4-way switch disadvantages?

[Boolywho]

I was wondering if there are any disadvantages to using a 4-way switch on a two pickup tele (as compared to the traditional 3-way switch setup).

I figure if I have the choice while building my guitar between the standard 3-way switch and a 4-way switch, that enables me to put the two pickups in series (in addition to everything else), then this is a no brainer... I should do it.

Is this being naive? Are there disadvantages to this setup that I'm not aware of (like more potential for noise, not being able to flick the switch as rapidly when trying to get to the neck position alone, etc...)? Thanks for your help!

[Ricky D.]

It gives you a distinct fourth sound, similar to the combined-parallel sound except fatter and 3dB louder. No downside IMO. I have 4-ways on 2 of my three teles. I have to admit I'm in no hurry to replace my last 3-way.

[kddean66]

None.

[porknblue]

I've heard some comment that it is difficult to get position three on the fly for neck only now that its not on the end of the throw.

I have two with the 4-way mod and I like the new tone provided in position 4.

[SatelliteOrders]

I spend more time in pos. 4 than 1-3 these days.

[morroben]

Originally Posted by SatelliteOrders

I spend more time in pos. 4 than 1-3 these days.

Me too. No disadvantage that I've found.

[Guitarmadcat]

Well yes, neck pup alone is obviously more difficult to select in a hurry, but then all mid positions would be too.
For me, it actually would make more sense if it could be wired with the both pups on positions in the middle, leaving both extremities of travel for bridge/ neck.

[Sollophonic]

I'm the other way round, I'd like a setting so that you have the thicker series sound on the back position of the switch, with the usual tele switching on the other three.

Dont forget though, that you can also wire a three way to give the series setting in the middle. I have done that on two of my Teles, as I hardly ever use the two pickups in parallel setting anyway.

[tedro]

Originally Posted by Sollophonic

Dont forget though, that you can also wire a three way to give the series setting in the middle. I have done that on two of my Teles, as I hardly ever use the two pickups in parallel setting anyway.

the standard tele middle is pretty darn distinctive. how different is this sound from that?
i haven't heard (online) a real good example yet.

[Agave_Blue]

Originally Posted by porknblue

I've heard some comment that it is difficult to get position three on the fly for neck only now that its not on the end of the throw.

....

Originally Posted by Guitarmadcat

Well yes, neck pup alone is obviously more difficult to select in a hurry, but then all mid positions would be too.
For me, it actually would make more sense if it could be wired with the both pups on positions in the middle, leaving both extremities of travel for bridge/ neck.

I prefer to have the bridge only at one end and neck only at the other.

Spacially this makes the most sense to me, and there is no question/confusion/difficulty in quickly selecting either one - just throw the switch to the proper end.

:shrug:

[Guitarmadcat]

I prefer to have the bridge only at one end and neck only at the other.

Spacially this makes the most sense to me, and there is no question/confusion/difficulty in quickly selecting either one - just throw the switch to the proper end.

:shrug

Agave Blue, I think you have lost the thread . . .

[GregB]

The only other problem I've found is that because the length of the switch throw is a bit longer it means that when the switch is in the bridge position it's really close to the volume knob. It's sometimes tricky to grab the switch in that position.

Grabbing the neck pickup position can be tricky as people have mentioned. But both of these are issues with the physical switch, not the sounds. I love having 4 main sounds from my Tele.

The solution to both problems may be to have use 3 way switch and then have a push/pull switch on the volume knob to go from series to parallel.

[Agave_Blue]

Originally Posted by Guitarmadcat

Agave Blue, I think you have lost the thread . . .

I thought this is what you thought would "make more sense if it could be" done? It does and it can - that's precisely how mine is wired.



I don't know why anyone would wire it any other way.

[cactusrob]

Originally Posted by SatelliteOrders

I spend more time in pos. 4 than 1-3 these days.

+1

Same here....

[JCBurke59]

Originally Posted by Guitarmadcat

Well yes, neck pup alone is obviously more difficult to select in a hurry, but then all mid positions would be too.
For me, it actually would make more sense if it could be wired with the both pups on positions in the middle, leaving both extremities of travel for bridge/ neck.

Mine is wired that way - bridge / b+n(P) / b+n(S) / neck.
Here's a diagram:

http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Asset..._Alternate.pdf

And I completely agree - this made the most sense to me, also.

[SimpleOne]

.....

[SimpleOne]

....duplicate....

[SimpleOne]

Originally Posted by JCBurke59

I completely agree - this made the most sense to me, also.

Originally Posted by Agave_Blue

I don't know why anyone would wire it any other way.

+1, works for me...thanks again Rob D. for sharing this a while ago...

[Vizcaster]

I don't see any drawbacks, but if there's a "gee I wish I'd known that" moment, it has to do with installing the switch. Some control plates don't have a long enough slot for the four-way switch, so you'll have to modify the plate or the neck of the switch in order to get the full throw. Like I said it's not a drawback but it might be an extra step, or you could be more careful in picking out plates (I went with a nickel plate that doesn't fit the four way without cutting a notch in the switch shaft).

[Ricky D.]

I don't think those "lightning fast" selector switch changes are important at all. I've never seen a performance where I felt the song was adversely affected by the guitarist occasionally adjusting the controls on the guitar. Just reach over and do it, then play some more.

It's just like playing a bad note, except not as bad. If you don't make a big deal about it, it's long gone before anybody react. Of course, if you do it a lot, you're doing it too much, and you will look bad.