If you are a guitar player or a sound enthusiast, you may have heard the term “coil tap” before. A coil tap is a simple modification that can be added to a guitar’s pickup to provide a wider range of sonic possibilities. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about coil tap wiring diagrams.
What is a Coil Tap?
A coil tap is a wiring method that allows you to switch between a single coil and a humbucker configuration on your guitar pickups. When you engage the coil tap, you are essentially bypassing a portion of the coil, which cuts the number of active windings in half, resulting in a brighter, more single-coil-like tone.
Coil taps can be found in a variety of guitars, from the Les Paul to the Stratocaster. They are an excellent way to add versatility to your sound without having to change guitars or pickups.
How Does a Coil Tap Work?
A coil tap works by connecting a wire to a specific point on the coil, allowing you to switch between a single coil and a humbucker configuration. When you engage the coil tap, you are essentially bypassing a portion of the coil, which cuts the number of active windings in half, resulting in a brighter, more single-coil-like tone.
The exact location of the tap point can vary depending on the pickup, but it is typically located on the bottom or top of the coil. When you wire a coil tap, you are essentially connecting a wire to this tap point and then sending it to a switch, which allows you to engage or disengage the tap.
It is important to note that a coil tap is not the same as a coil split, which splits a humbucker into two separate coils. A coil tap only removes part of the coil, while a coil split separates the two coils entirely, resulting in a significantly different tone.
How to Wire a Coil Tap
Now that you understand what a coil tap is and how it works, you may be wondering how to install it in your guitar. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can do it yourself if you have some basic knowledge of guitar wiring.
What You Will Need
Before you start wiring your coil tap, you will need a few tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Coil tap switch
- 22-gauge wire
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wire a coil tap:
- Identify the pickup you want to modify and locate the tap point on the coil. This will typically be located on the top or bottom of the coil, near the start or end of the wire.
- Cut a length of wire and strip the ends. Twist the wire around the tap point and solder it to the coil.
- Connect the other end of the wire to the switch. You can use any type of switch, but a mini-toggle or push-pull pot will work best.
- Solder the other end of the switch to the ground wire of the pickup. This will typically be a wire that runs to the back of the volume pot or the guitar’s grounding point.
- Test the coil tap by flipping the switch. You should hear a noticeable difference in tone when the switch is engaged.
FAQ
What is the difference between a coil tap and a coil split?
A coil tap removes a portion of the coil, while a coil split separates the two coils entirely, resulting in a significantly different tone.
Can I install a coil tap on any pickup?
Coil taps can be installed on most pickups, but the location of the tap point can vary depending on the pickup. It is important to consult the manufacturer’s wiring diagram before attempting to wire a coil tap.
Do I need any special tools to wire a coil tap?
You will need a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters and strippers, a coil tap switch, and 22-gauge wire.
What are the benefits of a coil tap?
A coil tap allows you to switch between a single coil and a humbucker configuration, providing a wider range of sonic possibilities. It is an excellent way to add versatility to your guitar without having to change pickups or guitars.
| Benefits of a Coil Tap | Drawbacks of a Coil Tap |
|---|---|
| Provides a wider range of sonic possibilities | May require modification to your guitar |
| Allows you to switch between a single coil and humbucker configuration | May result in a small loss of output |
| Can be installed on most pickups | May require some basic knowledge of guitar wiring to install |
Conclusion
A coil tap is a simple modification that can be added to a guitar’s pickups to provide a wider range of sonic possibilities. It is relatively easy to wire a coil tap, and you can do it yourself if you have some basic knowledge of guitar wiring.
If you are looking to add versatility to your guitar without having to change pickups or guitars, a coil tap may be an excellent option. Just be sure to consult the manufacturer’s wiring diagram before attempting to wire a coil tap, and remember that it is not the same as a coil split.
