Stuck on the wiring for my double neck P-bass

DoubleL · #1 11-03-2009, 12:19 PM

Hi,

I've been working on a double neck P-bass (fretless and fretted necks) and I'm stuck on the wiring. Due to a lack of room in the cavity it's just going to have the regular volume/tone controls and a three way switch to swap between the necks.

I've attached a pic of the bass as it is at the moment. The body was made from two cheap ones by a local carpenter and the pickguards still need sorting out. It's definitely big and heavy but not as unwieldly as might be expected.

However, while I'm quite happy following a wiring diagram and soldering, I can't get my head round wiring up the switch. It's a typical three way switch as found on a Les Paul and I can't work out the best way to wire it to the pickups. Has anyone any suggestions?

Thanks!

**line6man** · #2 11-03-2009, 01:59 PM

I'll draw you a diagram if you need it.

What you want to do is select between the two pickups, going into the same volume and tone controls right?
All you have to do is connect one pickup to one side, and the other pickup to the other side, then connect the output of the switch to the volume/tone controls.

DoubleL · #3 11-03-2009, 02:11 PM

Yes, the pickups will just feed into the volume and tone controls.

A diagram would be brilliant, for whatever reason I just can't visualise it myself. The switch seems to be a "Gibson-style 3-way toggle" if that helps.

One thing I'm not sure about is how the pickups will be connected when both are on, will it be series or parallel?

Thanks very much!

**line6man** · #4 11-03-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleL

Yes, the pickups will just feed into the volume and tone controls.

A diagram would be brilliant, for whatever reason I just can't visualise it myself. The switch seems to be a "Gibson-style 3-way toggle" if that helps.

One thing I'm not sure about is how the pickups will be connected when both are on, will it be series or parallel?

Thanks very much!

The pickups will be in parallel.

M0ses · #5 11-03-2009, 07:41 PM

You draw good diagrams.

**line6man** · #6 11-03-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

You draw good diagrams.

Thanks.

walterw · #7 11-03-2009, 08:51 PM

now, do you want both necks to ever be on at the same time?

if not, a 2-way switch might make more sense.

**line6man** · #8 11-03-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

now, do you want both necks to ever be on at the same time?

if not, a 2-way switch might make more sense.

Why not?

I would use that to my advantage like this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbZe45eicDE

I can't see it causing any problems if you switch from one to the other. It would be better to have the sturdy Gibson style toggle than a mini switch anyways.

DoubleL · #9 11-04-2009, 12:28 PM

That diagram is absolutely awesome, it makes so much sense! Many thanks!

I got the 3-way as I always intended there to be the option to have both necks on at the same time, and as mentioned, the switch is nice and solid.

Can't wait to have a go a soldering it up but it's going to have to wait until next week now, no time at the moment - argh! It's pretty much the last thing to do except for putting a finish on the body.