Coil split wiring

[benny1989]

Hello!

I am currently preparing to install a set of 2 BKP warpigs into my guitar, having already wired a couple of guitars before I am comfortable in doing the leg work myself. However since the guitar I am working one differs in only one (the switch) aspect to the others I have I felt the need for some advice and assurance.

The switch in this guitar is a 3 way toggle but unlike the Gibson style ones I have seen with 6(?) lugs on it has 4, 3 of which I assume are hot and the 4th the earth. Here is a picture for illustration purposes (the layout is exactly the same as the switch I have):



Now I have poured over the internet in search of wiring diagrams and found this one:

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/WD2HH3T11_01/Guitar-Wiring-Diagram-2-Humbuckers3-Way-Toggle-Switch1-Volume0Tone001.html

The pickup selector in the diagram doesnt look exactly the same but as far as I can tell its the same concept? with the top lug in the diagram relating to the far left (neck position) on my switch and the bottom lug being the far right (bridge) of my switch? This looks correct to me however I have a very limited knowledge of electronics so would like it if you guys here could confirm this for me? And if its not correct point me in the right direction?

Any help is much appreciated  :)

Benny 

[darkbluemurder]

Hi Benny,

Your understanding should be correct. Do you have a multimeter? If yes then you can easily check

1. Switch in far left position - measure between far left and center terminals. Either you get a zero reading (then this is the "on"-position of the switch) or an infinite reading (then it would be the "off" position - in that case you would get a zero reading between the center and far right terminal).

2. Switch in far right position - if you do the same measurements you should get the reverse results from Step 1.

3. Switch in center position - you now should get a zero reading between left and center terminals as well as between right and center terminals (both pickups "on").

If you don't have a multimeter, get one. They are not expensive and IMHO indispensible for serious guitar wiring work.

Cheers Stephan

[benny1989]

I have access to a multimeter so shouldn't be a problem there.

Thank you for the advise here it's very helpful!

Cheers

Benny

[WezV]

sounds like you have it right - but i would warn against any cheap box style switches

they often stop working after a few years as they fall apart inside - the leaf style gibson ones are much more reliable

since you are spending money on BKP's i would suggest upgrading the switch at the same time

[benny1989]

you make a fair point there ill certainly look into it haha!

cheers