Dumb Electronics Question

[CantankerousCarl]

So, if I have PRS pickups that came from a PRS that was wired to a 5-way blade switch, and I wanted to make those same pickups work with a 3-way blade (or toggle) and push-pull tone, would it be a simple matter of re-wiring, or would I have to do something to the pickups themselves in order for the splits to be properly "accessible?"

Thanks!

 

[markintime]

Not a dumb question, but neither do I have an answer. Have never done any guitar wiring personally. I would like to know, however.

 

[Vicenzzo Paiva]

The pickups are the same, the wire is the same. In order to split the coils, you must have a pickup with 4 or 5 wires. The 5 or 3 way switch is just a matter of re-wiring. Buy one or two push-pulls and get a wiring diagram on google.

 

[dkilpatrick]

The pickups need to have at least 4 wire leads to split. If they do than its just a simple re wire to the push pull pot and the 3 way toggle.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I removed my Rotary switch and replaced it with a 3 way toggle w/ push/pull very easily. You got this!

 

[mezzio]

It's simply moving wires around. Instead of using the the 5-way to split the coils and select the pickup at the same time, you'll just move wires around so your push/pull does the splitting and 3 way to select... Unfortunately I'm better at showing than explaining, lol.

 

[garrettb]

Yep, just a simple re-wire. Easy peasy.

 

[xjbebop]

Just parts and wiring...
here's a couple of links to peruse...

http://www.seymourduncan.com/wiring-diagrams

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/category/wiring_resources_guitar_wiring_diagrams/

Learn how to strip (wires) and solder, and the world is yours!!

 

[John Beef]

The pickups need to have at least 4 wire leads to split. If they do than its just a simple re wire to the push pull pot and the 3 way toggle.

Not true. Take a look at the plethora of PRS pickups out there wired for splitting with a braided one conductor cable and a second, single white wire for splitting. I believe these are technically two conductor: one conductor for the hot signal and a second conductor for the split wire.

 

[wardog]

not that simple. I agree with John. It depends on the wiring scheme on the pickups. What are you working with?

 

[dkilpatrick]

Not true. Take a look at the plethora of PRS pickups out there wired for splitting with a braided one conductor cable and a second, single white wire for splitting. I believe these are technically two conductor: one conductor for the hot signal and a second conductor for the split wire.

I guess it depends in the pickup then. I know some other brands have a four conductor setup for splitting.

 

[xjbebop]

I'm pretty sure you need 4 wire pups to split the coils.
Also, many makers use different color codes, so you have to find the correct ones for any particular pups. There are lot's of charts on the web...

 

[Mixstar]

To split you need four, to tap you only need three.

 

[wardog]

PRS had various wire combos per pickup type. and most can be split. IT really depends on the wire setup of the pickup you are working with. Carl can you post a pic of the pickups in question or the brand of PRS pickup and wire colors. This will help me (at least) in being able to answer your question.

 

[DHW]

http://www.prsguitars.com/csc/schematics/schem08/custom3waytoggle.pdf

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I know you already have your answer, but I couldn't resist replying in a thread titled "dumb question" since I always give dumb answers.

 

[CantankerousCarl]

Thanks for all of the replies guys, sorry I kinda abandoned this thread!

My question was predicated on scoring a project guitar, that unfortunately did not work out. Because the pickups came from a CU24 which was wired for the 5-way blade, there were considerations in getting the positions to sound "right" w.r.t. magnet flipping, etc from what I understand. Way too much for my non-wiring-savvy brain to digest.

I shall continue to scour for a possible victim