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Wikipedia explains. The important thing to remember is the number of ‘poles’ is the number of switches that you have ganged together off a single lever in the component and the ‘throw’ or ‘way’ part describes how those switches operate. A switch as you see it on the bench in front of you will often be a set of switches, mechanically connected within a single assembly. OK some people will know this already but let’s just be clear about switch terminology. If you have a look at my HSH wiring page and scroll down you’ll see I have an import switch in my Godin SD. Import-type switches are often found in other makes like Ibanez and on replacement pickguard assemblies. The import-type switches have a single row of 8 contacts in a line.įender-type switches are, obviously, found in Fender guitars but are easily available so could find their way into any guitar, most likely Strat-type guitars. The Fender-type switches viewed from below have two rows of 4 contacts, either side of the circular body of the switch. It’s easy to see which type you’re dealing with. Both types are functionally identical but differ in physical layout.
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There are two common types of 5-way selector switches in the guitar world – the Fender type and the “import” type. Knowing what goes on inside the switch may sound like a simple, maybe trivial, detail but it’s something we all need to understand and it’s not as easy as it first seems. Understanding how the 5-way switch on your guitar works is key to successful guitar wiring. The questions I get asked in response to people reading my stuff on guitar wiring often relate to the 5-way pickup selector switch so I thought I’d write a brief explanation of how it works.