The Push/Push Mini-Switch Explained

Ever since Fender introduced the five-way selector switch on the Stratocaster in 1977, guitarists have enjoyed a wealth of tones through its traditional three single-coil pickups.

But what if you could unlock even more options?

Amazingly, that’s what you get with the Fender Deluxe Strat. The addition of a push/push mini-switch activates the bridge pickup when the pickup selector is in positions four and five, enhancing the Strat’s already flexible sound from the Vintage Noiseless pickups.

When the push/push switch is not engaged, the Deluxe Strat functions thusly:

• Position 1: Bridge pickup only

• Position 2: Bridge pickup and middle pickup together

• Position 3: Middle pickup only

• Position 4. Middle pickup and neck pickup together

• Position 5: Neck pickup only

When the push/push switch is engaged, the wiring is as follows:

• Position 1: Bridge pickup only

• Position 2: Bridge pickup and middle pickup together

• Position 3: Middle pickup only

• Position 4. Bridge pickup, middle pickup and neck pickup together

• Position 5: Bridge pickup and neck pickup

According to guitarist Patrick Droney, being able to combine the bridge and neck pickups gives the Deluxe Strat a Telecaster-like sound that many artists crave.

“For a working person on the stage in the studio, to have the option, it’s much better,” he said.

With two more pickup combinations on the Deluxe Strat thanks to the push/push mini-switch, this feature is another addition to Fender's ever-growing list of wiring innovations.