Different 5-way switch - why are they different?

[cowcowcow]

The 5-way switch on my RG is not working properly recently and therefore I want to replace it.
However, I don't know which 5-way switch I should get, there are 5-way switch of 8 pins and some are 24 pins, what are the differences?
Is that different pickup requires different switch?

From the Wiring Diagram I found in Ibanez.com , although Jem555 and Jem7v are having the same pickup, they have different switch!

My RG is currenly have the 5-way switch same as JEM555 which has 8 pins, do I need a 24pins ?
(my pickup are Humbucker From Hell - HS 2 - Tone Zone)

Can someone explain to me more about pickup wiring? I want to learn to do it myself to experience different wiring without taking the guitar to a tech each time (save some $$ too!)

[jemsite]

i recommend the 8-pin variety for simplicity and ease of installing/cleaning... this has been discussed recently if you do a search from the past few weeks ...glen

[Kevan]

cowcowcow on 7:42 am on Mar. 17, 2002
The 5-way switch on my RG is not working properly recently and therefore I want to replace it.
However, I don't know which 5-way switch I should get, there are 5-way switch of 8 pins and some are 24 pins, what are the differences?

One has 8 pins; the other has 24. *LOL
Actually, the differences are pretty simple: *the 8-pin is your basic 5-way selector switch (see also: every Str*t made from 1978 to present). *The VLX-90 switch (24-pin) is an updated version of that, offering dozens of wiring options with only one switch. *If all you need is a simple setup, the 8-pin is for you. *If you want more complicated switching, go with the 24-pin.

Is that different pickup requires different switch?

No, it depends on what wiring OPTIONS you want. *The 8-pin switch has fewer options than the 24-pin. *

From the Wiring Diagram I found in Ibanez.com , although Jem555 and Jem7v are having the same pickup, they have different switch!

Hmmm...8-pin on the 555. *Sorta tells ya something, doesn't it (Glen)?

My RG is currenly have the 5-way switch same as JEM555 which has 8 pins, do I need a 24pins? (my pickup are Humbucker From Hell - HS 2 - Tone Zone)

See above. *H-S-H can be wired (with basic selections) with either selector switch.

Can someone explain to me more about pickup wiring? I want to learn to do it myself to experience different wiring without taking the guitar to a tech each time (save some $$ too!)

www.guitarelectronics.com
Go nutty.

(EDIT- oops! Link repair.)

(Edited by Kevan at 12:49 pm on Mar. 17, 2002)

[jemsite]

Kevan on 12:48 pm on Mar. 17, 2002
Hmmm...8-pin on the 555. *Sorta tells ya something, doesn't it (Glen)?[size=1]

:rotf: gimme a break... the original 777s and many superior Ibanez guitars the 555 use/used the same 8-pin switch i recommended. Worked great for years until Ibanez had to overcomplicate it with *CHEAPER* switches with more numerous and fragile/noisy pins.

But hey... use what you like to use... i know what works best for me... glen

[Kevan]

jemsite on 1:06 pm on Mar. 17, 2002
Worked great for years until Ibanez had to overcomplicate it

...or too difficult for some to grasp? :-)

with *CHEAPER* switches with more numerous and fragile/noisy pins.

If your VLX switch is noisy, I'd say it was soldered improperly. *Both switches can be noise-free if soldered correctly.

But hey... use what you like to use

Damn straight.

[jemsite]

the new-fangled excessed-pin switch is more succeptible to noise.

they will need replacing sooner.

the noise-free lifetime of these switches is poor at best.

this comes from experience, not from a pre-determined or emotional love for either switch, or a concern of which guitar was made with which switch

if you need the extra options provided by the 24-pin switches, then it is worth the extra hassle and maintenance to derive the benefits... glen

[Kevan]

Did you just say "new-fangled"?
Ya know, to some people, your GMC is considered 'new-fangled'.
:biggrin:

[Rich]

Well, the VLX91 sure costs alot more than a YM50 to be called "cheaper" :biggrin: