Discover New Dimensions with the 3-Position Switch: Series Combinations and Three Simultaneous Pickups with Blender and Push-Pull
Introduction
Welcome to the third part of our series of articles dedicated to lovers of the 3-way switch on the Stratocaster. In this series, we have seen how a seemingly simple switch can reveal surprising versatility, allowing us to explore tones that go beyond what a conventional three-position system offers.
In the previous articles , we looked at how to use a blender potentiometer to achieve series and parallel combinations with two pickups, expanding the tonal options for fans of vintage sound. In this third installment, we'll take this combination to the next level by incorporating a push-pull tone switch , which allows all three pickups to be activated in series simultaneously . We'll also explore an alternative combination where the switch in the middle position allows the neck and bridge pickups to be connected in parallel, achieving surprising tonal flexibility with the three-position switch as a base.
What Does This Setup Offer?
With this wiring scheme, your Stratocaster can achieve an extremely versatile and powerful tonal palette:
3-Way Switch and Blender Pot : Controls the use of two pickups in series. When the blender is set to zero, the 3-way switch operates like a standard Stratocaster system, with each position selecting a single pickup. By turning the blender, series combinations of two pickups can be achieved, such as bridge + neck for example, expanding the possible tones without adding the complexity of a 5-way switch.
- Additional Center Switch Position Option : This setup can be configured so that, in the center position with the blender at zero, the switch engages only the middle pickup, as with a traditional wiring, or engages the bridge and neck pickups in parallel, resulting in the classic "telecaster" sound. This provides an additional option for those who desire a Stratocaster tone with a classic feel, emulating the sound of a 5-way switch without losing the aesthetics and simplicity of a 3-way switch.
- Push-Pull to Activate the Three Pickups in Series : When you activate the push-pull, the three pickups are connected in series simultaneously, creating a very powerful and dense output, ideal for styles where a more loaded tone is sought, with greater body and presence.
Precautions when selecting pills
One of the most important considerations in this setup is the choice of pickups. By connecting three pickups in series, the resistance of each pickup adds together, which can result in an extremely high output. This increase in total resistance results in a more powerful signal, but can be too dark or even undriveable if the pickups have a high output.
- Moderate Output Pickups : It is recommended to choose pickups with a resistance between 5kΩ and 6kΩ . This allows the combined series signal of the three pickups to remain in a balanced and controllable range.
- Example : If each pickup has a 6kΩ output, driving all three pickups in series will bring the total resistance to 18kΩ , resulting in a full, rich sound. However, for pickups with a higher resistance, such as those rated at 7kΩ or more, the total output may be too high, darkening the tone and resulting in a signal that may be difficult to handle without EQ adjustments.
This configuration, therefore, is ideal for those looking for versatility without sacrificing control and clarity of their sound.
Configuration Components and Wiring
To achieve this tone combination, you need the following components and wiring configurations:
- 3-Position Switch : Controls the pickup selected as the lead signal (bridge, middle or neck).
- Blender Potentiometer : When turned, it mixes the pickup selected on the switch in series with another pickup, obtaining combinations of two pickups in series without complicating the control scheme.
- Push-Pull on Tone : When engaged, it connects all three pickups in series at the same time, achieving a powerful output and a darker, deeper tone.
Wiring Detail for Sound Options
To connect the switch, blender and push-pull in an effective combination:
- 3-Position Switch : The switch selects the main pickup (bridge, middle or neck).
- Blender : Allows you to mix a second pill in series with the selected pill.
- Push-Pull : Activates the combination of the three pickups in series.
Additionally, you can configure the switch so that in the center position, with the blender at zero, the bridge and neck are connected in parallel, thus obtaining a sound similar to a Telecaster.
Sound Combinations with this Configuration
This combination offers a wide range of tones and versatility. Below is a table showing the possible combinations in each switch position, depending on the blender setting and the push-pull state.
Switch Position | Blender in Zero | Blender to the Max | Push-Pull Activated (Three Pickups in Series) |
---|---|---|---|
Position 1 (Bridge) | Only bridge | Bridge + Neck in series (thick and powerful sound) | Bridge + Middle + Neck in series (dense sound) |
Position 2 (Central) | Central solo or bridge + neck in parallel | Bridge + Center in series (balanced tone) | Bridge + Center + Neck in series |
Position 3 (Mast) | Mast only | Neck + Center in series (warm and deep tone) | Bridge + Center + Neck in series |
Explanation of Combinations
- Position 1 : The bridge pickup is the main signal. With the blender at maximum, the neck pickup is added in series, generating a humbucker-like sound with a touch of brightness.
- Position 2 (Middle) : Depending on the wiring chosen, this position can play either just the middle pickup or a parallel combination of the bridge and neck, similar to the second position on a Telecaster. This provides a unique sound alternative that adds versatility to the three-position system.
- Push-Pull Activated : When push-pull is engaged, all three pickups are connected in series, delivering a high-output, dark, full-bodied sound. This is perfect for situations where a thick, powerful tone is required, although this combination should be used with caution on high-output pickups.
Conclusion
This 3-way, blender, push-pull switching scheme takes the versatility of a Stratocaster to the next level. The configuration allows you to explore everything from classic Strat tones to thick, powerful sounds with series combinations, including all three pickups active simultaneously.
This article marks the third part of our series dedicated to showing how the 3-way switch, when combined with other components, can open up a world of possibilities for guitarists. The simplicity of this switch, combined with the blender and push-pull control, provides an extremely wide tonal palette, capable of adapting to multiple musical styles.
When making this modification, it's important to consider the pickup output, especially when engaging all three in series. With moderate output pickups, this wiring offers a balanced and manageable tone; but with high output pickups, the result could be overkill. This setup is a powerful tool for guitarists who want to experiment and get the most out of their Stratocaster while maintaining the classic style of a three-way switch.
The 3-way switch is especially valued by guitarists looking for quick and easy changes on stage. Players like Rory Gallagher , for example, used it regularly, taking advantage of its simplicity to access different tones with ease. This ease of use was one of the reasons why Fender kept it on its Stratocasters from their introduction in 1954 until 1977 , when it adopted the 5-way switch as standard. Before that date, all Stratocaster models, including vintage ones from the 50s and 60s, had the 3-way switch from the factory. Far from being a "good old" 5-way design, the 3-way switch remains a highly functional and practical option for live guitarists, providing a versatile palette of sounds with quick and direct changes.