Part of the T5 magic is the five-way switch located on the upper side of the upper bout. It features a custom-designed circuit board that allows the player to select different pickup combinations representing five unique voicings. In addition to the switch positions, two active preamp/EQ tone controls and a volume control — incorporating the same soft-touch rollers as those used on the Expression System — allow for a wide range of additional tone-shaping within each switch position. Located on the soundboard near the upper left shoulder of the guitar are the Volume (set apart from the other two controls), Bass, and Treble. Here is a rundown of each of the T5’s switch positions.
Position 1: Neck humbucker and body sensor
The position closest to the neck, this is the cleanest, most acoustic voice of the T5. If you dig in a bit, the body sensor responds with all of the snap and sizzle you need.
Position 2: Neck humbucker only
Without the body sensor, the tone will sound warmer and rounder. Rolling back the treble darkens the tone and is great for comping along with a big-band.
Position 3: Bridge humbucker
With a chameleon-like quality, this is the most powerful and versatile pickup on the T5. Whether you’re playing through an acoustic amp/PA or an electric amp, the tone can range from bright acoustic to solid-body snap ’n‘ twang to high-gain overdrive, and all points in-between. Add an overdrive pedal to the equation on the electric amp side for even more rock horsepower.
Position 4: Neck and bridge humbuckers in parallel
This will take you back to ’50s hollowbody world, or add some chorus for a big, wet, clean L.A. tone, a la Michael Landau.
Position 5: Neck and bridge in series
This will give you the fullest, fattest sound, ideal for players who like thick leads. You can also play with the voicing’s mood, using the Volume control.
