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P/J Switching Options

J

JusttheBassics

Guest
Jun 23, 2016
208
219
#1
I have enjoyed playing P/J's with V/T/3-way switch for some time now, and enjoy the simplicity of it. However, I just got a new Squire Jag short scale that is wired V/V/T, and I would like to change that, since trying to make fine blending adjustments, for me, is a pain.

I have seen where at least one TB'er said he liked to have both volumes on push/pull pots - up and the pup is on; down and the pup is off. Both up and both are on and then there is an opportunity to blend if I want to take the time to do it.

Does anyone have any experience with this configuration vs. 3-way switch? I would like to know if you prefer one over the other, and any practical considerations you can share

Thanks!
 
#3
I forgot about that @khutch , that's what I would do if you want to retain blending, otherwise I'd just do a selector switch, tone control and muting (volume or standby switch), when I had a PJ that's what I did using an on/off/on switch for series switching.
 
#4
I installed an upper control plate on my jag for 2 tone controls and a 3 way toggle.
Bottom plate just has a master volume and a strat boat jack.

The middle position follows whichever tone control is set darkest.
I'm usually only looking to set up 2 different tones for a gig, a bright and dark one.

Probably not everyone's cup of tea but I rather like it.
 
#5
JusttheBassics said:
I have enjoyed playing P/J's with V/T/3-way switch for some time now, and enjoy the simplicity of it. However, I just got a new Squire Jag short scale that is wired V/V/T, and I would like to change that, since trying to make fine blending adjustments, for me, is a pain.

I have seen where at least one TB'er said he liked to have both volumes on push/pull pots - up and the pup is on; down and the pup is off. Both up and both are on and then there is an opportunity to blend if I want to take the time to do it.

Does anyone have any experience with this configuration vs. 3-way switch? I would like to know if you prefer one over the other, and any practical considerations you can share

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd just put a 3-way switch in there. You could always add a stacked knob for an extra volume control.

Two ideas there, assuming you replace one volume with a 3-way switch.

1) Wire your volume as a master volume. Put a stacked knob in the tone spot. Use it as a dedicated bridge volume on bottom, and master tone on top. Then you can preset your blend if you want to. On PJs you almost always favor the P, so a dedicated J volume makes the most sent to me.

2) Put the stacked knob in the volume spot. Use each pot in the stack as a volume for each pickup respectively. You can still have a 3-way switch in one control slot for selecting pickups. Also stacked knobs are easy to turn together if you need to adjust volume in the middle position.
 
#6
Antisyzygy said:
I'd just put a 3-way switch in there. You could always add a stacked knob for an extra volume control.

Two ideas there, assuming you replace one volume with a 3-way switch.

1) Wire your volume as a master volume. Put a stacked knob in the tone spot. Use it as a dedicated bridge volume on bottom, and master tone on top. Then you can preset your blend if you want to. On PJs you almost always favor the P, so a dedicated J volume makes the most sent to me.

2) Put the stacked knob in the volume spot. Use each pot in the stack as a volume for each pickup respectively. You can still have a 3-way switch in one control slot for selecting pickups. Also stacked knobs are easy to turn together if you need to adjust volume in the middle position.
Click to expand...

Thank you, Antisysygy for your reply, those are options I hadn't considered. I am getting used to standard VVT, and I think I will just concentrate on technique more than thinking about endless options in tone shaping and modding (although it is so much more fun than actually practicing! Maybe what I really want to do with basses is become a tech!).
 
#7
JusttheBassics said:
Thank you, Antisysygy for your reply, those are options I hadn't considered. I am getting used to standard VVT, and I think I will just concentrate on technique more than thinking about endless options in tone shaping and modding (although it is so much more fun than actually practicing! Maybe what I really want to do with basses is become a tech!).
Click to expand...

VV works really well on some basses, like my SB-2. Blends are nice too, sort of half-way inbetween a 3-way switch and a volume. A blend is easy to use for presetting tone, but then you lose the 3-way switching.

If you decide to go for a new harness, Kellingsound on Ebay can make you a harness for not much. He even makes them solderless for a small upcharge.

Also becoming a tech is fun. I'm by no means the best but I do a lot of my own mods or build parts basses. I learned how just reading around TB in the pickups/electronics and luthier or setup forums! We're a helpful bunch.
 
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