Coil tapping is a technique that allows guitarists to switch between different tones without changing their guitar. It is a great way to get more out of your guitar and add versatility to your playing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to coil tapping wiring diagrams to help you understand and implement this technique.
What is Coil Tapping?
Coil tapping is a technique that allows you to switch between different tones by tapping into only a part of the pickup coil. This means that you can get a single coil sound from a humbucker pickup or a humbucker sound from a single coil pickup. This technique is achieved by wiring an extra switch that allows you to bypass part of the coil.
Coil tapping is a popular technique among guitarists because it allows you to get more tones out of your guitar without having to change the pickups. It is commonly used in genres such as blues, jazz, and rock because it allows you to switch between different tones quickly.
How Does Coil Tapping Work?
Coil tapping works by allowing you to access different parts of the pickup coil. The pickup coil is essentially a magnet wrapped in wire. When you pluck a string, the magnetic field produced by the pickup coil creates an electrical signal that is sent to your amp.
When you tap into only a part of the pickup coil, you are essentially changing the magnetic field that is created by the coil. This changes the tone that is produced by the pickup. By wiring an extra switch that allows you to bypass part of the coil, you can switch between different tones quickly.
Coil Tapping Wiring Diagram
Wiring a coil tapping switch is not as complicated as it may seem. In fact, with the right diagram and tools, it can be done in a matter of minutes. Below is a coil tapping wiring diagram that you can use to wire your guitar.
| Switch Position | Pickup Wiring |
|---|---|
| Up | Full Coil |
| Down | Coil Tap |
Tools You Will Need
To wire your guitar for coil tapping, you will need the following tools:
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Phillips Screwdriver
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to wire your guitar for coil tapping:
- Remove the pickguard or back plate from your guitar.
- Locate the wiring diagram for your guitar’s pickups.
- Solder a wire from the hot output on your pickup to the switch’s common terminal.
- Solder a wire from the switch’s normally open terminal to the volume pot’s input jack.
- Solder a wire from the switch’s normally closed terminal to ground.
- Test your wiring by plugging in your guitar and switching between full coil and coil tap positions.
- Replace the pickguard or back plate on your guitar.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Coil Tapping and Coil Splitting?
Coil tapping and coil splitting are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different techniques. Coil tapping allows you to access different parts of the pickup coil, while coil splitting allows you to separate the two coils in a humbucker pickup to create a single coil sound.
Can You Coil Tap Any Pickup?
You can only coil tap pickups that have enough wire to allow you to tap into a part of the coil. Some pickups, such as P90 pickups, have enough wire to allow for coil tapping. However, pickups such as Stratocaster pickups do not have enough wire to allow for coil tapping.
What are Some Popular Coil Tapping Wiring Diagrams?
There are several popular coil tapping wiring diagrams, including the 2-wire, 4-wire, and 5-wire coil tapping diagrams. The 2-wire diagram is the simplest and allows you to switch between full coil and coil tap positions. The 4-wire and 5-wire diagrams allow you to switch between series and parallel wiring in addition to full coil and coil tap positions.
Is Coil Tapping Worth it?
Coil tapping is a great way to get more out of your guitar and add versatility to your playing. It is a simple and cost-effective way to switch between different tones without having to change your pickups. If you are looking to add more options to your playing, then coil tapping is definitely worth it.
What Are Some of the Best Guitars for Coil Tapping?
Some of the best guitars for coil tapping include Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Stratocasters, and Ibanez RGs. These guitars are popular among guitarists because they allow for easy coil tapping and provide a wide range of tones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coil tapping is a great way to get more out of your guitar and add versatility to your playing. It is a simple and cost-effective technique that can be done with the right wiring diagram and tools. Use the information provided in this article to wire your guitar for coil tapping and start exploring new tones today.
