Switch Mapping Worksheets
Many wiring circuits are straightforward or already planned out for you. The red wire goes here and the black wire goes there. Easy. Now and then, though, things get more complicated. Maybe it’s a crazy modded circuit or maybe it’s some wiring that just won’t do what you want it to.
I’ve been using worksheets like these to help me figure out those complicated pickup switching arrangements.
Switch Mapping Worksheets break out each switch position and show you the active wiring lugs in each. You print one out, start drawing, and you can build up your wiring step by step.
It turns an annoying job into one that’s a lot less hassle.
How does this work?
Let’s say I want to figure out the wiring for selecting a series of humbucker and split-coil switching for a HH-equipped guitar. It’s a complicated arrangement but having a Switch Mapping Worksheet can really help me build up each switch selection as if I’m dealing just with that one position. I draw in and ‘wire’ the switch on paper first, using the active wiring lugs in each switch position to achieve what I need.
Building things up step by step like this makes things much more easy to figure out. Then, when all positions are mapped, I can fill in the blanks to add any jumpers or other wiring so that the positions work with each other. For instance, above, I’ve ended up with an output for the bridge and for the neck pickups. I’ll need to join those in the final circuit to combine the outputs. I end up with something like below.
Looking at the final wiring diagram makes it seem complicated but because we can build up each stage in isolation, the whole job becomes much easier.
Buy Switch Mapping Worksheets
Get the worksheets for immediate digital download
Get Switch Mapping Worksheets download right now for only $10
What you'll get:
Download package containing around 24 different switches (see below for a list).
Many of the switch worksheets include different pickup layout maps for SS, SSS, HH, HSS, HSH guitars, making it easier to draw in your desired arrangements. Blank layouts are also included for any other pickup layouts.
All worksheets are available in both JPG and PDF formats. You can import into a graphics app or print hard copies to draw the old-fashioned way.
Switch Mapping Worksheets are also available in a bundle deal with my Complete Guitar Wiring ebook. More…
Included Switch Mapping Worksheets
3-Way Fender CRL *
3-Way Goldo 4-Pole *
3-Way Import *
4-Way Fender Oak Grigsby *
5-Way Fender CRL *
5-Way Ibanez SC2502N CorTek *
5-Way Ibanez VLX-53 *
5-Way Import *
5-Way Super Switch *
Fender S1
Freeway 6-Way 3X3-03
Freeway 6-Way 3X3-05
Switchcraft Push-Pull
Toggles - Fender Sliders - 2 and 3-way
Toggles - ON-OFF-ON Centre-Off
Toggles - ON-ON-ON AND 3-Way
Toggles - SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT, 4PDT
*Available in HH, HSH, HSS, SS, SSS, and Blank pickup layouts.
Buying FAQ
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Sure is. I sell the PDF version through Gumroad. They take care of all of the nerdy security and encryption stuff. Your purchase will be completely secure. More info on security…
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I sell through Gumroad and they handle all of the payments for the PDF version and will accept the usual credit cards as well as PayPal and Apple Pay. As much as it pains me to say so, please don't send cash or beer. More info…
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Yeah. That sucks. Sorry.
It’s something you’ll have to take up with your government, though. I wish I didn’t have to pay tax too, so you’ve got my vote if you run for office.
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As soon as you purchase, you should see a successful purchase notification on screen. there will be a big button labelled ‘View Content’. Click on that and you can download or view the book.
You’ll also receive an email receipt from Gumroad. This email contains the same big button labelled ‘View Content’. Check in your spam folder if you don’t see this email in your inbox.
The download link in this email can be used at any time in the future if you need to re-download.
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Nope. Sorry. I can’t do retrospective bundling.
General FAQ - All the other stuff
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No. Not really.
These worksheets certainly make the job more easy but they don’t do the work for you. You’ll need a bit of knowledge for these to be really useful.
Some instructions are included and they walk through a pretty simple circuit to get started so that’ll help. But… A base-level of knowledge is needed here, especially as things get more complicated.
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Yeah. It doesn’t have everything. I’ve tried to include the stuff that’ll be most commonly needed but not every switch in the world is here.
Some, I just haven’t gotten to and some I left out on purpose (either because they’re already really well accommodated on the net or because they’re very specific to a particular job).
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While it’s possible I may add switches to this package over time, I don’t do requests. Sorry.
Incidentally, if I do make minor updates, I’ll let all previous buyers know and they can get the update for free.