HSH Silhouette with Free Way Switch

[martinrking]

Hello! I'm looking into getting my 2011 Silhouette modified. Basically, the in-between sounds aren't doing it for me, and I'd also like to get the bridge + neck pickups in parallel, like a Les Paul with the switch in the middle position. I'm not keen on the idea of pushing/pulling a knob in addition to manipulating the blade switch, so the Free-Way looks like my best option.

Does anyone have experience with the Free-Way, or other mods that let you get a ton of different tones? There are so many options, you can see them on this page: Schematics - Free-Way Blades at the bottom, 5B5-02 3PU 2pot Part 1.pdf.

Also, could anyone confirm that a 2011 Silhouette would have DiMarzio Virtual PAFs, and that these pickups have 4 conductors? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the pickup needs 4 conductors in order to be split properly for these mods to work.

Thank you

 

[beej]

What don't you like about the 'in-between' sounds? Just reproducing the wiring with the new switch wouldn't really change anything.

Do you use all of the current switching options? If not, you could always wire one of those up to be the humbuckers in parallel.

 

[tbonesullivan]

The "in between" sounds approximate the strat "quack" positions. If you don't like that sound, just rewire your 5 way switch to have the sounds you do want.

Factoid: the original Stratocaster wiring did not have a 5 position switch. It had a 3 position switch, and you could not combine the pickups unless you got the switch "stuck" in between. Not everyone loves the quack positions.

 

[GWDavis28]

Those are pretty cool switches!! Thanx for sharing.

Glenn |B)

 

[DrKev]

Also, could anyone confirm that a 2011 Silhouette would have DiMarzio Virtual PAFs, and that these pickups have 4 conductors? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the pickup needs 4 conductors in order to be split properly for these mods to work.

Thank you

They would, they do, and you are right.