I can't see how with your desired setup. But if you add a 2nd volume or a 3-way toggle for the pickup selector...problem solved.
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Humbucker 5 way switch: neck coil, bridge coil, parallel, series, off
- Thread starter Adam Harzuf
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One last thing to consider at the least. Diverse wiring goals/desires/options/solutions have been in play for decades. Which is to say most 'actually usable' or smart solutions have already been implemented to role model. The 'problems' have been solved. By no means am I suggesting you don't follow your 'vision' to the end, I encourage it. But I would look at previous solutions as they are rarely a result of 'falling short' but rather a result of what actually works holistically.
So if I understand you correctly, one 5-way super switch per pickup can't both mute and include a "series" setting (without an additional switch)
One super switch per pickup can include series/inner/parallel/outer...no problem. The 5th position, the one you want to mute (ground) is my question/dilemma. It is connected to the common as far as I can see and with one volume, both super switches are active permanently. Not to mention the 5th position, even with this solution is Out Of Phase...a gimmick effect at best with bass.
Yes, I tried out of phase once and it was the most useless setting ever!
Do you have a schematic for series/inner/parallel/outer for that 5-way blade super switch??
Is there a 4-way version that would do the same job?
Just for other people who might be interested in buying a rotary switch in Europe:
series/inner/parallel/outer rotary switch (up to 3.5 mm)
series/inner/parallel/outer rotary switch (up to 7 mm)
Do you have a schematic for series/inner/parallel/outer for that 5-way blade super switch??
Is there a 4-way version that would do the same job?
Just for other people who might be interested in buying a rotary switch in Europe:
series/inner/parallel/outer rotary switch (up to 3.5 mm)
series/inner/parallel/outer rotary switch (up to 7 mm)
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4-way super switch? Not that I am aware of. Schematic? Not off hand but it is a common wiring.
BTW, I think this was mentioned earlier seems like it might work, it's not something I have used: Invalid Link Removed
Googling "5-way super switch Telecaster" brought the best results, because some models have just two single coils:
In some of the schematics I've found, The ground of just Tele's neck pickup is connected to the super switch because that pickup also has a cover ground lead:
Rock the 5-Tone Tele
In some of the schematics I've found, The ground of just Tele's neck pickup is connected to the super switch because that pickup also has a cover ground lead:
Rock the 5-Tone Tele
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The 90s era Warwick Pro M series used dual pre amps one for each half of the pickup it allows a wide range of tone options … I duplicated the concept years later using the 4 coil Nordstrand and two Audere Classic series preamps in an EBMM Sterling with great success … another option for ya.
Thanks for the input, but I'd like to stay passive, and I have two humbuckers to take care of
Now you have out of phase on position 4 instead of 5. Curious why is that best?
The big advantage to the dual preamps is you can "electronically" separate the pickups, I'll set the bridge side brighter and the neck side darker or combine them as one humbucker
In all the schematics I've seen that was the case. I think it's actually a good thing. Sometimes during the same song, I switch quite quickly, so having only usable settings at the end positions makes a lot of sense.
But because I have two humbuckers, so how many preamps does that mean?
Having each of my humbuckers on a 5 way super switch is really enough. Together, it's basically having 4 single coils available. I love the Varitone/Tonestyler as well. I can't believe there will be much to be desired that will outweigh the plus of not thinking about a battery.
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With already having two pickups there's no need for the 2 preamps … you might consider looking at the Peavey T40 layout
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It is possible if you have at least 3 poles to work with. I do these schematics mostly as a theoretical/mental exercise, I've checked over it repeatedly, but there's always a chance I missed something. This is the wiring for ONE PICKUP, you will have to duplicate this for the second pickup. The double arrow at the top right of the diagram is the output, this is connected to the (varitone) tone and volume control.
NOTES: R1 is the mute resistor. You don't want the mute to be "open circuit" because it might pickup mains hum, but making it short to ground will mute both pickups. So I suggest a value for R1 of either 250 kΩ or 500 kΩ. R2 is optional, a series trimpot to "tame" series mode volume since it will be noticeably louder than the other modes. I would try a 100 kΩ trimpot; if you don't want this, it can be omitted and replaced with wire.
So yes, it's possible. Keep in mind that both single coil modes will sound nearly identical. Parallel coils will sound similar to single coil mode but will be hum-cancelling. Series mode will be loudest (if you don't install the trim pot) and fullest sounding.
Thank you so much!
I'm really not an expert on circuitry, but it makes sense to me. R2 is really a great idea!Anyone else cares to confirm Crater's schematic?
I beg to differ. For me, the differences are definitely audible, be it a single-coil solo'd or the combinations I'll be able to achieve from this setup. A bridge single-coil solo'd never made sense to me because there's not enough bass response, but parallel and series definitely do. This is fantastic if you are using nylons or flats and wish to cut through a dense/loud mix and playing different styles at the same session. Outer coils vs. inner coils will also sound massively different. Here's a video of a bass with 5 pickups that also got me inspired on how to position my pups. Also from my own experience and past DIY experimentations, for me, having options in the pickup placement is at least as important as the maker of the pickup (as long as the quality is reasonable) because you can't EQ to compensate for placement, nor the phase interaction of combinations. But this time I chose great humbuckers to go with anyway, to make the best out of this project.
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If anyone who reads this thread considers the inner/outer/parallel /series/out-of phase version, you can find this elegant pre-made switch to be wired according to the SS (two single) diagram from Schaller (Germany). They claim that the switching is totally silent. This company has a great reputation here. Many other wiring diagrams and switches can be found there. There prices are totaly fair as well, if you're in Europe.
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As a point of curiosity, for those who have tried it, what does out of phase sound like compared to say series on the same bass?
- Apr 18, 2008
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