CRL 3-Way Switches and Stock Tele Wiring

[R. Stratenstein]

Thought I'd pass on something that took me a while to figure out, and a couple of errors, for any first time Challengers or other builders who are wiring the CRL 3-way switch that StewMac and others sell.

The wiring diagram StewMac has (and is used by others, also) is correct and works well, except for one little detail:

That detail is the switch solder lug configuration. The diagram makes it look like the lugs on the opposite sides of the switch are offset from one another, which they are, but on the diagram it's shown "backwards". This confused me, so once I figured it out, I made the little picture/diagram below, which I hope may save someone a little last minute panic as they're soldering in the electronic components. In the photo, I'm holding the switch in the same orientation as in the diagram, although as the instructions tell you, it doesn't matter which side the spring goes on.

 

[waparker4]

This is why I like open switches like this kind and always make sure I know which terminals are the common terminals, which is easy to see by looking at the workings of the switch. Nice pic!

 

[Peter Rabbit]

Exactly what waparker4 said!

 

[Isca]

6 years later and I just wanted to say thank you, as your pic came up on Google and helped me wire my new CRL switch correctly - my initial attempt had a non-working middle position!

 

[wadeeinkauf]

Have I mentioned how much I like working SD pickups.

 

[Zedzero77]

Omg thank you so much, my guitar is back, fully functional now..had to rewire the whole switch but worth it..funny how the instructions are backwards. Thanks again!

 

[DrASATele]

Anyone seen or heard from Rick lately?

 

[PeterUK]

Anyone seen or heard from Rick lately?

It's a seven year old thread and he hasn't been around since last August.

The forum rules clearly state don't revive threads older that 6-months old:

RESURRECTING OLD THREADS:
Over the years we have determined that resurrecting old threads can cause some problems for our membership. So, in general, we ask that you not post on threads that are not currently active on our thread indexes - such as threads more than 6 months to a year old. We think it's best if you simply post in current threads -- or start a new one of your own unless you have something really valuable to add to the older thread. If you resurrect an old thread with a "Me too" or a "joke." we'll probably remove the post as it's not adding any value to the thread.

And here's a good reason.

 

[RogerC]

Anyone seen or heard from Rick lately?

Thanks for the prompt, Chris. I've actually been thinking about him, too, so I just gave him a call. He's doing ok, but like so many of us, has kind of lost the fire for guitars and TDPRI.

 

[RickyRicardo]

He is missed.

 

[DrASATele]

Thanks Roger!

 

[AntonHu]

This was super helpful! 2021 and I just encountered the same issue with diagrams. Don’t know why CRL had to be different…

 

[crazydave911]

Thanks for the prompt, Chris. I've actually been thinking about him, too, so I just gave him a call. He's doing ok, but like so many of us, has kind of lost the fire for guitars and TDPRI.

I came back and hopefully he will too

 

[RogerC]

*deleted* Was thinking about Rob, not Rick.