Replacing a Blend Knob with a Switch (ala Carvin)

[Petary791]

I like switching my pickups quickly, and I can't do that very well with my blend knob. It's not precise enough. I have to spend too much time trying to find the divet. Is there anyways I can replace the knob with a 3 way switch like what's found on Carvin guitars?

Thanks.

 

[Tbirdbassist]

It's pretty easy, just have to buy the right switch.

 

[Petary791]

It's pretty easy, just have to buy the right switch.

Linkage? And how do I do it?

 

[Petary791]

Like this switch would be great, but the bottom looks pretty huge. How can I know if it'll fit?

http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=S1B&CID=GTR/K

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

ok, so you want your controls to be what exactly, is your bass active, passive? if its a J bass, you could go Volume/Tone/3 way switch. for this application, you could use a les paul straight 3 way switch where you would have neck, both, and bridge. as for a wiring diagram, i could probably make one up, but im not gonna bother until you fill me on the above questions.

 

[Petary791]

ok, so you want your controls to be what exactly, is your bass active, passive? if its a J bass, you could go Volume/Tone/3 way switch. for this application, you could use a les paul straight 3 way switch where you would have neck, both, and bridge. as for a wiring diagram, i could probably make one up, but im not gonna bother until you fill me on the above questions.

I'm active. My knobs are set up with 3 up top and two below it, like an Ibanez, like this:

Invalid Link Removed

Starting from the top right and going clockwise, it goes volume, treble, mid, low, blend (which I want to replace.) I just want to replace the top middle knob with a 3 way switch so instead of panning for my pickups, I can just flick the switch ala Les Paul.

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

i dont really know much about rewiring active basses and pre-amps, idk if its just a matter of wires or circuitry, i have more knowledge in passive tone circuits, sorry i cant really help.

 

[Petary791]

Ah ok. Thanks for trying.

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

if you wanted a passive circuit, you could do master volume, tone, tone, a series paralell switch and the 3 way. but like i said all i can do with an active bass is replace parts.

 

[tplyons]

I'm not sure, but on my old Ibby, the blend knob was part of the circuit, and not just a pot that can be swapped out. Double check, it's part of the circuit board, ain't it?

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

thats what i was thinking after i realized that it was active, op, you should check that out. tim if its not can it be replaced or am i wrong in thinking this, like i said as far as i know active electronics dont really change unless you put a new unit in, im not too up on my active elctronics.

 

[tplyons]

thats what i was thinking after i realized that it was active, op, you should check that out. tim if its not can it be replaced or am i wrong in thinking this, like i said as far as i know active electronics dont really change unless you put a new unit in, im not too up on my active elctronics.

It may or not be able to be replaced, depending on the circuit. A circuit board is the same as some wires, it's just cheaper to have them printed and all the pots soldered directly to the board. Less labor costs too.

It may be doable, but frankly, not advisable.

What preamp is in there anyway? I was so much happier when I gutted my SR400 for a passive setup. But then again, that's me.

 

[SpacemanHoliday]

Petary791, did you end up doing this or finding anything more about it? I've been trying to figure out how to do the same thing on my Carvin bass, those blend knobs are useless for changing tones mid-song it seems. Mine is active electronics too, though.

 

[gfried84]

it can definitely be done the blend knob needs to be removed and the hot leads from the pickup routed to the switch. The hot lead from the switch goes to same place the hot lead from the blend went. Any competent tech should be able to do this for you.