5-Position Rotary Dial Switch for Gibson® & Epiphone® Varitone®

The Gibson® Varitone® rotary switch is an iconic component that first appeared on Gibson ES-345 and ES-355 guitars in 1959, offering players a wide range of preset tonal options through a multi-position rotary selector. Unlike a traditional pickup selector, the Varitone uses different capacitor values to shape the guitar's frequency response, delivering everything from warm, full-bodied tones to bright, cutting sounds. Famously featured on B.B. King's Lucille®, the Varitone® became a hallmark of Gibson® innovation and remains a favorite among players seeking classic vintage tones.

Rotary switches are ideal for guitar wiring projects requiring multiple switching options, including Varitone circuits, pickup combinations, coil splitting, series/parallel wiring, phase switching and other custom electronic modifications. Their compact design allows numerous wiring configurations to be selected from a single control, making them a versatile solution for both vintage restorations and custom builds.

Individual Alpha® rotary dial switch for bass and electric guitar. Compatible with Gibson® & Epiphone® Varitone®. Includes mounting hardware, knob sold separately.

Specs

• Country of Manufacture: South Korea
• Poles: 4
• Positions: 5
• Shaft: Coarse Split-Shaft

Available in:

• 4 Position
  • SKU: ARS4P
• 5 Position
  • SKU: ARS5P
• 6 Position
  • SKU: ARS6P

** MATCHING HARDWARE **

Norlin® Historic Bakelite "Chicken Head" Rotary Dial Switch Knob

• Black
  • SKU: KB150
• Gold
  • SKU: KG150

HOSCO Film Capacitors

• 0.022μf for Humbucker Pickups
  • SKU: CR-223
• 0.047μf for Single Coil Pickups
  • SKU: CR-473

HOSCO Paper-In-Oil "Slim" Capacitors

• 0.022μf for Humbucker Pickups
  • SKU: CR-022OIL
• 0.047μf for Single Coil Pickups
  • SKU: CR-047OIL

HOSCO Paper-In-Oil "Vitamin Q" Capacitors

• 0.022μf for Humbucker Pickups
  • SKU: CR-022VQ
• 0.047μf for Single Coil Pickups
  • SKU: CR-047VQ

Sprague Film "Orange Drop" Capacitors

• 0.001µF for Treble Bleed
  • SKU: CDE001
• 0.015µF for Neck Humbucker
  • SKU: CDE015
• 0.022µF for Bridge Humbucker
  • SKU: CDE022
• 0.033µF for Humbucker, Single Coil, P-90 & Bass
  • SKU: CDE033
• 0.047µF for Single Coil, P-90 & Bass
  • SKU: CDE047