Single coil pickups are a popular choice for guitar players because of their bright and clear sound. They are commonly found in Stratocaster-style guitars, but can also be used in other types of guitars. Wiring two single coil pickups together can create a variety of sounds, from bright and twangy to warm and mellow. In this article, we will discuss the basics of wiring two single coil pickups together, including the materials and tools required, the wiring diagrams, and some frequently asked questions.
Materials and Tools Required
Before we start, let’s gather the materials and tools required for this project:
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| 2 single coil pickups | Soldering iron |
| Potentiometers (500k or 250k) | Solder |
| Capacitor (0.047uF or 0.022uF) | Wire cutters/strippers |
| 3-way pickup selector switch | Phillips screwdriver |
| Output jack | Wrench (for output jack nut) |
| Shielded wire | Wire clamp |
Make sure to use high-quality materials to ensure good sound quality and durability. You can find these materials at your local guitar shop or online.
Wiring Diagrams
There are several ways to wire two single coil pickups together, each producing a different sound. In this section, we will discuss the most common wiring diagrams used for Stratocaster-style guitars:
Standard Stratocaster Wiring Diagram
The standard Stratocaster wiring diagram is the most common wiring setup for Stratocaster-style guitars. It uses a 3-way pickup selector switch to switch between the neck, middle, and bridge pickups. The wiring diagram is as follows:
As you can see, the pickups are wired in parallel, which produces a bright and clear sound. The tone control is wired to the middle pickup only, which allows you to adjust the tone of the middle pickup while leaving the neck and bridge pickups unaffected.
Reverse Phase Wiring Diagram
The reverse phase wiring diagram is a popular modification for Stratocaster-style guitars. It reverses the polarity of one of the pickups, which cancels out some of the hum and produces a slightly fatter sound. The wiring diagram is as follows:
As you can see, the white and green wires of the neck pickup are swapped, which reverses its polarity. The pickups are still wired in parallel, but the reversed polarity cancels out some of the hum. The tone control is wired to the middle pickup only, as in the standard wiring diagram.
Series Wiring Diagram
The series wiring diagram is another popular modification for Stratocaster-style guitars. It wires the pickups in series, which produces a thicker and hotter sound. The wiring diagram is as follows:
As you can see, the pickups are wired in series, which combines their output and produces a thicker and hotter sound. The tone control is wired to the middle pickup only, as in the standard wiring diagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different value potentiometers and capacitors?
Yes, you can use different value potentiometers and capacitors to achieve different sounds. Higher value potentiometers (500k) will produce a brighter sound, while lower value potentiometers (250k) will produce a darker sound. Capacitors with higher values (0.047uF) will produce a darker sound, while capacitors with lower values (0.022uF) will produce a brighter sound.
2. Can I wire the pickups in reverse phase and series at the same time?
Yes, you can wire the pickups in reverse phase and series at the same time to achieve a unique sound. The wiring diagram is as follows:
As you can see, the neck pickup is wired in reverse phase and series with the middle pickup, while the bridge pickup is wired in series with the middle pickup. This produces a thick and fat sound with reduced hum.
3. Do I need to shield the cavities and pickguard?
Shielding the cavities and pickguard can reduce the amount of hum and noise in your guitar. It involves covering the cavities and pickguard with a conductive material such as copper foil or conductive paint. This is not necessary, but can improve the sound quality of your guitar.
4. Can I wire two different types of pickups together?
Yes, you can wire two different types of pickups together to achieve a unique sound. However, make sure that the pickups have similar output levels and impedance to avoid any balance issues.
5. Can I wire the pickups in a different configuration?
Yes, there are many different ways to wire two single coil pickups together, each producing a different sound. Experiment with different wiring configurations to find the sound that you like the most.
Wrapping Up:
In conclusion, wiring two single coil pickups together is a great way to achieve a variety of sounds. Whether you prefer a bright and twangy sound or a warm and mellow sound, there is a wiring diagram that will suit your needs. By following the instructions in this article and experimenting with different wiring configurations, you can customize your guitar to your liking and improve your playing experience.
