software

Installed a switch to take the hot from the 5 way direct to the output jack in a friend's axe. The effect of going direct to jack wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be. A VERY SLIGHT brightening and hollowing of the tone, barely noticeable.

Is it possible that the entire circuit is placing a load on the direct to jack signal since they both share the hot lug of the output jack now? If so, any way to isolate them? Stereo jack or two jacks maybe?

If you didn't use a DPDT switch to bypass the vol/tone control completely, I'm surprised you heard any difference at all. In fact, you'll probably find that the volume and tone controls still work. I can make a quick diagram if you want.

Artie

Thanks Artie! A diagram would be great. I used a 3 lug on-on SPDT between the 5way and vol pot. Center lug on the SPDT has the hot from the 5way. One of the outside lugs goes to the vol pot, the other direct to jack.

The output jack now has two leads on its hot lug, so I thought that might be the problem.

I'll make you up a diagram here in a moment, but if you have the guitar in front of you, see if the vol and tone still work when the switch is in quot;directquot; mode. I'll bet they do.

Diagram coming shortly . . .

Artie

To keep things simple, I modified something from my archives, but this should be clear:Artie

Artie I don't have the axe but I'll ask my friend if the vol and tone still work in direct mode. So I should have use an on-on DPDT then? I understand the path from the 5 way (B-A-D-E-Jack). But I'm a bit hazy on the vol and tone controls.

Does the vol pot input lug connect to the C lug of the switch and the vol pot output lug connect to the F lug of the switch?

In this axe there is one vol, one tone with the tone connected to the input lug of the vol pot.

Thanks for the help!

Basically, thats correct. I modded the diagram to show actual vol and tone controls. I was a bit lazy last night.

Artie

Thanks Artie. Just curious. Is the path thru the switch in normal mode B-C-F-E?

Thanks again!

Exactly.

Artie concerning your diagram. I'd like the guitar to be in normal mode with the switch lever to the right while in the playing position and direct mode with the lever to the left while in the playing position.

Is that how it'll turn out when it's all wired up?

Thanks!

My diagram shows the switch oriented up/down, but just remember, the handle is always opposite of the contacts that are closed. Ignore the middle position of this diagram. That drawing was made for a 3-way toggle. The 1 and 3 parts are the same for a DPDT switch.

3-way handle position

(Image changed to link.)

Thanks!