Strat parallel/series questions

[McCreed]

The other day I became aware of Ibanez's new entry level (ST-style) AZ-ES guitars. Apparently they are quite good value, but I just do not need to buy another strat. However, the 3 x SC model comes with an interesting wiring scheme that I would like to try in one of my existing guitars.

It has a standard 5-way configuration but with a Master Tone and Mater Volume, and a toggle (they call it the "Alter Switch") which switches the 2 & 4 positions of the 5-way from parallel to series but also allows for a neck & bridge combo. (see pic below)

I can only find wiring diagrams for this set up using a blender pot (Dan Armstrong Series Mod) or push/pull pot with 1V/2T. And I don't think any of them had the N/B as an option. I would like to avoid both of those.

So my questions to the wiring gurus are:

1) How can I substitute a on-on toggle for the blender pot?

2) Can it be done with a standard 5-way switch? (I can't imagine Ibanez using a super-switch in a $299US guitar)

Here's the DA w/ blender pot:


Here's the Ibanez switching diagram:

[RocknRolf]

I am not your wiring guru, but would like to follow. Seems like a great mod!

[Simon Barden]

Definitely a specially-made pickup switch. They have one for their HH S- and RG-series guitars. They won’t use a generic super switch as it will be too wasteful of space and labour to wire.

Also note the single master tone control.

[Simon Barden]

The Ibanez parts for the AZ ES range aren’t listed on their web page yet, but here’s the switch package for the HSS AZs

https://cs.hoshinogakki.co.jp/pcw.ns...trMode=newpage

The HH switch is a different but similar unit, so the SSS will be yet another version.

I’d wait until the part becomes available.

[Simon Barden]

To answer question 1) just substitute a 2-way switch for the pot, so the neck and bridge ‘cold’ wires are either switched to ground (for normal parallel operation) or to the hot signal of the middle pickup (for series). Simply replace the pot symbol for a switch symbol.

[McCreed]

To answer question 1) just substitute a 2-way switch for the pot, so the neck and bridge ‘cold’ wires are either switched to ground (for normal parallel operation) or to the hot signal of the middle pickup (for series). Simply replace the pot symbol for a switch symbol.

Thanks Simon.
Any chance you could do a quick sketch for me?


Edit:
I think I got it. I have a mini toggle that is a two-way switch with 3 lugs, so I can just solder the wires the same as the blend pot.

I have used these toggles previously for the 7-sound strat mod.

[Simon Barden]

That’s it.

You just had to picture the pot in the two end travel positions, so the centre wiper connection was making a no-resistance connection to the appropriate end connection wire.

[McCreed]

Thanks for confirming that.

Cheers!