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How to Wire a Push/Pull Tone Switch

The electric guitar changed the sound of music with its introduction in the early 1930s. It gave the musician control over the sound of the guitar and the ability to amplify it for large audiences. A push and pull tone control provides both volume and tone control in one switch. By pushing or pulling the knob, you switch between the two controls. Wiring a tone control of this type is done by soldering the connections. Practice soldering before attempting it on your guitar to avoid mistakes.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Insulated wire
  • Soldering iron
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Rosin-core solder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the push/pull tone control so that the control knob is facing down and the terminals are aligned towards you.

    • 2

      Wrap the red hot wire from the pickup to the center left terminal and solder the connection. This is done by holding the tone control with needle nose pliers. Heat the terminal with the soldering iron until hot and then press the solder against the terminal until it melts. Remove the solder and allow the terminal to cool for several minutes.

    • 3

      Wrap the positive wire from the pickup around the bottom left terminal and solder the connection.

    • 4

      Cut two small sections of wire to run between the terminals with wire cutters. Strip 3/8 inches of insulation off the end of both wires.

    • 5

      Wrap one end of one of the wires around the top left terminal and solder the connection. Wrap the other end of the same wire around the left front terminal and solder the connection.

    • 6

      Wrap one end of the last wire around the center right terminal and solder the connection. Wrap the other end of the same wire around the front right terminal and solder the connection.

    • 7

      Wrap the black ground wires from the pickup and jack around the top right terminal and solder the connection.

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