Description
The incredible new Free-Way Blade switches represent the ultimate in tonal flexibility. 6-position and 10-position Blade models look and feel just like traditional blade switches – except that they provide an additional bank of positions where all the ‘missing’ pickup combinations are instantly available. Completely intuitive to use, retro-fittable and visually undetectable – the Free-Way Blade switches provide unrivaled tonal freedom.
The 5B5-01 model delivers 10-position Free-Way switching in a Blade format which is directly interchangeable with conventional 5-way selectors. The lower bank of 5 positions delivers all the familiar pickup combinations just as normal – but the upper bank contains the missing parallel combinations (neck + bridge) and (neck + middle + bridge) together with three ‘in series’ combinations to provide higher output tones which you may not expect to hear from single coil pickups and which greatly expands the tonal range of any three pickup guitar. Visually undetectable when fitted, the 5B5-01 delivers incredible tonal flexibility in a completely intuitive, familiar package.
Fast, intuitive switching – all in one familiar place so it’s easy to understand and use. Classic looks – completely maintains the authentic design, appearance and condition of any guitar.
Additional wiring diagrams can be downloaded here
Features
- Can be used on SSS, HSS, SS, HHH and HH guitars offering an additional bank of pickup selections.
- 5 way / 10 position
- Completely intuitive to use, retro-fittable and visually undetectable
- Fast, intuitive switching
- Comes with Black & White tip
- Made in England
: Free-Way 5B5-01 5-Way/10-Position Pickup Switch
: 5B5-01-BK/WH
: 842561001511
jay.thorne (verified owner) –
It’s so good. I have a 7 way capability on another instrument, but this goes so much further. The series bridge and middle sounds quite a bit like the humbucker bridge on my super strat.
Two things I really like:
1. The connectors with a through hold solder connection make installing quite easy. I wish the labelling was bigger, but that would make the whole thing bigger.
2. On the topic of size – in my thinner import strat body, this has lots of room to fit in the control cavity.
andbarnard (verified owner) –
This tiny thing is for me a must have in any strat. Perfect fit without mod to the guitar, low cost and easy installation (I had mine installed with 3 new pups for 40 $). It gives the 5 original tones plus 5 new pups configurations. My old 80s strat has become a mean tone machine!
leblancmarcel00 (verified owner) –
Just bought a strat style and decided to do a rebuild.
I came across a YouTube video that showcased this switch and decided that I “needed” this for my project.
I have no regrets whatever; I put in a hot rail with two new single coils kit, and this switch gives me some beautiful tones in 10 positions. The results really justify the expense, and the affordable price makes it all worthwhile.
If you are hesitating, don’t. If you need a switch for any style of guitar, Free Way makes a switch for it and provides wiring diagrams on their website.
jlfoshee13144 (verified owner) –
Admittedly, I was a bit intimidated about wiring it up. Because it’s different frankly. But after biting the bullet & just doing it… it’s opened up a LOT of possibilities. If you’re wanting more tonal options from your Strat, you won’t find an easier path than the Free-Way switch. In fact I’m about to order one for my Tele as well!
pastlife.allan (verified owner) –
like everyone else, the 5way/10way switch is a dream come true. I am 74 and bought my first real electric, a Red Gibson Es335 in the early 1970’s. I missed the Humbucker sound, especially when I bought my Stratocaster. So I thought I would have to go and buy a new Guitar with Humbuckers, then I saw a video on this Mod…ordered it and had it installed and OMG I’m in Heaven.. the standard 5 way switch is of course nice, good for lead and jazz, but hollow at times, especially compared to the other 5, 6-10 switch options. Of course you can’t really have a full Humbucker on the Strat because the pickups would have to be side by side. But you Can have a Humbucker sound. #6 is in series and to me is a brilliant Humbucking sound #7 is all three pickups in Parallel # 8 is a Mid Range full sounding Humbucking mix in series and #9 is a reconstruct of a Telecaster in the middle setting, with both pickups being used. # 10 is my favourite, deep powerful, full and rich sound and I’ve got my Gibson back, but with three Humbucking levels to choose. The switch itself is really well made and sturdy, thank the powers that be…
bluesfan (verified owner) –
Purchased the switch for installation on a strat that I built about 4 years ago.
The 5 added positions are just great and I am a big fan of the neck and bridge in series,
it is like having a Tele on steroids. All the tones are very usable with easy / fast access and a lot of fun.
The soldering nneds a lot of care and very little solder, patience is of the essence as the holes in the
contact points are very small. Still got it to work the first time around!
It is very well built and should last. Find it a bit pricy but is is mony and time very well spent.
Will buy again.
Thanks to Scott for the recommendation.
Michel
Michel