CRL 5 way switch?
You can buy CRL 5 way switches from many online retailers, including Amazon, Sweetwater, and Reverb. You can also find them at your local music store.
How much does a CRL 5 way switch cost?
The cost of a CRL 5 way switch varies depending on where you buy it from, but typically they range from $10 to $20.
What’s the best way to learn more about guitar electronics?
There are many great resources available online for learning about guitar electronics, including forums, YouTube videos, and websites dedicated to the subject. You can also take classes or workshops at your local music store or community college.
