4 way switch in a jazz control cavity?

tony moore · #1 04-02-2010, 03:49 PM

does anyone know of a 4 way switch that will fit in a standard fender jazz control cavity? a rotary switch that would take a standard knob would be awesome. i'm looking into installing a third pickup in my jazz bass (extreme neck position) and i'd like to use the switch for selecting the pickups rather than blending.

thanks!

tony

FunkMetalBass · #2 04-02-2010, 04:00 PM

Do you require a volume knob for each pickup? If not, get a 5-way rotary knob and replace your second volume pot with it. With that, you could add another variation of pickup selection, ie:

1) Bridge
2) Bridge/Middle
3) Middle
4) Middle/Neck
5) Neck

You wont find a switch unless you go for a blade switch like a Fender Strat or MM Sterling.

tony moore · #3 04-02-2010, 04:08 PM

nope, i don't need individual volume controls for each pickup. i'd like to keep it simple. i'd like to have a master volume, master tone, and a pickup selector wired:

1 - neck pickup
2 - middle pickup
3 - middle and bridge pickup
4 - bridge pickup

do you know of a rotary switch the will fit in a standard fender jazz control cavity? the one from allparts is too big i believe.

i'm planning on doing just what you said and use a standard jazz plate for this. if i end up going with the dimarzio model one for the extreme neck position, i'll use a control plate from a reggie hamilton jazz bass as it has a small hole for a mini-switch and use it for a coil tap to switch from humbucking to single coil.

thanks!

tony

**line6man** · #4 04-02-2010, 04:12 PM

I'm really not sure why you would want a 4 position switch with 3 pickups?

Ideally, you would want a 7 position switch to get all the combinations, but you probably won't be able to find such a thing.

You can use a 6 position switch, and sacrifice one of combinations.

This one will work, though I don't know if it's make-before-break or break-before-make.

http://www.allparts.com/6-position-R...p-0920-000.htm

tony moore · #5 04-02-2010, 04:24 PM

thanks line6man, but i've listed how i want to wire it. i'm limiting myself on purpose because i've realized those 4 settings are all i ever use and i never blend pickups. actually, typing this i realized i never solo the bridge pickup. i just can't hear all the subtle variations in the mix, live or recorded. maybe my ears suck, but all those choices stymie me. i'm feeling extravagant by adding that 3rd pickup! which is actually born from laziness because i want the 3 tones i use in one bass...

FunkMetalBass · #6 04-02-2010, 04:26 PM

What makes you think that the 4-way on that site is too big to fit? FWIW, I've never had an issue fitting anything into the control cavity except the OBP-3 that I put in, and that's because I couldn't fit the module and battery in with two concentric pots and a push/pull.

And I agree with line6man, a 7-way is the way to go. Then you can have:

1) Bridge
2) Bridge/Middle
3) Middle
4) Middle/Neck
5) Neck
6) Bridge/Neck
7) Bridge/Middle/Neck

EDIT:

If you don't ever solo the bridge, then get a simple 3-way toggle switch (like a Les Paul) and wire up your three combinations.

Govier966 · #7 04-02-2010, 04:30 PM

Why don't you just use a 5 way rotary switch and not use the blended pickups?

M0ses · #8 04-02-2010, 04:31 PM

Stew Mac

I know it has 5 positions, but you could
1. Wire it for a fifth combination just for the heck of it
2. Use it as a kill switch
3. Be stubborn and keep looking.

Your choice.

If you choose 3, I will help with that too.
Mouser
I have no idea which of these will or will not fit in a control cavity. But there you go.

Also, FunkMetalBass has a good suggestion - if you don't actually solo the bridge, why bother wiring that one? A 3 position switch is very easy to find.

**line6man** · #9 04-02-2010, 05:21 PM

Well, if you really don't want the extra options, you might consider a 5 position switch with one position configured as a kill to mute the output.

M0ses · #10 04-02-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

I know it has 5 positions, but you could

2. Use it as a kill switch

Thanks for the support

tony moore · #11 04-03-2010, 05:45 AM

i just measured the control cavity in my jazz bass and it's just under 1 1/4" in depth. the 5 position switch is 1 5/16". i guess i need to consider routing if i really want all the switching options...

M0ses · #12 04-03-2010, 09:18 AM

If there's only 1/16 or so standing in your way of the 5-position switch, just do the routing. That's no big deal at all. IMO.

**line6man** · #13 04-03-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

If there's only 1/16 or so standing in your way of the 5-position switch, just do the routing. That's no big deal at all. IMO.

I would definitely be inclined to agree, but OTOH, it the switch is 1/16" to big to fit the cavity, that isn't including any room for the connections to be made.
It could come out closer to 1/8" or 1/4".