Stereo Wiring (revisited)

[Markpotato]

The wiper terminal varies the output impedance while the pickup coils see a nearly constant input impedance, so the tone does not change as the volume is adjusted. The disadvantage is that rolling either volume down too far when both pickups are used in mono will mute the output, so you are sacrificing some degree of control. Doing it the other way around with the wiper terminals varying input impedance means that the volume pots will give a variable impedance load on the pickups, but you will have independent control in mono mode with both pickups selected.

It probably goes without saying, but in mono mode with both pickups selected, the tone pots will interact, as they are parallel to each other when both volumes are up.

If I may ask, where does a treble bleed come into this? Does the "vintage" style wiring replace the need for one? And does a treble bleed work the same way?

 

[Markpotato]

Also, are there any problems I should look out for with my original diagram, when both pickups are in series and sent to both outputs?

 

[line6man]

If I may ask, where does a treble bleed come into this? Does the "vintage" style wiring replace the need for one? And does a treble bleed work the same way?

I'm assuming you are referring to the treble bleed volume pot mod? That is typically done by placing a capacitor between the pickup coil and output of the volume pot, so that high frequencies will see a lower impedance path through the volume pot. That's done the same way in both cases.

Also, are there any problems I should look out for with my original diagram, when both pickups are in series and sent to both outputs?

It is not a good idea to have both outputs running unbuffered to two input stages of amps/effects/whatever. Doing so will drop the input impedance seen by the bass to 1/([1/Z1​]+[1/Z2​]). With two 1M Ohm input stages, the bass will see a 500k Ohms input impedance, which is a bit low. If you want to feed two amps, it would be a better idea to buffer a single output to two amps with outboard gear.

 

[Markpotato]

Good to know. I already knew what the treble bleed does, I was just asking if that mod produces results similar to switching to the vintage style wiring, but I assume the answer is no. Thanks for all the info.

 

[Markpotato]

Question, where would one find a TS jack with a break terminal?

 

[line6man]

Question, where would one find a TS jack with a break terminal?

Most electronics suppliers should have them. Radioshack used to sell them years ago.