Types Of Pickup Selector Switches (Which To Choose & Why)

Your electric guitar has more to offer than you might think. The pickup selector—the switch often found on the body near the knobs—can have a huge impact on your guitar’s tone. You can customize your sound on the fly by understanding its function and the different types available.

In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of pickup selector switches. With this knowledge, you can make the right choices when buying or modifying your guitar.

What Do Pickup Selector Switches Do?

Pickup selectors allow guitarists to choose which pickups are active. Located on the guitar’s body, these knobs or switches enable players to alternate between different pickup combinations, altering the sound.

For guitars with two pickups, a 3-way switch is common: it selects either the neck, bridge, or both pickups simultaneously. Guitars with three pickups might use a 5-way switch, offering more combinations.

For DIY gearheads, installing or replacing a pickup selector involves soldering wires to the switch. Also, you must ensure the pickup switch is securely fastened to the guitar’s body. Using these knobs, players can swiftly shift tones mid-performance.

Which Pickup Selector to Choose and Why

For Simplicity: 3-Way Toggle Switch

The 3-way toggle switch is simple and efficient. Suited for guitars with two pickups, it offers three distinct tonal settings:

1. Neck pickup for a warmer sound: The neck pickup is positioned closer to the guitar’s fretboard, near the center of the vibrating string. Because of this position, it captures a broader segment of the vibrating string, resulting in a deeper, warmer sound. This tonal quality is ideal for genres like jazz and blues, where a smooth and mellow tone is desired. The neck pickup accentuates the bass frequencies, making it perfect for rhythm sections or bluesy solos.
2. Bridge pickup for a brighter tone: Located closer to the guitar’s bridge, the bridge pickup captures the string’s vibrations nearer to one of its fixed points. This position emphasizes the higher frequencies, producing a tone that is bright, sharp, and clear. It’s suitable for lead guitar parts, solos, and genres like rock and country where a more piercing sound is preferable.
3. Combination of both: When the neck and bridge pickups are selected, the resulting sound is balanced and full-bodied. This combination merges the neck pickup’s warmth with the bridge pickup’s brightness. The effect is a versatile tone that can be used across various genres. It’s perfect for players who want a bit of everything.

The 3-way switch is the go-to choice for guitarists who prefer a direct and uncomplicated approach to sound selection.

For Versatility: 5-Way Switch

The 5-way blade switch offers a more intricate and versatile approach to tonal selection. Designed for guitars with three pickups, it provides a wider array of tonal possibilities:

1. Neck pickup for a warmer sound: As with the 3-way switch, the neck pickup on a 5-way switch captures the vibrations closer to the guitar’s fretboard. This results in a deeper, warmer sound, making it ideal for genres such as jazz and blues.
2. Middle pickup for a balanced tone: The middle pickup is strategically positioned between the neck and bridge pickups. This allows it to capture a balanced mix of both warm and bright tones. It’s versatile and can be used for various genres.
3. Bridge pickup for a brighter tone: The bridge pickup, like in the 3-way configuration, emphasizes higher frequencies due to its position near the guitar’s bridge. This results in a sharp, clear sound, perfect for lead lines and solos.
4. Neck and middle pickup combination: This provides a richer sound than the middle pickup alone but retains some of the warmth from the neck pickup. It’s a great choice for players looking for a tone that’s warm but with added clarity.
5. Middle and bridge pickup combination: The balanced tone of the middle pickup combined with the brightness of the bridge pickup is vibrant but modestly so. It’s ideal for genres that require a punchy rhythm or a bright lead tone without being too piercing.

The 5-way switch is perfect for guitarists who want to explore a broader tonal spectrum. With multiple combinations, it allows players to refine their sound according to the specific requirements of a song or genre.

Further Customization

For those who want even more control over their sound, there are several options:

1. Mini toggle switches: These are smaller switches that can be added to a guitar to provide additional tonal options. They are often used to split the coils of humbucking pickups, turning them into single coils for a brighter sound. This can provide the warmth of a humbucker and the brightness of a single coil without having to change guitars.
2. Coil splitting: This allows players to isolate one of the coils in a humbucking pickup, effectively turning it into a single coil pickup. This is great for achieving a crisper tone while having the option to switch back to the full humbucker sound.
3. Phase reversal: Some mini toggles allow players to reverse the phase of their pickups. When two pickups are out of phase with each other, they produce a unique, hollow sound.
4. Push-pull pots: These are dual-function knobs that serve as both volume or tone controls and switches. By pulling up or pushing down on the knob, players can activate different wiring configurations.
5. Series/parallel switching: In the series mode, the pickups work together to produce a fuller, louder sound. In parallel mode, the pickups are wired side by side, resulting in a clearer, brighter tone.
6. Active/passive switching: For guitars equipped with active pickups, a push-pull pot can be used to switch between active and passive modes. This provides the option to use the boosted signal from the active pickups or the natural sound of passive pickups.

Guitar customization goes beyond just the standard switches. With tools like mini toggles, push-pull pots, and various wiring configurations, you have the power to tailor your sound. Embrace these options and craft a sonic signature that’s uniquely yours.

Wrapping Up

Pickup selectors offer a plethora of tonal possibilities. Understanding these switches can elevate your performance, whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a newbie. By choosing the right switch, you can let your guitar’s voice resonate in perfect harmony with your musical vision.