Author Topic: Just bought a 3-Pos Q Switch for my Essence - so where should I put it?! (Read 487 times)

Twocan · « **on:** July 10, 2014, 07:02:51 AM »

So I've taken the plunge on getting a Q-Switch for my Essence, and I found a reputable guitar repairman to install it. My question is about the location - I've seen them placed all over Essences. Mine has the standard triangular knob configuration as shown below. To those who have played/own(ed) a model with a switch - where was it placed and did you like the location? Thanks.

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2014, 04:29:40 PM »

lyla53 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2014, 07:09:50 PM »

Options numbered top to bottom 1,2 and 3. Options 2 and 3 are in close proximity to the output jack. On my Alembic I have a stereo/mono switch right where option 3 is noted. If I use a 90 degree jack and loop the short cord through the strap to my wireless transmitter or straight through strap to amp the switch often gets actuated up by the jack. If my switch was located in spot 2 it would work better for my set up. However as Mica points out a 90 degree cord hanging down in spot 2 would be a problem. If you use a straight jack cord then no problem with either spot 2 or 3. As for spot 1 = again on my bass's it looks like the factory switches are at least
1 1/4 (center knob to center switch) OR further apart. Switch placement there may either be to close to the knobs or to close to the rounding edge of the instrument - There is not much room for error if poking holes up there. I happen to like 90 degree plugs so in my case spot 2 would be best. Hope this helps.

Twocan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2014, 07:23:24 PM »

Thanks everyone! I like spot one if it can be pulled off.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2014, 07:32:59 PM »

Options 1 and 2.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2014, 01:40:43 PM »

3 PUs Alembic?

mica · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2014, 05:15:36 PM »

BTW, we have a stubby mono/stereo switch available now that will help you out with that Triple Omega.

keith_h · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2014, 06:23:19 PM »

I have a stubby on my Series 1 and like it much better than the standard length on my BB. The short paddle keeps the switch out of the way of the chord.

Keith

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2014, 08:37:19 AM »

Oh, just get out your router & stick it on the upper bass bout, like a Les Paul selector.......

Really, though - I'd go with option 2, use a right-angle - and always hook the cord through the strap! (That way you don't have to send it back to Mica when the singer or guitarist steps on it).

Peter

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2014, 08:51:42 AM »

I second Peter's ;___ option 2, use a right-angle - and always hook the cord through the strap!

Dave ___ Your Essence modifications look superb ! WOW ___ What a compact tone monster . I am really temped to getting that done on my Essence.

keith_h · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2014, 09:15:49 AM »

I have Essence electronics on my Orion 5-string. I added the Q-switch as seen in option 2 between the 1/4 connector and filter pot. It seemed to me to have the easiest fit when I did the installation. I did have to remove some body wood on the back to be able to get the bushing threads above the top so I could fasten it.

I always run my chords through the strap and the switch is out of the way whether I use a right angled or straight plug.

Keith

lyla53 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2014, 08:00:01 AM »

What does a stubby mono/stereo switch look like? Anyone have a pix? And can I install it myself?

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2014, 09:14:57 AM »

The stubby switch lever is approx 50% shorter than the regular switch.
You can install it yourself. Mine is a standby switch and broke after it got caught on the right angled jack and I picked one up from Mica when I visited the factory a couple of years back.
here is how it looks on my bass.

The stubby is the one under the Jack socket

lyla53 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2014, 08:16:05 AM »

Yup - the stubby will do it! Thank You.

Twocan · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2014, 07:35:47 AM »

Here's where I ended up installing it. Very happy with the location and functionality of the switch!