USING 4-POLE PICKUP SELECTOR SWITCHES FOR INSTALLATION OF THE SUSTAINIAC,

FOR GUITARS HAVING COIL TAPS

4

3
4

2
C2
1
5=neck
2 C4
4
C3
3
1
5=neck 3
4
2
2
4
5
1=bridge
3
3
4
2
5
1=bridge

C1
(and C3,
rear deck)

C2
(and C4
rear deck)

rotating
contactor

N=

B=

position 5

position 1

Superswitch

VLX-91 switch
(Ibanez Jem)

C1

rear deck C3
Front deck C1

N
B
1 2 34 5

B
N
1 2 34 5

1 2 34 5
B
N

1 2 34 5
N
B

Lever direction

C4 rear deck
C2 Front deck

These are both 4-pole switches. Each pole is a separate 5-position switch. Each "C" (common) contact
(C1, C2 etc.) connects to its respective "1" contact in BRIDGE PICKUP position, and to "5" contact in NECK
PICKUP position, etc. They both work the same. They are both of open construction. You can observe the
rotating COMMON contacts move and sequentially contact their respective numbered contacts 1-5.
Each switch has its own advantages. The Superswitch COMMON contacts actually pinch the numbered contacts
from both sides. This might provide a little more reliability. The VLX-91 (supplied in Ibanez Jem guitars)
is thinner, and therefore takes up lessroom in the guitar electronics cavity. The VLX 91 is constructed with
circuit board technology, with gold plating on the contactors. The contactor doesn't pinch the contacts, but
brushes along the one surface.
We have a track record with the Superswitch, and it seems to last a long time. Unfortunately, we do not stock
the VLX-91, and have only been seeing it for about a year. It does appear to be well-made, however.
There are other 4-pole switches on the market. Some are totally enclosed in plastic. We have experienced
reliability problems with some of these plastic-enclosed switches. We recommend replacing these with the
Superswitch or VLX-91 if you are installing a Sustainiac into your guitar.
Sustainiac is a registered trademark of Maniac Music Inc., Indianapolis IN.
Stratocaster is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instrument Corp., Scottsdale Arizona
Ibanez is a registered trademark of Hoshino Musical Instrument Co., North Hollywood CA.