If you are a guitar enthusiast, you must have come across the term “humbucker” at least once. It refers to a type of guitar pickup that cancels out the hum and noise produced by a single coil pickup. A humbucker pickup is designed to produce a fuller and warmer sound that is preferred by many guitarists. In this article, we will discuss the 5 wire humbucker wiring diagram that is commonly used to modify a humbucker pickup to suit the specific needs of a guitarist.
What is a Humbucker Pickup?
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first understand what a humbucker pickup is and how it works. A humbucker pickup consists of two coils of wire, each wound in opposite directions. When the strings of the guitar vibrate, they produce an electrical current that is picked up by the coils. However, this current also creates a hum and noise that can be annoying for the guitarist.To cancel out this hum and noise, the two coils of the humbucker pickup are wired in series and out of phase with each other. This means that when one coil is producing a positive signal, the other coil is producing a negative signal. The result is that the hum and noise is cancelled out, leaving only the desired guitar sound.
What is a 5 Wire Humbucker Pickup?
A 5 wire humbucker pickup is a modification of the standard 4 wire humbucker pickup. The fifth wire is used to provide additional wiring options for the guitarists. With a 5 wire humbucker pickup, you can split the coils to get a single coil sound, or wire them in parallel for a brighter tone.The 5 wires in the humbucker pickup are typically color coded as follows:- Black: Ground- White: Series Link- Red: North Coil Finish- Green: South Coil Finish- Bare: North & South Coil Starts
5 Wire Humbucker Wiring Diagram
To wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup, you will need to follow the wiring diagram below. This is a standard wiring diagram that is used by many guitar manufacturers and guitarists.
| Wire Color | Connection |
|---|---|
| Black | Connect to Ground |
| White | Connect to Switch Terminal |
| Red | North Coil Finish – Connect to Push-Pull Pot (On Up Position) |
| Green | South Coil Finish – Connect to Push-Pull Pot (On Up Position) |
| Bare | North & South Coil Starts – Connect to Switch and Output Jack |
Once you have wired the 5 wires according to the diagram, you can start experimenting with the different wiring options that are available. Here are some of the most common wiring options:
1. Series Wiring
In series wiring, the two coils of the humbucker pickup are wired in series, creating a fatter and warmer tone. To wire the humbucker in series, connect the red wire to the push-pull pot (on up position) and the green wire to the push-pull pot (on up position). Then, connect the white wire to the switch terminal, and the black wire to ground. The bare wire should be connected to both the switch and the output jack.
2. Parallel Wiring
In parallel wiring, the two coils of the humbucker pickup are wired in parallel, creating a brighter and more articulate tone. To wire the humbucker in parallel, connect the red and green wires to the push-pull pot (on up position), and connect the white wire to the switch terminal. Then, connect the black wire to ground, and the bare wire to both the switch and output jack.
3. Single Coil Wiring
In single coil wiring, you can split the coils to get a single coil sound. To wire the humbucker for single coil sound, first, connect the red and green wires to the push-pull pot (on up position). Then, connect the white wire to the switch terminal, and the black wire to ground. Finally, connect the bare wire to the switch and output jack.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup without a push-pull pot?
A: Yes, you can wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup without a push-pull pot. However, you will not be able to switch between different wiring configurations on the fly.
Q: Can I wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup to a three-way switch?
A: Yes, you can wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup to a three-way switch. However, you will have limited wiring options with a three-way switch.
Q: Why should I choose a 5 wire humbucker pickup over a standard 4 wire humbucker pickup?
A: A 5 wire humbucker pickup provides you with more wiring options, allowing you to customize your guitar tone to your liking.
Q: Can I wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup to a five-way switch?
A: Yes, you can wire a 5 wire humbucker pickup to a five-way switch. With a five-way switch, you will have more wiring options available to you.
Q: Can I use the same wiring diagram for all types of 5 wire humbucker pickups?
A: Yes, the wiring diagram provided in this article can be used for most types of 5 wire humbucker pickups. However, it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s wiring instructions to ensure proper wiring.
Conclusion
A 5 wire humbucker pickup is a great modification that allows you to customize your guitar tone to your liking. With a few simple wiring configurations, you can switch between different tones, from fat and warm to bright and articulate. Follow the wiring diagram provided in this article, and you’ll be on your way to creating your unique guitar sound.
