Alternative for the GK 3-way switch

Started by markcasq, August 10, 2011, 10:37:03 PM

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markcasq

Does anyone know any alternative to the 3-way switch?  I am designing my internal GK kit install, but the mini switch is limiting my design options.  It doesn't look good!  I'm planning to install an internal kit in my epiphone les paul.  I'm thinking to replace the volume/tone with GK volume and 3-way switch, but the mini switch is too small to simply take up the hole left by the tone pot.   Is there a bigger 3-way switch that I can use?  Something like the les paul pickup selector?

and by the way, what kind of switch is the GK 3-way switch?  Is it an ON-ON-ON or ON-OFF-ON?  Appreciate the help!

Elantric

#1
You can use any DPDT, ON-OFF-ON type switch.

This one is robust and larger than most, after installation its similar size to Les Paul PU selector switch, and will fit in the location of the Les Paul Tone pot hole:

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/980728-switch-toggle-dpdt-6a-thread-sld-m2023b2b1w01.html

NKK # M2023B2B1W01

http://www.nkkswitches.com/pdf/MtogglesBushing.pdf


Its very similar to the type of switch used on the MusicMan John Petrucci:

markcasq


drjoness2001

#3
You can use a Les Paul type pickup selector with a very easy modification.

I did a video clip on this:



As you may know, the typical Les Paul switch has both pickups engaged in the middle position. Pushing the switch up or down breaks the connection with one of the pickups. This is the opposite of the typical GK mini switch.

The easy solution is to reverse the direction of the internal contacts in the Les Paul switch. You can do this by using a small screwdriver disassemble the switch, then rotating the outside contacts so that the angle away from the paddle. This way, the switch does not normally conduct electricity in the middle position, but moving the switch up or down will engage the contacts. This mimics the action of the typical on/off/on mini switch.

I did this to two guitars, so that I could keep the traditional look. I sold these a few years ago on ebay, but I archived this listing information, so you can have a look at what I did:

http://www.joness.com/ebay/2010/Warmoth_Black/Warmoth_Black.htm

and

http://www.joness.com/ebay/2008/Warmoth_Floyd_Rose/Warmoth_Floyd_Rose.htm

Here is a close-up photo of the switch being wired:



You will notice that the ground wire is soldered to the center conductor. This design can be used for either the GK S1/S2 option, or for the guitar/guitar+synth/synth switch.

Good luck! Wayne


markcasq

this is indeed innovative!

Can I use this to switch bank up/down?

Elantric

S1 and S2 can be mapped on the VG-99 or GR-55 to be Patch Bank Up and Patch Bank Down.