I'm converting an Am Std Strat to HSH configuration, and wiring it with a master volume and master tone pots. I was intending to use a 5-way superswitch wired to auto-coil-split the humbuckers, but also to give neck-and-bridge-together in the middle position...that is to say:
pos #1: bridge humbucker
pos #2: bridge split & middle single-coil
pos #3: bridge & neck humbuckers
pos #4: neck split & middle single-coil
pos #5: neck humbucker
There are wiring diagrams for this setup at guitarelectronics.com, so...so far, so good. However, I would also like the option to split the humbuckers independently of the selector switch, i.e. to give me the option of bridge split, neck split, and bridge & neck together (both split). Also, I would like to be able to reverse the phase of the bridge pickup, as this would not only give me more sonic options when both pickups are on, but also enables me to change which coil I split the bridge pickup to.
So....I was thinking, great, all I need is the 5-way superswitch and a push-pull on my master volume and master tone, one for reverse phase and one for coil split, and I'm done, right? And that would mean the only controls on the guitar would be the 5-way switch and the two pots, which is what I wanted. Er...no...I don't think it's gonna be that easy.
An alternative would be to use a 3-way toggle with a standard Gibson-type selection (i.e controlling just the humbuckers), and wire the middle single-coil separately to a push-pull (or microswitch), which would switch it on independently of the 3-way toggle. Then I could also (I think) have my push-pulls DPDTs for coil-splitting the humbuckers and reversing the phase of the bridge pickup.
I say "I think" because I've never wired a 3-way toggle, & I'm guessing here.
For ease of operation/playability, I'd rather go with the 5-way switch idea, if it's even possible. In fact, I don't know if either option would actually work. Anyone out there with greater skill/experience in guitar wiring? I'm in need of your expertise...
