5-way strat switch Varitone?

[Ironfingers]

Can anyone help me figure out how to do this? Maybe a wiring diagram? I have done searches but it seems most varitones are built on rotary switches. I did not find any info on using this type of switch. I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around the 5-way strat switch I guess.

I'm building a Telecaster bass. You know the one. Short scale neck on a tele guitar body, GFS strat middle position lipstick PU, single Vol and Tone pot. I thought i'd just stick a dummy switch in there, but I thought it would be cool to make it be a Varitone.

Is there a way to do 5 caps? As I understand it, positions 2 and 4 combine 1 and 3 and 3 and 5 respectively yes? Is there a way to cut the traces or something to make it into a true 5 pole switch? Or should I just think of the caps as strat pups and wire it accordingly?

Is it OK to add 2 caps together? I think it should be, but would the values be too large to sound good?

Is there a more appropriate switch that would fit in a standard Tele control plate or does some one make a 3-hole plate? I could use a rotary switch then, but would really like to have the blade switch since I'm trying to make the bass look like a classic butterscotch blond Tele guitar.

And yes, i've read through the Varitone threads, but didn't see anything about this type switch.

Thanks!

 

[line6man]

Get a 4P5T superswitch from StewMac. That will allow five capacitances.

Otherwise, the capacitance will be as follows.
1. C1​
2. C1​+C2​
3. C2​
4. C2​+C3​
5. C3​

 

[testing1two]

The 4P5T switch is often referred to as a "super switch" - http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Switches_and_knobs/Super_Switch.html

Here's a discussion on how they work that may or may not be helpful to you: Invalid Link Removed

 

[SGD Lutherie]

There are 2 Pole 5 way switches that have a separate contact for each position, so they don't short out in the 2 & 4 positions.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[GlennW]

And yes, i've read through the Varitone threads, but didn't see anything about this type switch.

As already said, there are more suitable switches for caps. I'd go with a simple 3-way Tele/Strat switch. Three different cap values might be plenty.

I've used switches with more positions, but find myself including options I don't want just to fill the empty spaces.

 

[Ironfingers]

Ok thanks guys, I didn't look into the types of switches since I already had the 5-way. Did not know about the superswitch. Thanks for the links, very helpful.

But Glenn's right, 5 caps will probably more than I want/need. Knowing me I'll end up only using one and not needing a varitone anyway!