Pickup wiring scheme questions

[J-Building]

I'm thinking of wiring three SGD pickups to give each one a series/parallel/single coil switch and an on/off switch. Problem is, I don't know how to wire the pickups together or if I can somehow keep the volume down with the increased output each pickup configuration might present. Can anyone help me with this and maybe even show me how to wire it? I'm going to (possibly) wire this to a volume pot and a StellarTone Tonestyler (I have no experience with any of these parts, so if you guys can give me your input on them, I'd appreciate that too!).

Edit: I was also planning another build with an SSS pickup configuration. I know the Big Al has one, but has anyone else tried this? Would it be better with a v/t layout or a preamp?

[line6man]

I can draw you diagrams for the wiring, but I'm not sure about the volume issue.

You would want to fool around with adding resistors to ground to reduce the output of the series mode, but you only have 2 poles available on a DPDT switch, and AFAIK, a 3PDT switch does not exist with the proper On/On/On configuration for the series/split/parallel switching.

You might have to resort to rotary toggle switches, which will provide two poles for the series/split/parallel switching, as well as the additional poles needed for the resistors.

I IM'd with David once, and I remember discussing the rather surprising fact that the pickup in question sounded very similar in all three modes. IIRC, there was very little difference in output between series, parallel and single coil mode.
Maybe he can chime in on the output of his pickups?

[J-Building]

Hmmm, then in that case, I might not be doing the P4 shape humbuckers for a while. What do you think about a Strat-style pickup layout, slanted pickup too, though slanted in the opposite direction as I still can't understand why the bass side would be slanted towards the neck?

Here's what I'm planning to put in it:

-3 Single coils, no idea what brand I'm going to use though, but I'm looking at Bartolini 69J#1 L/S with an SGD in the middle, Delano JSBC6 HE Set with an SGD in the middle again, or even three SGD's

-5-way switch

-2 Stellartone ToneStylers

-Possibly a preamp (looking at something like an NTMB, Audere, or OBP-3)

Would that be possible/practical on a bass? Sorry if the answer might seem a bit obvious, but it's just that I have absolutely no experience dealing with pickup wiring. I'm trying to nail that ideal passive tone because I want to be able to have it in addition to the higher output levels a preamp can give me.

[line6man]

Originally Posted by J-Building

Hmmm, then in that case, I might not be doing the P4 shape humbuckers for a while. What do you think about a Strat-style pickup layout, slanted pickup too, though slanted in the opposite direction as I still can't understand why the bass side would be slanted towards the neck?

Here's what I'm planning to put in it:

-3 Single coils, no idea what brand I'm going to use though, but I'm looking at Bartolini 69J#1 L/S with an SGD in the middle, Delano JSBC6 HE Set with an SGD in the middle again, or even three SGD's

-5-way switch

-2 Stellartone ToneStylers

-Possibly a preamp (looking at something like an NTMB, Audere, or OBP-3)

Would that be possible/practical on a bass? Sorry if the answer might seem a bit obvious, but it's just that I have absolutely no experience dealing with pickup wiring. I'm trying to nail that ideal passive tone because I want to be able to have it in addition to the higher output levels a preamp can give me.

Well, it's up to you, if that's the configuration you want.

If you have two tone controls, they will only work independantly when the pickups are soloed or at different volumes. If you play the pickups at the same volume, they will become master tone controls.

[tubby.twins]

Originally Posted by J-Building

I'm thinking of wiring three SGD pickups to give each one a series/parallel/single coil switch and an on/off switch. Problem is, I don't know how to wire the pickups together or if I can somehow keep the volume down with the increased output each pickup configuration might present.

If you wire all three pickups (or the outputs from the series/parallel/etc. switches) together in parallel, then there shouldn't be a big increase in the total output if you select two or more of them at the same time. Usually the fundamentals get a bit louder, but the midrange and treble frequencies tend to partially cancel each other out (due to pickup placement and other factors).

I've tried SGD "Neo" pickups in both series and parallel mode. The tone was similar, but I felt that in "series" mode the midrange founded forced and hot, while the treble was rolled off. I preferred the tone in "parallel" mode.

This particular bass had 3 SGD "Neo" pickups, each tailored for their respective positions (neck, center and bridge).

[J-Building]

Originally Posted by tubby.twins

If you wire all three pickups (or the outputs from the series/parallel/etc. switches) together in parallel, then there shouldn't be a big increase in the total output if you select two or more of them at the same time. Usually the fundamentals get a bit louder, but the midrange and treble frequencies tend to partially cancel each other out (due to pickup placement and other factors).

I've tried SGD "Neo" pickups in both series and parallel mode. The tone was similar, but I felt that in "series" mode the midrange founded forced and hot, while the treble was rolled off. I preferred the tone in "parallel" mode.

This particular bass had 3 SGD "Neo" pickups, each tailored for their respective positions (neck, center and bridge).

I am looking for more of a unique sound for each configuration, so I don't think I'll be doing the S/P/SC idea anytime soon. What is your take on the three single-coil layout with V/T electronics?