I have a Fender Strat STandard and I was always wondering, which coils were being used based on where the 5 way selector switch was. I know 1,3,5 all make loud buzzing sound, where 2 and 4 are alot quieter. Saying that poition 1 is aiming towards the back of my guitar, what coils are used in each position?
Position 1-Bridge pickup
2-Bridge and middle pickups
3-Middle pickup
4-Middle and neck pickups
5-Neck pickups
One method I use to determine which coils are active is to: Plug the guitar into an amplifier set to a low volume level. Set the pickup selector switch to the position in question. Now set the volume control(s) on the guitar to it's maximum level. Lightly touch the pole pieces of each coil with the tip of a screwdriver. You will be able to hear the difference in coils that are active and ones that are inactive.
The reason positions 2 and 4 don't buzz is because the pickups are working together, much like a humbucking pickup. For example, in position 2, the bridge and middle pickups are active, so are effectively eliminating buzz like a humbucker with two opposite opposed magnets.
