If you are into guitars, you definitely know that the sound of the instrument is determined by its pickups. The pickups are responsible for capturing the vibrations of the strings and transforming them into electrical signals that can be amplified and heard. One of the most popular types of pickups in electric guitars is the single coil pickup. In this article, we will discuss the 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram, which is a modification of the classic 2 wire pickup that allows more tone options and reduces noise.
What Is a Single Coil Pickup?
Before diving into the 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram, let’s first understand what a single coil pickup is. A single coil pickup consists of a magnet with a coil of wire wrapped around it. The magnet creates a magnetic field that interacts with the vibrations of the strings, inducing an electrical current in the coil that corresponds to the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations. This electrical signal is then sent to the amplifier or other processing equipment, where it is amplified and shaped into the final sound.
Single coil pickups are known for their bright and clear sound, with a strong emphasis on high frequencies. They are commonly used in genres such as blues, rock, and country, where a twangy and articulate tone is desired. However, they are also prone to picking up noise from electromagnetic interference, such as fluorescent lights, computer monitors, and cell phones.
Why Use a 3 Wire Single Coil Pickup Wiring Diagram?
The classic 2 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram has two wires: one for the hot signal and one for the ground. The hot wire is connected to the signal output, while the ground wire is connected to the ground. This setup is simple and effective, but it has some limitations in terms of tone shaping and noise reduction.
The 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram adds a third wire, which is used as a coil tap or split. This wire allows the user to select between two different coil configurations: full humbucking and single coil. In the full humbucking mode, the pickup behaves as a regular humbucker, with both coils working together to cancel out noise and increase output. In the single coil mode, only one of the coils is active, resulting in a brighter and more open sound.
Additionally, the 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram allows the user to reverse the phase of one of the coils, effectively cancelling out some of the frequencies and reducing noise further. This is achieved by flipping the hot and ground wires of one of the coils, so that the magnetic field is inverted.
How to Wire a 3 Wire Single Coil Pickup
Wiring a 3 wire single coil pickup requires some basic knowledge of electronics and soldering. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Identify the hot (signal) wire, the ground wire, and the coil tap wire. The hot wire is usually the colored wire, while the ground wire is usually black or bare. The coil tap wire is usually white or yellow, but it can vary depending on the pickup.
- Find the schematic diagram for your pickup. This diagram will show you how to connect the wires to the volume and tone controls, as well as other pickups and switches if you have them. Make sure to follow the diagram carefully, as different pickups may have different wiring configurations.
- Cut the wires to the desired length, leaving some extra length for flexibility and ease of installation.
- Solder the hot wire to the signal output of the volume or tone control. This will send the signal to the rest of the circuit.
- Solder the ground wire to the ground connection of the volume or tone control. This will provide a path for the signal to return to the amplifier or processor.
- Solder the coil tap wire to the switch or potentiometer that will control the coil split. This wire will allow you to select between the two coil configurations.
- If you want to reverse the phase of one of the coils, flip the hot and ground wires of that coil. This will change the polarity of the coil and cancel out some of the frequencies.
FAQ
What is the coil tap wire?
The coil tap wire is a third wire that is added to the classic 2 wire pickup configuration. It allows the user to select between two different coil configurations: full humbucking and single coil. In the full humbucking mode, the pickup behaves as a regular humbucker, with both coils working together to cancel out noise and increase output. In the single coil mode, only one of the coils is active, resulting in a brighter and more open sound.
What is the difference between a 2 wire and a 3 wire pickup?
The main difference between a 2 wire and a 3 wire pickup is that the 3 wire pickup has a coil tap wire that allows the user to select between two different coil configurations: full humbucking and single coil. In addition, the 3 wire pickup allows the user to reverse the phase of one of the coils, effectively cancelling out some of the frequencies and reducing noise further. The 2 wire pickup has only two wires: one for the hot signal and one for the ground.
What are the advantages of a 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram?
The 3 wire single coil pickup wiring diagram offers several advantages over the classic 2 wire pickup wiring diagram. First, it allows more tone options by providing a coil tap or split that lets the user select between full humbucking and single coil modes. Second, it reduces noise and interference by using two coils that cancel out unwanted frequencies. Finally, it allows the user to reverse the phase of one of the coils, further reducing noise and increasing tonal possibilities.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Single coil pickup | A type of pickup that consists of a magnet with a coil of wire wrapped around it. It produces a bright and clear sound with a strong emphasis on high frequencies. |
| 3 wire pickup | A modification of the classic 2 wire pickup that adds a third wire for coil tapping or splitting. It allows more tone options and reduces noise. |
| Coil tap wire | The third wire added to the 3 wire pickup configuration. It allows the user to select between full humbucking and single coil modes. |
| Phase reverse | A technique that involves reversing the polarity of one of the coils to cancel out some of the frequencies and reduce noise. |
| Tone shaping | The process of adjusting the tone and sound of a guitar by using pickups, controls, and other processing equipment. |
