Fender S-S-H Pickup Selector Switch

Posted on 02/13/2026 by Guitar Gear

How to use the traditional humbucker Fender Stratocaster S-S-H Pickup Selector. The basic set-up is as follows:

1st – (all the way down): – Humbucker Bridge only
2nd – Bridge + Middle
3rd – Middle only
4th – Middle + Neck
5th – (all the way up) Neck only

There are variations, if you have a Fender Humbucker (See Above) in the bridge, it could involve splitting the HB. You can always tap your pick-up poles to see which are active in each position (the active one will give an audible click through your amp). In addition, as for tones, your ear should be your best guide. For example, the bridge is on the treble, high end, side and neck on the lower, “bass” side. Personally, I like the 2 and 4 spots best. This is the five-position blade pickup selector switch used on most Fender American made Stratocaster guitars.

S-S-H Pickup Selector Switch Features:

Five position blade pickup selector switch used on most Strats
Durable and noise-free operation
White and black switch tips included
Mounting hardware included
Mounting screw spacing: 1 5/8”

Whether you’re swapping out a worn switch or simply looking to add some tonal variety to your beloved instrument, Fender® provides top-notch switches complete with knobs and mounting hardware. This five-position blade pickup selector switch is designed for use on most Fender American-made Stratocaster guitars. In addition, the switch comes with both white and black switch tips (one of each) and includes the necessary mounting hardware. For example, it’s a five-position blade-type switch mounted diagonally on the lower half of the pick guard on the treble-strings side, just forward of the control knobs.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-3 Hardtail

Posted on 02/12/2026 by Guitar Gear

The Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-3 Hardtail is an affordable, contemporary version of the 90s Charvel Surfcaster. The guitar boasts a unique offset mahogany body and a speedy, compound-radius neck. However, while it provides excellent value with high-output passive humbuckers and solid build quality, it can sometimes have a slightly dark, “woolly” tone.

Key Features & Performance

Body & Neck: It has a solid mahogany body (usually with a flat finish) and either a bolt-on or set-neck construction (depending on the specific SK-3 variant), along with a comfortable, fast-playing compound radius rosewood fingerboard.
Pickups & Electronics: The guitar is equipped with dual high-output passive Charvel humbuckers that are designed for high gain, often resulting in a “thick” or “woolly” sound instead of sharp clarity. It typically includes a single volume control and a 3-way toggle switch.
Hardware: It features a hardtail bridge for excellent tuning stability and sustain, often combined with locking tuners. Tone: This guitar is best for heavy rock, punk, or metal genres. The tone can be on the darker side, which might need some EQ tweaks for better clarity.
High Value: It delivers high-performance features (like locking tuners and 24 jumbo frets) at a beginner-friendly price.
Playability: The neck profile is often praised for being fast and comfortable, frequently described as “amazing” or “thin.” Aesthetics: It has a unique, modern offset design.

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-3 Hardtail Review:

So this isn’t precisely a high-end Charvel; it’s a Desolation Skatecaster SK-3 that I purchased new from Musician’s Friend. I didn’t have high expectations, but I believe it’s a fantastic guitar! The neck is absolutely fantastic, and so far I like the passive pickups too. Moreover, the finish is a deeper red, although the flash made it appear brighter. It features locking tuners, and the neck is incredible. I paid $99.99! They were on sale for about an hour before they sold out. The original price was $399.99. Unbelievable.

Fender Stratocaster Pickup Positions

Posted on 02/09/2026 by Guitar Gear

The graphic above shows the Fender Stratocaster Pickup Positions with 2 and 4 highlighted. Also showing positions from 1 to 5, with position 1 being nearest to the middle tone knob and positions 2, 3, 4, and 5 moving in sequence towards the middle pickup, we can clearly identify the pickup-selection functions of the switch.

Position 1: Bridge pickup only
Selection 2: Bridge pickup and middle pickup together
Position 3: Middle pickup only
Selection 4: Middle pickup and neck pickup together
Position 5: Neck pickup only

In addition, it’s worth mentioning that there’s a fascinating history behind the Strat’s pickup switch. For the first 23 years after the Stratocaster was introduced in 1954 until 1977, the pickup selector was a three-position switch.

Also, you could activate the bridge pickup, the middle pickup, or the neck pickup, but no combinations were allowed. “Leo (Fender) preferred the pure sound of individual pickups,” noted Richard Smith in Fender: The Sound Heard ’Round the World, referring to the guitar’s creator. You could only use one pickup at a time, and that was the rule. But that wasn’t the whole story. Guitarists quickly picked up on an unintentional quirk of the Stratocaster’s control switch and made great use of it.

Fender Stratocaster Pickup Positions 2 and 4 Blended:

Smith discovered that by carefully positioning the switch in one of the two “in-between” settings—between the bridge and middle pickup positions or between the middle and neck pickup positions—they could achieve two different dual-pickup combinations. Likewise, they found that activating both the bridge and middle pickups together created a rich and unique sound; the same goes for the middle and neck pickups together.

Mr. Scary Guitars Crazy Horse

Posted on 02/08/2026 by Guitar Gear

George Lynch has consistently been associated with his exceptional and unique style, both in terms of sound and visual presentation. This Mr. Scary Guitars Crazy Horse model is hand crafted. The guitars he has employed during his distinguished career play a significant role in shaping his identity and are instantly recognizable.

Med / Heavy Northern Ash Body
San Dimas Profile Neck
Hooker Headstock
Arrowhead Inlays
16” Radius / 45mm Nut
Arcane Hand Wound MS13 Alnico Pickup 13.k
Custom Indian Head Coin Knob
Schaller Tuners and Locks
Fully Decked Out German Floyd
Brass Sustain Block / Ti Inserts / Stainless Hardware
Noiseless Med Tension Springs
EVH 500k Low Friction Pot
22 Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets
Custom MSG Embroidered Snakeskin Hard Shell Case
Certificate of Authenticity
(Update: SOLD)

About George Lynch: George Lynch was born on September 28, 1954, in Spokane, WA, and he started learning guitar when he was just 10 years old. A naturally talented musician, he quickly advanced in his guitar skills, using it as a creative outlet during his teenage years while performing with various bands, especially Sergeant Rocks. In the late 1970s, George relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he established two bands, The Boyz and Xciter. With Xciter, George’s exceptional technical skills and distinctive style attracted a significant following. As he played the L.A. club scene, it became evident that he was already paving the way for his future success in the 1980s, particularly with his collaboration with the iconic band Dokken.

Mr. Scary Guitars Crazy Horse Features:

The Mr. Scary Guitar Line and the Mr. Scary Guitars Crazy Horse model guitar showcase entirely unique, hand-crafted designs that cater to the specific preferences of each player, providing distinctive aesthetics, enhanced electronics, and tailored ergonomics. Notable features consist of custom tonewoods, personalized neck profiles, specialized pickups, intricate inlays, and high-quality hardware, all crafted for exceptional comfort and often, improved resonance.