The one and only CRL guitar switch - made in the U.S.A. This replacement Strat 5 way switch comes complete with two dome-head nickel mounting screws. Switch tip not included. CRL was the brand of choice for the original Fender Stratocaster's dating back to the 1950's and to this day still comes with the spring-action lever.
Standard U.S. size
Fits 1/16" (1.58mm) x 1-1/16" (26.98mm) slot
1-5/8" (41.27mm) centre to centre screw spacing
1-3/8" (34.92mm) cavity depth
These days the 5 way Strat switch is taken for granted but in the first 3 decades of the Stratocaster’s history (during the 1950’s, 60’s and most of the 70’s) the standard switch fitted at the Fender factory was a 3 position selector. The classic in-between pickup sounds were still achievable but players had to resort to carefully balancing the lever between positions to get the combination of bridge and middle and middle and neck pickups, now commonly referred to as positions 2 and 4 on a 5 way switch. It was only around 1977 did Fender start to fit a 5 way switch as standard to make it much easier to select all 5 tones. There is a common misconception that the combined pickup sounds in positions 2 and 4 are out of phase - this is not true and actually the pickups remain in-phase. The true sound of 2 pickups being out of phase with each other is a much thinner tone with a drop in volume but with a big emphasis on mid-range - somewhat of an acquired taste!
There are several ways to wire a standard Stratocaster - the most traditional method is as Leo Fender had initially devised during the Strat's inception which is to have the middle tone control directly affecting the neck pickup and the lower tone altering the middle pickup, leaving the bridge pickup without any tone control options. Western Swing was prevalent in the 50’s (and also one of Leo’s favourite musical genres) and the best way to recreate the clear and singing tones of the pedal steel, as heard on the recordings of bands like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, was to use the bright bridge pickup on the Strat. However, just as the 3 way switch was later replaced with a 5 way switch in 1977, guitar tones evolved over time and guitarists were not always wanting to have an ultra bright tone in the bridge position and so a simple wiring modification on the switch allows the lower tone to affect the bridge pickup so that the high treble frequencies can be tamed, leaving the middle tone pot to share the tonal duties for both middle and neck pickups.
Do you need a diagram for either of these two wiring methods discussed above? Simply email us with your request or add a note at the checkout stage of our website and we’ll happily include the correct wiring diagram for you.
Delivery:
Any order placed before 2.30pm on a working day will generally be sent the same day. If the order is placed after 2.30pm on a weekday or anytime during the weekend or a public holiday we will send the order the next working day.
UK Orders:
International Orders:
Returns:
At Armstrong Music, we believe in providing our customers with the utmost satisfaction and peace of mind. That's why we proudly offer a 30-day, no quibble returns policy. We understand that sometimes a product may not meet your expectations or requirements and we want you to be completely confident in your purchase. If for any reason you're not fully satisfied with your order, simply return it to us within 30 days of purchase and we'll gladly provide a refund (minus original postage fees) or exchange. Our commitment to exceptional customer service extends to hassle-free returns, ensuring that you can shop with confidence knowing that we stand behind the quality and value of our products. We kindly request that the returned goods must be in their original state (no damage) and any goods or accessories that accompany the returned product must also come back to us. The goods should also be returned with their original box, packing and accessories.
If the return is due to missing or faulty parts then we will offer a full refund or replacement provided we are aware of this within 30 days. Any refund, which is due to a fault, other defect or a mistake on our part, will include a refund of the applicable delivery charge.
PICKGUARDS: Do not remove the protective cover or place any components on this pickguard until you have made a "dry run" on the instrument. Make sure all mounting holes and pickup cuts are positioned correctly. Pickguard replacement warranty will be void if the protective cover has been removed. Removing the protective film means that the item is not in a re-saleable condition and therefore we cannot accept it back for a refund.
Please ensure that any returns are sent using a registered postal or courier service as we cannot be responsible for undelivered parcels being sent to us. Please post returns to the following address:
Armstrong Music
Woodreeve Farm
Capel Road
Ruckinge
Ashford
Kent
TN26 2EJ
This returns policy does not affect your legal rights.
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the best switch out there.good solid clunk when changing position.
I found this switch to be the best of the 5 way types, Positive Click action and did not move out of position if i accidentally hit it with my hand while playing. The price was the best one i found from Armstrong Music.
