If you are looking for a 3-way guitar switch Clear and practical, you're in the right place. Here you'll find the diagram, explanations of the connections, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.
Introduction
This diagram analyzes the routing on a 3-way lever switch, optimal for two-pickup instruments (like a Telecaster).9
Wiring diagram
Download the SVG diagram and use it as a reference while soldering. The star ground is the central point: all ground wires must converge there.
How to read the diagram
It features a 3-way lever switch (CRL or Oak Grigsby type).9 Similar to the 5-way switch, it has two stages with 4 terminals each.9 On Stage 1, the hot conductor of the bridge pickup is soldered to terminal 1, while the neck hot is soldered to terminal 3.9 The two common terminals of Stage 1 and Stage 2 are joined by a taut rigid wire jumper and sent to the Master Volume input.9
Practical steps
- Prepare the components and check the values of potentiometers and capacitors.
- I soldered the hot wires following the diagram, avoiding unnecessary jumpers.
- Connect all the masses to the indicated star point.
- Check the continuity between the bridge, jack and potentiometer covers with a multimeter.
- Test the instrument and fix any buzzing.
Tips to avoid buzzing
Avoid the ground loopIf the potentiometers are on a common metal shield, do not solder ground wires between their caps. Use an open "C" or "horseshoe" path and connect each ground to the star center. For more information on modifications, see also guitar modification guide.
FAQ
Which potentiometers should I use?
It depends on the pickup: single-coil generally 250k, humbucker 500k, active 25k.
Can I use a different capacitor?
Yes, but the value changes the cutoff frequency of the tone. Higher = darker sound.
See also
Wiring diagrams library
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