This was my first column for Vintage Guitar. Thanks to VG for letting me re-print it here.
I have a three pickup Hamer Arch top Custom and I want to find out if a replacement switch is available for the stock Les Paul style pickup switch it came with. What I want is a five-way switch so I can combine pickups but I want it to look identical to the stock switch. Buck
I am sorry to say there is no one producing a 5-way switch for your type of instrument that will not change its appearance. There are options though. To help me leave no stone unturned, I looked to the Gibson Repair facilities at the Valley Arts Guitar Shop here in Nashville. I spoke with Production Manager Todd Money and wiring wizard Phil Crabtree. We looked at wiring schematics for everything from Ace Frehley’s and Peter Frampton’s signature model Les Paul Customs to Mickey Baker’s 57 Custom with 3 volumes, and master tone located where the toggle switch normally is. After looking at all of the options, the Frampton wiring scheme seems to best fit the bill. It has an ingenious wiring scheme that allows for all possible combinations of pickups without changing the appearance of the instrument. In it the 3-way selector and the top volume and tone controls only affect the two outside pickups. The bottom volume and tone pots only affect the middle pickup. This scheme allows you to blend in the third pickup as desired.
I’ve played fender electrics for most of my life and have just gotten into Gibsons. Manual string bending is a huge part of my playing. While tuning is an ongoing problem with this style, the Fenders seem to handle it better than the Gibsons. Does difference in string tension related to neck scale (25-1/2″ fender to 24-3/4″ gibson) have anything to do with the problem? Do you have any suggestions? Gregg Lee
Scale length does effect the tension the strings are under, but I am more inclined to believe you have another issue causing your tuning instability. To find your culprit, use the process of elimination. It is very unlikely that all of the strings are going out of tune. First, put on a new set of strings and get them well stretched in. Then, on the ailing strings lubricate the friction points at the nut and bridge. You can use many things from #2 pencil lead to any number of lubricants marketed to guitar players. If that solves the problem you’re done. If not take one of the tuners from the non-ailing strings and switch it out. If the string is now holding you need a new tuner.
