This switch: How does it work? (5-way)

[rojo412]

I have 2 of these, need to put a guitar back together. The standard diagrams show a better switch that looks nothing like this, so how are they related?

Sorry, this currently isn't bass related, but it could be in the future!

[M.R. Ogle]

The Seymour Duncan website, the Stewart McDonald website and several others show how to wire various five-ways. Just Google, you'll find what you're looking for.

[Arvin]

Originally Posted by rojo412

The standard diagrams show a better switch...

This.

Honestly, I'd replace that one with one of these:

Clicky

I'm familiar with the switch you show in your picture, mostly with having to take them out and replace them with a CRL or other higher-quality switch.

[rojo412]

I want to put nothing back into this guitar... it's not mine and the original owner may eventually come asking for it.

I have googled, I've stewmac'd... these crappy switches aren't described there. Every site uses this:



If the poles on that switch are the same as this one, just staggered left and right, that's great... but I don't know if that's the truth.

[grisezd]

Check it with a meter or a battery and a light bulb.

Or, flip it over and look at the traces on the circuit board.

[rojo412]

I got it figured out, thanks!