If you are looking to mod your guitar, knowing how to wire a pickup is a basic skill that every guitarist should have. One common modification is to wire a humbucker pickup with a single coil, which can provide a wider range of tones. In this article, we will provide a wiring diagram and schematic for this setup.
What is a humbucker pickup?
A humbucker pickup is a type of electric guitar pickup that uses two coils to cancel out the hum and noise that can be picked up by a single coil pickup. This pickup design was invented by Gibson in the 1950s, and is commonly used in electric guitars today.
The two coils in a humbucker pickup are wound in opposite directions, which cancels out the hum and noise. The resulting sound is smoother and less noisy than a single coil pickup.
What is a single coil pickup?
A single coil pickup is a type of electric guitar pickup that uses one coil of wire to pick up the sound of the guitar strings. This pickup design was invented by Leo Fender in the 1940s, and is commonly used in electric guitars today.
Single coil pickups have a bright and clear sound, but can be prone to hum and noise. This is because the single coil can pick up electromagnetic interference from other sources, such as lights or electronic devices.
Wiring a humbucker pickup with a single coil
The wiring diagram for a humbucker pickup with a single coil is relatively simple. You will need a humbucker pickup, a single coil pickup, a 500k volume pot, a 250k tone pot, a 3-way switch, and some wire.
Start by soldering the ground wire from the single coil pickup to the back of the volume pot. Then, solder the hot wire from the single coil pickup to the center lug of the switch.
Next, solder the ground wire from the humbucker pickup to the back of the tone pot. Then, solder the hot wire from the humbucker pickup to the second lug of the switch.
Solder a wire from the first lug of the switch to the center lug of the volume pot. Finally, solder a wire from the third lug of the switch to the output jack.
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of wiring a humbucker with a single coil?
Wiring a humbucker with a single coil can provide a wider range of tones than using either pickup alone. The humbucker provides a warm and thick sound, while the single coil provides a bright and clear sound. By combining the two, you can achieve a wider range of tones.
2. Can I use different value pots for this setup?
While it is possible to use different value pots for this setup, it may affect the sound. The 500k volume pot and 250k tone pot are commonly used with humbucker pickups, while 250k volume and tone pots are commonly used with single coil pickups. Using different value pots may result in a different tone.
3. Do I need to use a 3-way switch?
No, you can use a different type of switch if you prefer. However, a 3-way switch is commonly used for this setup because it allows you to switch between the humbucker pickup, single coil pickup, or both pickups together.
4. Can I wire a humbucker with multiple single coil pickups?
Yes, you can wire a humbucker with multiple single coil pickups. The wiring diagram will be more complicated, but the principle is the same. You will need a switch that allows you to select between the pickups.
5. Can I use this wiring diagram for any brand of humbucker or single coil pickup?
Yes, this wiring diagram can be used for any brand of humbucker or single coil pickup. However, the colors of the wires may be different, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagram if possible.
Conclusion
Wiring a humbucker pickup with a single coil can provide a wider range of tones than using either pickup alone. By following the wiring diagram and schematic provided in this article, you can easily wire your guitar for this setup. Remember to use the correct value pots and refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagram if necessary. With this mod, you can achieve a unique tone that sets your guitar apart from others.
