Why the change from the 3 way toggle to the 3 way blade

[zebraprs]

I can understand why the change from the 5 way rotary to the 5 way blade. Although I prefer the rotary.. but why did PRS change from the 3 way toggle to the 3 way blade switch. was it to simplify the build process so they only have to cut out one type of switch for the Custom, P22, 408?

I am very curious to why this was done..

 

[zebraprs]

bump to the top.

Anyone have an idea?

 

[László]

I'm going to guess that it's to give the core models consistent ergonomics. For me, the blade switch is located in a better spot than the 3 way toggle, and I prefer it.

But I know that others prefer other types of switches. So I'm not trying to argue that it's better, just that it works nicely for a player like me. I have the 3 way toggle on the Sig Ltd, and actually like the blade location on my A-V better.

 

[Rango]

I'm going to guess that it's to give the core models consistent ergonomics. For me, the blade switch is located in a better spot than the 3 way toggle, and I prefer it.

But I know that others prefer other types of switches. So I'm not trying to argue that it's better, just that it works nicely for a player like me. I have the 3 way toggle on the Sig Ltd, and actually like the blade location on my A-V better.

I could see that... I like how a 3 way toggle works and wondered as well "why the blade", especially on the production 408's. I could see how the ergonomics and location of the blade might be better.

I had not considered that... :biggrin:

 

[John Beef]

The blade first appeared on the CU22 triple soapbar model in the early 00s or late 90s, but disappeared for a while... then reappeared on the Hiland and Mira in 07, then the SAS, then all of a sudden it was everywhere.

Maybe they got good feedback from players that it was better than what they had been doing before? The rotary has always been a love it/ hate it kind of thing amongst players and maybe the blade gives your average player coming to PRS for the 1st time a more familiar thing to work with. The rotary was certainly a foreign concept for me when I got my 1st PRS and took a few months of playing to really get used to.

I would also speculate that CNC woodworking has gotten to be more precise than ever before which has allowed them to rout the wood thin enough to accommodate a blade switch directly in the wood.

 

[garrett]

I've wondered the same because don't like three-way blades. There's too much travel between positions. The toggle is the right call for me. But at least with the three way blade, you can replace it with a five way for some more interesting wiring options.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

 

[Rango]

Great now I'll be thinking of Annie all afternoon!

 

[Hopeful Sinner]

If I'm not mistaken, the new blade is proprietary.. This makes sense of the "switch" on many levels...

I'm thinking Paul still prefers the 3-way toggle as evident on his "Signature" models.

Thankfully, it seems there's something for everyone under the PRS umbrella! XD

 

[prsrocker1988]

I'm a toggle guy. I come from playing Gibsons for years and I'm just use to that for fast pickup changes.

I have a CU24 that had a 5 way rotary. OMG was that a pain. I bought the assembly from PRS and went to a 3 way and push pull and couldn't be happier.

One thing I noticed is when I removed the rotary, it was like taking a blanket off of my amp. So much more high end came through. I'm just not a big fan of the rotary at all. A blade perhaps. But no way for a rotary.

 

[RichardJ]

I've had my CE22 for a few months now and I'm still getting used to the rotary. I came from having Fenders and like blade switches as you always know where you are. However I'm not tempted to swap the rotary for a toggle as I like the extra tonal options it gives.