Can only one switch be used to change 2 humbuckers from series to parallel?

[HalfManHalfBass]

Hello guys, I have a question, but I have a sneaking feeling the answer is no.....!

Can just one DPDT switch be used in a bass with a pair of humbuckers, (Jazz bass with 2 Dimarzio Ultra Jazz 'stacked' humbuckers) to simultaneously change both pickups from series (standard wiring) to parallel?

Please note: I don't mean series / parallel when they are both on, like Fender's 'S1' switch, but rather each individual pickup's ability to be in series or parallel with itself.

The reason is that I don't want to clutter up the Jazz's control plate with 2 switches (one per pickup) but just the one switch for both. I can't see me wanting to use one pickup in series with the other in parallel, as the volume difference will probably be too much anyway.....

Many thanks as ever for any help here.

Rob.

[Grizzey]

DiMarzio has a 4 conductor wiring PDF http://www.dimarzio.com//media/diagrams/4Conductor.pdf

If you wire a push-pull for each volume in that exact manner, you'll have series and parallel individually for each pickup.

If you wanted to do it for both pickups at the same time, I believe you would need to have a single volume control.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit: 4pdt switch at allparts http://www.allparts.com/12-Pole-On-O...p-4370-010.htm

Wire half as per the diagram to one pickup/pot, and do the same on the other side.

[akmusicfreak]

Should be able to do it with the previously recommended 4PDT ON/ON switch.

Just pretend you are wiring up 2 individual 2PDT ON/ON switches. All you need is 4 poles. Treat 2 poles on left as individual switch for neck, and 2 poles on left as switch for neck.

[HalfManHalfBass]

Many thanks guys for the speedy replies!

I always wondered what those monster 4 pole switches could be used for!

The only decision / problem now is where to put such a large switch because the double sized box under the control panel will make it impossible to mount between the pots.....hmmm......or maybe it is possible between the pots if the switch lever moves back and forth in the correct position, i.e. from up to down vertically, otherwise it won't be possible side to side between the knobs.........

Wonder if there's any pictures of these switches in operation!?

Rob.

[akmusicfreak]

If your creative you should be able to make it fit

[HalfManHalfBass]

Nice work Akmusicfreak! That's has to be the most toggle switches I've ever seen on a jazz control plate!

I'm thinking of maybe taking a piece of wood away from the one of the wall's of the control compartment to get the double switch to fit under the volume pots....hmm.....still considering this one!

[akmusicfreak]

Thanks 1/2Man1/2Bass.

I find the switches useful, I've set this control plate up wth: series/parallel switch, 3 way pick up selector, volume, tone, and tone pot defeat switch (opens up the top end when in series, takes resistance of tone pot out of circuit).

I don't know if you considered this or not, but another way to make more space on your plate is to use a stacked pot for your 2 volume controls. I just set up a bass like this and I actually like the "one stop shopping" for pickup mixing more now than having 2 locations now. I have never seen a 4 pole push/pull though. Maybe somebody makes one.

Other options as stated before by other posters, would be push/pull pots.

The top knob on bass in picture below is the concentric pot and the one below a push/pull pot. Pretty subtle looking , at least for me.

[HalfManHalfBass]

Hi Afmusicfreak. Yes, I have considered and used stacked pots on occassion and I think for two volumes in one space they can be very useful. Usually I try and use a pan pot with a separate volume, but where space won't permit (I have a new jazz bass project with 3 pickups in progress) I use stacked pots. I'll have to decide whether this parallel/series switching option is worth the hassle I guess!

PS Very nice bass! I really shouldn't be thinking about a new project, but I must say that a natural bass body like yours (is it mahogany?) with a low gloss finish is something I 've often wanted after checking the bodies available on Warmoth! Did you finish it yourself?, if so damn good job and can you tell me, was easy?

Rob.

[akmusicfreak]

Originally Posted by HalfManHalfBass

Hi Afmusicfreak. Yes, I have considered and used stacked pots on occassion and I think for two volumes in one space they can be very useful. Usually I try and use a pan pot with a separate volume, but where space won't permit (I have a new jazz bass project with 3 pickups in progress) I use stacked pots. I'll have to decide whether this parallel/series switching option is worth the hassle I guess!

PS Very nice bass! I really shouldn't be thinking about a new project, but I must say that a natural bass body like yours (is it mahogany?) with a low gloss finish is something I 've often wanted after checking the bodies available on Warmoth! Did you finish it yourself?, if so damn good job and can you tell me, was easy?

Rob.

I like a global series/ parallel switch, IMO if you were to ad a switch this would be the one to have. I suggest using a 500k pot for tone so that the tone pot doesn't squash the high end as much when running bass in series.
Thanks for the compliment. The bass is a Mahogany Dinky P ordered from Warmoth. I had them route the pick ups, bridge screw holes, pot holes and neck pocket screw holes for me.

I used Formby's Low Gloss Tung Oil for finish.
It was pretty easy. Way less stress, and easy to fix mistakes.
Made sure body was sanded well before first coat. Cleaned with mineral spirits. Then apply coat, wipe off, let sit for 12 hours. Sanded (buffed more like it) with synthetic 0 steel wool. Clean with spirits again. Then just start the cycle over again. Apply, wipe, wait 12 hours, buff.

I did 8 coats. Took a week to do. I don't mind 12 hours between coats, gives me time to go to work, and get other projects done around the house.

If you search TalkBass for "Formby's Tung Oil" there is a great thread all about this that I used . If you want my particular details, send me a PM and I'll give you all the small details.

I like how this came out so much that I have warmoth making me a Dinky J in mahogany with P + J pickups that I will put finish on myself again. I'm going to use 3 500 k push/pull pots V-V-T, and switching will be Neck=S/P, Bridge=S/P, Global S/P. In the end the bass will look pretty normal but give me a bunch of tonal options. Included diagram below, it should be right. If not somebody please correct me.

Pic below was taken a couple of hours after 2 coats of Formby's

Sorry board moderators for getting off subject.