Wiring help needed for series/parallel using 3 terminal switch

[tpaul]

I have a set of DiMarzio Model Ps (4-wire pickups) that I'd like to wire for series/parallel switching. There is an existing switch in the bass that I believe to be SPDT (it has three terminals but is a two-position switch). I've found diagrams online but they are for switches with more terminals. Can I do the series/parallel wiring with this existing switch?

Thanks for any advice or diagrams!

 

[bholder]

I don't think so. I believe you need (at least) a DPDT for series / parallel switching.

 

[tpaul]

I don't think so. I believe you need (at least) a DPDT for series / parallel switching.

Thanks, I thought that might be the case, but I was hoping there might be some clever work-around.

 

[bholder]

I'm sure someone will speak up if it's possible, but I can't see how, as you need to switch both "legs" of one of the coils independently and simultaneously (that's what a DPDT does). But there are some smart and tricksy folks out there, we'll see.

 

[jksuperstar]

It is probably a mini toggle switch, and you can find the same fit, just in a 6-terminal DPDT type. If you get a On-On version, you can select between series and parallel, or if you get an on-on-on (3 position. Still 6 terminal DPDT), then you can have series, parallel, plus a single coil option.

Seymour Duncan has wiring diagrams, but you may need to map it to DiMarIo wire colors.

Wiring Diagram Library | Seymour Duncan

 

[bholder]

Bartolini has good diagrams too... https://bartolini.net/wp-content/uploads/Docs/PickupWiring4Conductor.pdf

Edit: Specifically, this page:

I use a polarity detector and follow the wiring to determine whether match outer / inner coils, or neck / bridge coils, to get "spread" humbucking, then I use two DPDT on-on-on switches so that I get Series / Singles / Parallel for both pickups. Doing this on virtually all my builds these days.

 

[bholder]

Or get a FreeWay switch and go hog wild like I did on one project:

 

[tpaul]

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful!

I did source a DPDT on-on switch and did the series/parallel thing. It's more useful than I expected with the Model P (I also have a 500K tone pot in the circuit which gives me more tonal range).

I never considered using a 3-way switch for a single coil option. Hmmm.... maybe I'll try that next.