How to wire up a special 5-way switch?

[bduersch]

Well, shortly after getting my RG1220 I got the urge to replace the 3-way blade switch with a 5-way blade switch so I could get a little more versatility in my tonal options. Being completely electronically inept, I went to both the Dimarzio and Ibanez sites for wiring diagrams. Dimarzio's site only shows how to do "special 5" wiring with a super switch (20-some poles), and Ibanez's site uses a wierd switch with all the terminals in a straight line. The 5-way switch I bought has the terminals staggered, like so:
2 4 6 8
/\/\/\/
1 3 5 7

Another point of confusion is that there are different "special 5" configurations... one Ibanez setup (ala the 3120) is different than the other (ala the 7620).

At the end of the day, I really don't care which "special 5" setup I have, just as long as all positions work. So how would I wire up a standard 5-way switch to do special 5 wiring? Just need to know what wires go where! (BTW... I'm using standard 4-conductor Dimarzios... a Super 3 and a FRED)

Thanks,
--Brent

[vaijem777]

Hey Brent!

Hope you're enjoying the RG1220! I actually thought of doing the exact same thing that you're looking at doing. In the course of my research, I've found that the Schaller Megaswitch is by far the best and most versatile 5-way out there (REALLY easy to install too!).

You can get them here: http://www.stewmac.com/cgi-bin/hazel...l&sku=3484

I've got a couple if various Ibanez, and the combinations available with both the E & P models are great! They come with great directions too. The last one I installed only took 5 minutes total (including removal of the old switch).

[bduersch]

Thanks for the tip on the Schaller! I'm really enjoying the 1220... only reason I decided to switch out the p/u's was because I already have two 3120's with the PAF Pro/Tone Zone setup. I just took the Super 3 & FRED out of my AM (both felt just a little too hot for that guitar--replaced 'em with Breeds) and thought the 1220 would be a good candidate. Bummer that I didn't order them as zebra coils.

Originally Posted by vaijem777

The last one I installed only took 5 minutes total (including removal of the old switch).

That's good. Given how great I am at soldering, it should only take me 5 hours to install.

--B

[vaijem777]

Well...when you get a chance, get me a pic of your "Rainbow" collection! Can't wait to see how the 1220 fits into the mix!

[Scott of Actual Time]

Originally Posted by bduersch

So how would I wire up a standard 5-way switch to do special 5 wiring?

you can't - a standard 5-way switch won't give those two humbucker, special wiring combinations. the Ibanez 5-way switch in the RG7620 and similar guitars is a switch designed specifically for that 'special' wiring, it just looks like a normal 5-way on the outside.

as mentioned, the Megaswitches are great if you want the preset options that they offer. if you don't, you'll have to use a 24 pole switch the the DiMarzio or the Yamaha that Stew Mac sells, and lots of wire jumpers to conenct different poles.

[bduersch]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I ordered a couple of the Schaller "E" megaswitches from Stew Mac yesterday (and were pleasantly surprised when they were delivered today--one of the benefits of being right down the road from Athens, I guess). Sounds it'll do the trick for the 1220, and I may even put one in the PGM500 I'm in the process of rewiring.

--B

[bduersch]

Well, I finally got around to installing the 5-way switch on the 1220. Two words:

Kick a$$!

The Stewmac 5-way megaswitch is a little different than the Ibanez 5-way in terms of what you get in positions 2-4, but a little variety never killed anybody anyway. Looks like it switches like this:

1) neck humbucker
2) outer coil neck
3) outer coils neck & bridge
4) inner coil bridge
5) bridge humbucker

Also, for the record, the FRED/Super 3 combination is a really nice pickup combination. I'm kinda glad I passed on the traditional PAF Pro/TZ combination for once.

--B

[Shred19]

Can anyone give me some advice on how to wire the megaswitch to a Jem 7V?