Miniature toggle switches

Mixstar

Mixstar

Just too tired . . .
Joined
Mar 17, 2015
Messages
690
Before I start, this is not a criticism, well, maybe a bit. I don't understand why a quality guitar builder such as PRS uses miniature toggle switches on it's guitars. I see fabulous PRS guitars everywhere and get put off when I see those nasty little switches, they look like an afterthought. To me, as an electrical engineer, they look so unprofessional. I know a lot of you don't like the rotary switches but there has to be another, more professional way to achieve pup switching etc? From an aesthetic point of view I'd prefer slide switches or, better, totally push-pull on the tone/volume knobs but again that probably wouldn't suit everyone. Decade switching comes to mind as well but may be too complicated to operate.
 
Hmmm... I don't mind the mini toggles, and would definitely prefer them to the other options you suggest :-)

Also, the mini toggles make it easier to switch quickly and securely on-the-fly.

Finally, the toggles have been a staple in the world of guitar equipment since the time began (LP pup switch, on amps, on pedals, etc etc). In that way they fit perfectly from an aesthetic view (my own, at least)

All this is my own darn opinion, of course :-)
 
Mixstar said:
Before I start, this is not a criticism, well, maybe a bit.
...those nasty little switches,
...they look like an afterthought,
...they look so unprofessional,
...there has to be another, more professional way to achieve pup switching etc?
Click to expand...

A little more than "maybe a bit" I'd say.
I like P/P pots, mini-switches, 3way toggles or 5 way blades for pickup switching...rotary switch not as much...but that's my preference/opinion...and what you've stated is your opinion. All of these methods work perfectly fine. Using your experience as an electrical engineer to justify labeling one "nasty", "unprofessional" or an "afterthought" is...well...a little nasty and unprofessional.
 
I do like the cleaner look of push/pulls, but they can be a pain to grab quickly. Same thing with the rotary switch.

The great thing about mini toggles is they're highly functional. You can change positions very easily and they provide a quick visual status. No worries about accidentally changing the tone or volume setting as with a push/pull. If one breaks, they're very easy to replace.

The core of the issue is that you're thinking like an electrical engineer. ;) Remember that the guitar world is generally based on 70+ year old technology.
 
Michael_DK said:
LP pup switch
Click to expand...
I'm fine with the three way switch on the upper bout as per singlecut it's the little fiddly things that I think can be improved. I still think the miniatures look like an afterthought.
 
I love the mini toggle switches. Id rather have them over a blade or rotary any day
 
I mod all my rotary knobs to 3 way switch and push/push knobs for coil tap.
Iv actually bin considering mini switches for coil taping just bcs I have a song were I have to go from a hard crunch bridge pickup rhythm, to a clean coil tap + compressor twang part. It's kinda hard to do all of that right on time.
I use a tc electronics g system, so it allows me to do minimal pedal/channel switching but would like to fast track the coil splits. So I can see how having two mini toggle switches can be a benefit.
But.. I do remember back in the day I thought mini switches looked tacky, I think it's all about whether or not you need it.
 
I don't mind the mini toggles. I do prefer the idea of putting push/pulls on the volume and tone, as it gives the most options but also keeps the guitar clean. But I wouldn't turn down a 408, not by a long shot. Well, technically a Sig Ltd would be my dream, because I like toggles too.
 
I had the mini-toggles on a Signature Limited. I love them! I much, much prefer them to push-pull knobs for coil splitting, or even to a blade switch, and definitely prefer them to the rotary switch, a thing I never really liked.

I've thought about having the push-pull tone knob on my Private Stock CU24, and WL McCarty, replaced with a regular pot, and having the PTC install a mini-toggle to do that function.

We're all different. As far as I'm concerned, a slide switch like on the old Fender Jaguars, etc., is the worst kind of switch, and a catch-all for dirt and corrosion.
 
I'm into them. Come to think of it, I only have one PRS without one... where's my drill?
 
Man, they should make that White Brent Mason above a core model! Or put 3 408's into something. Though I still get mixed up by the mini-switches sometimes, so maybe that would be too much. The pickup set in the 20th PS should be really cool, and close to that idea anyways.

I'm probably alone here, but I loved the rotary switch. It helped that that's all I had for over 10 years ("Old Red", my retired :( CE24), so I got really comfortable and proficient with it.

My biggest gripe with some of the new switches, and blades is that they get in the way of the trem bar too easily. That wasn't a problem with the rotary. But I understand how it turns buyers off, as it's so unconventional.
 
I'm all for the mini toggle switches. I think they look great and work great as well.
 
I dig mini-toggles. I find the lampshades harder to pull up than the old-school PRS knobs.
 
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