Single coil pickups have been a staple in the music industry for many years. These pickups are known for their bright and crisp sound, which is why they are often preferred by guitarists who play genres like country, blues, and rock. Two single coil pickups can be wired in a variety of ways to achieve different sounds and tones. In this article, we will discuss two common wiring diagrams for two single coil pickups.
Wiring Diagram 1: Standard Stratocaster Wiring
The standard Stratocaster wiring is the most common wiring diagram for two single coil pickups. This wiring diagram is typically used in Fender Stratocaster guitars, but it can also be used in other guitars that have two single coil pickups. The wiring is relatively simple and easy to understand.
Materials Needed
To wire your guitar using the standard Stratocaster wiring diagram, you will need the following materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Two single coil pickups | 1 |
| 5-way pickup selector switch | 1 |
| 0.022uF capacitor | 1 |
| 250kohm potentiometers | 3 |
| Soldering iron and solder | 1 |
| Wire cutters/strippers | 1 |
Diagram
The diagram for the standard Stratocaster wiring is shown below:
Explanation
In the standard Stratocaster wiring, each pickup is connected to its own volume control and tone control. The pickups are wired in parallel, which means that both pickups are active at the same time. The 5-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose which pickup or combination of pickups you want to use.
When the switch is in the bridge position (position 1), only the bridge pickup is active. When the switch is in the middle position (position 3), both pickups are active. When the switch is in the neck position (position 5), only the neck pickup is active. Positions 2 and 4 activate both the middle and neck or bridge pickups, respectively, in parallel.
The tone controls are wired in parallel with the pickups, which means that they affect both pickups equally when turned down.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire my pickups in series instead of parallel?
A: Yes, you can wire your pickups in series for a different tone. This will make your guitar sound louder and thicker. To wire your pickups in series, connect the hot wire of one pickup to the ground wire of the other pickup, and connect the remaining hot and ground wires to the selector switch.
Q: Can I use different value pots and capacitors?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different values to achieve different tones. Higher value pots will result in a brighter sound, while lower values will result in a darker sound. Different capacitor values will affect the tone of your guitar as well.
Wiring Diagram 2: Telecaster Wiring
The Telecaster wiring is another popular wiring diagram for two single coil pickups. This wiring diagram is typically used in Fender Telecaster guitars, but it can also be used in other guitars that have two single coil pickups. The wiring is slightly more complex than the standard Stratocaster wiring, but it offers more options for tone shaping.
Materials Needed
To wire your guitar using the Telecaster wiring diagram, you will need the following materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Two single coil pickups | 1 |
| 3-way pickup selector switch | 1 |
| 0.047uF capacitor | 1 |
| 250kohm potentiometers | 2 |
| Soldering iron and solder | 1 |
| Wire cutters/strippers | 1 |
Diagram
The diagram for the Telecaster wiring is shown below:
Explanation
In the Telecaster wiring, the pickups are wired in series. This means that the output of one pickup is connected to the input of the other pickup, which results in a louder and thicker sound. The pickups share a single tone control and a single volume control.
The 3-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose between the bridge pickup, both pickups, and the neck pickup. The tone control affects both pickups equally when turned down.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different capacitor value?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different capacitor values to achieve different tones. Higher values will result in a brighter sound, while lower values will result in a darker sound.
Q: Can I wire my pickups in parallel instead of series?
A: Yes, you can wire your pickups in parallel for a different tone. This will make your guitar sound brighter and more articulate. To wire your pickups in parallel, connect the hot wires of both pickups to the selector switch, and connect the ground wires to the ground.
Conclusion
Wiring two single coil pickups in different ways can drastically change the tone and sound of your guitar. The standard Stratocaster wiring and Telecaster wiring are two popular options that offer different tones and options for tone shaping. By experimenting with different wiring diagrams and component values, you can find the perfect tone for your playing style and genre.
