I have a 1954 three neck Fender console and need wiring info

[Tom Mikkelson]

There is a single toggle switch and I can't determine what it is supposed to do. Someone thought it was supposed to activate all three necks but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone know what it does or know where I can find a schematic of the wiring? Thank you.

[Stephen Cowell]

Yes, it activates all three necks. It is a double-pole, single-throw switch. The wiring has two of the throws shorted together when the switch is activated... the pickup sets' outputs are run to the two poles and the one shorted throw. I'll draw a picture:


__
Steve
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[Bill Sinclair]

I'm pretty sure that it is supposed to operate this way: with the 2 position toggle switch in one position it allows the three necks to be selected individually with the three position top hat switch. With the toggle switch in the other position, all three necks are active BUT the 3-position toggle has to be in a certain position (maybe the middle) for all three necks to turn on. Try that and report back. Here's a link to some diagrams that John Tipka made. I haven't had much chance to study it but perhaps the drawing labeled "Stringmaster T8 with Lever Neck Selector Switch" will help. Let us know what you find!

https://www.aisgc.org/images/Pickups_by_John_Tipka.pdf

Oops, Stephen already answered while I was otherwise occupied.

[Tom Mikkelson]

Thank you Stephen and Bill for the schematics. Even though I don't have the Stringmaster perhaps one of them will be how my Console is wired. Unfortunately, I am in the process of rebuilding my tuning trays and the one furthest from me doesn't have any strings on it. But in one of the positions the nearest neck can be heard in both of the non-center positions. Perhaps when I get the other neck working hopefully all three will work. I will open up electronics and try to make a diagram as to how I think it is wired. Thanks to both of you again. I will try to get back soon, I've been feeling under the weather so it could be a few days.

[David Mason]

You can hold another electric guitar RIGHT OVER a stationary guitar pickup and strum it hard? Electric razors, drills, telephones....

[Clyde Mattocks]

I posted last year about a problem I had with one of these that really had me over a barrel. I was sure I had it wired correctly but couldn't get a signal out to the jack. Turns out the wire was so cankered even when stripped that it wouldn't make a soldered connection until I peeled back below the surface wire threads. The wire and solder would adhere, but no signal passed thru.

[Guy Cundell]

I can't vouch for this but I think the source was Mr Henriques but I am not sure. It has been in my filing system since 2009. I hope it helps.

[Jeff Mead]

Is your guitar a long scale with silver pickup covers instead of black? If not then it's at least a 55 model. If it's a 54 it should have a plastic slider switch for each neck.

[Nic Neufeld]

It sounds like we are talking a Fender Custom, not a Stringmaster (traps vs twin pickups).

Eg this chap?



(I've never had one...assumed it worked similar to the Stringmaster though, flipped all pickups on)

[Jeff Mead]

Oops - I thought it said Stringmaster. Yes, Custom Triple works exactly yhe way you describe with the toggle activating all 3 necks.

[Tom Mikkelson]

Sorry everyone, I believe I had a bout with covid. I got my other tuner tray fixed but still the single toggle switch does not activate all three necks at the same time. I'm a bit gin shy to start messing with the wiring since it is so old and at this time everything works. Down the road when I feel I can switch necks during a song I will tackle it then. Thanks to everyone for the information I really appreciate it. Again, I'm also sorry I took so long to reply.