5-way rotary: mod for dual humbucker selection ?

[A440]

I thought this was in the archives, but I couldn't find. maybe Jim Collins can chime in here.

I rarely use the 3rd selection on the 5 way rotary (series single coils).
Is there a way to keep the other settings, but change this one to dual humbucker mode (ala middle setting with the McCarty switching setup) ?

from what I recall, this could be done on the old style 5-ways.

[Jim Collins]

It is rather easy to do with the old style rotary switch, but the newer style -- with the attached PCB -- makes it rather difficult. I believe someone has posted on how to modify the switch -- actually breaking some of the traces and adding some jumpers -- but I don't have that information with me, and I don't have a PRS rotary switch in my possession (either on or off a guitar).

The problem is in getting one of those old rotary switches. It is a 6P5T rotary switch on three layers. They are proprietary to PRS, who sells them for big bucks. You can get a 4P5T rotary switch from guitarelectronics.com, I believe. Four poles is all you need to get what you want. As I recall, that switch is a somewhat tighter fit than the original, and it will not accept the same knob the PRS switch uses. The shaft is solid, not knurled.

[A440]

Jim, thx for chiming in here

I'm not sure when they changed to the newer style switch. I believe this guitar is 1998, and think this is the old style one. I'll have to pull the cavity cover to ck it out.

I just priced the old style one from one place. geez, you're right. EXPENSIVE !

I'd rather just change over to McCarty style switching :rolleyes:

[Jim Collins]

If it is a 98, and is stock, the switch is new style. Actually, it is easy to tell. Is there a PCB attached to it? If there is, it is new style.

[Taller]

I did the exact mod you're talking about to my gold top that I sold recently. It was a '94 and featured the old style stacked wafer switch. Both 'buckers in series sound much better than the stock tone in that position.

It isn't a hard mod to perform if you are handy with a solding iron - the hardest part is drawing out the switch and understanding how it works. The PRS diagrams available on their web site are not very helpful.

I wouldn't even attempt it with the newer circuit board switches.

[Thomas Hebert]

Taller-

Is it both humbuckers in series or do you mean parallel?

[tms13pin]

You could do a push/pull mod on either the vol or tone to give you both
buckers in parallel. This switch might only work properly in one of the two most
extreme rotary positions where nothing is being tapped, but its not too difficult
to add this as a pup selection option if you like.

I'd just add this as a "bridge pup on" switch adding the bridge pup in to
whatever else is active (or you could do the neck pup). This is what
Brian Moore does in their axes. So if you were in the neck pup only mode
and pulled this out, it'd add the bridge in parallel. Push it down, and the
rotary would work as normal.

--Tom

[Taller]

Taller-

Is it both humbuckers in series or do you mean parallel?Just looked at my notes - appears that I wired them in parallel.
Sorry for any confusion!:o

[Jmilliondead]

I was given a PRS 3way switch kit today, i can't decide whether i should change my PRS to a 3 way or stick with the 5way, someone help me decide!

[Taller]

I was given a PRS 3way switch kit today, i can't decide whether i should change my PRS to a 3 way or stick with the 5way, someone help me decide!
That's up to you, dude.