Interactive Blade Switch

1
1
2
3
B0
A1
B1
A2
B2
A3
B3
A0
Position 1
(Bridge)

How Do Blade Switches Work?

For an in-depth look at how blade switches work, check out this great article by Fralin Pickups; however, the basic idea is that a blade switch uses a moving "wiper" to connect different terminals in each position, with the 0 terminal on each side always being connected. Each side of the switch is entirely independent, with its own set of terminals that do not interact with the other side.

3-Way Blade Switch: In a Telecaster-style guitar, the 3-way switch features a wiper blade that connects one set of terminals at a time. With some clever wiring, this setup allows Telecasters to select either the bridge or neck pickup individually, or both in parallel. The positions and connected terminals are as follows:

5-Way Blade Switch: Common in Strat-style guitars, the 5-way switch has a wider wiper blade, enabling it to connect multiple terminals at once in certain positions. This design facilitates the “in-between” tones, such as combining the bridge/middle or middle/neck pickups in positions 2 and 4. The positions and connected terminals are as follows: