• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Replacing a humbucker with single coils

Thanks JustForSport!
So, basically, all I have to do is solder the red and white wires (North and South Finish) together to what seems to be like the volume pot for the second pickup. That was my first derivation after I compared the diagram to the connections in my bass as well! But, the thing is, the second volume pot in the bass does not look anywhere close to the diagram so I honestly don't know where to solder the red and white wires!

I don't have 2 tone knobs, neither do I possess a pickup selector, all I wish to do is to get a better signal from the MEC pickups before I replace them for good. Also, would you please be a good 'sport' and answer my previous queries? ;) I'd highly appreciate that!
 
Here's a link to a great pickup/ control wiring source:
Invalid Link Removed
Browse thru the 2 pickups/ 2 humbucker archives and I'm sure you'll find the complete diagram for what you want.
They also have all the pots and parts you'll need to get it right.
I look around on there regularly.
 
I think you just have to short to ground one lead from each pickup to cancel out one coil from each pickup.I'm no expert and have only done this with my avatar bass but my advice would be to get a switch(double pole/double throw?)to use humbucking/single pole to give you either option.I got my switch and found wiring diagrams from best bass gear but there are some very knowledgable and helpful people here who can probably walk you thru it.For the price of the switch and a little bit of soldering you can have double the sound options with your existing pickups
 
JustForSport, thanks a ton!

KramerDon, I really don't possess the know-how to 'short to ground' a lead from a pickup so, unless you can tell me how to do it, I won't be able to perform such an experiment on my instrument.
I understand that the existing pickups will be able to provide me with more options but I don't like the character of the stock p-ups. They're a bit nasal, thin and lack warmth and that's with neck soloed at 0 tone. Also, I cannot over emphasize the not-hot output (they have let me down on quite a few occasions).
 
Since DiMarzio Model J pickups are end-to-end humbuckers, with each coil only sensing two strings, you really don't want to "split-coil" wire them, unless you only want either the E and A strings, or the D and G strings, at one time.