For guitar enthusiasts, a pickups wiring diagram can be as important as the instrument itself. A wiring diagram is a schematic representation of the electrical connections of a system, in this case, the pickups of a guitar. Understanding how pickups work and how they are wired can help you customize your tone, troubleshoot problems, and even design your own guitar.
What are Pickups and How Do They Work?
Pickups are transducers that convert the vibrations of the guitar strings into an electrical signal that can be amplified and heard through a speaker. They consist of a magnet and a coil of wire that captures the magnetic field generated by the vibrating strings. When the string moves, it disturbs the magnetic field, inducing a voltage in the coil. This voltage is then sent to the amplifier, where it is amplified and sent to the speaker.
There are two main types of pickups: single-coil pickups and humbucking pickups. Single-coil pickups have one coil of wire, while humbucking pickups have two coils that are wired in series or parallel to cancel out the hum and noise that can be picked up by single-coil pickups.
Pickups can also have different magnetic polarities, which affect the way they sound and how they are wired. For example, some pickups have north-facing poles, while others have south-facing poles. The polarity of the pickup can affect the phase relationship between the pickups and the overall tone of the guitar.
The Basic Wiring Diagram
The basic wiring diagram for a guitar with two pickups consists of a three-way switch, a volume control, and a tone control for each pickup. The switch allows you to select either the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together. The volume control adjusts the level of the signal from the pickup, while the tone control adjusts the treble frequencies of the signal.
The wiring diagram for a guitar with two single-coil pickups would look like this:
| Pickup | Volume Control | Tone Control |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Pickup |
1. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the volume control. 2. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the tone control. |
3. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the output jack. |
| Bridge Pickup |
4. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the volume control. 5. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the tone control. |
6. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the output jack. |
Note that the ground wire of each pickup and each control component should be connected to the ground lug of the output jack.
Advanced Wiring Diagrams
Once you understand the basic wiring diagram, you can customize your guitar by adding switches, push-pull pots, and other components. Here are some examples:
Coil Splitting
Coil splitting is a technique that allows you to turn a humbucking pickup into a single-coil pickup by disconnecting one of the coils. This can give you a wider range of tones and more flexibility. To split a humbucking pickup, you need a switch that connects the two coils in series or parallel. Here is the wiring diagram:
| Pickup | Switch | Volume Control | Tone Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Pickup |
1. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the switch. 2. Connect the output lug of the switch to the input lug of the volume control. |
3. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the tone control. |
4. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the output jack. |
| Bridge Pickup |
5. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the switch. 6. Connect the output lug of the switch to the input lug of the volume control. |
7. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the tone control. |
8. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the output jack. |
To split the pickup, you would flip the switch to the single-coil position, which would disconnect one of the coils and leave only one coil connected to the output jack.
Phase Switching
Phase switching is a technique that allows you to change the phase relationship between two pickups. This can affect the tone of the guitar and make it sound thicker or thinner. To switch the phase of a pickup, you need a switch that reverses the polarity of the pickup. Here is the wiring diagram:
| Pickup | Switch | Volume Control | Tone Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck Pickup |
1. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the volume control. 2. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the phase switch. |
3. Connect the output lug of the phase switch to the input lug of the tone control. |
4. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the output jack. |
| Bridge Pickup |
5. Connect the hot wire of the pickup to the input lug of the volume control. 6. Connect the output lug of the volume control to the input lug of the tone control. |
7. Connect the output lug of the tone control to the input lug of the phase switch. |
8. Connect the output lug of the phase switch to the output jack. |
To switch the phase of a pickup, you would flip the switch, which would reverse the polarity of the pickup and change the phase relationship between the pickups.
FAQ
What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring connects the pickups in a chain, so that the signal from one pickup flows into the next pickup. This can increase the output and sustain of the guitar, but can also make the tone darker and less defined. Parallel wiring connects the pickups side by side, so that the signal from each pickup flows independently. This can make the tone clearer and more articulate, but at the expense of volume and sustain.
Why does my guitar hum?
Guitar hum is caused by electromagnetic interference from other electrical devices or wiring. Single-coil pickups are more susceptible to hum than humbucking pickups, because they have only one coil that acts like an antenna. To reduce hum, you can shield the guitar cavity and wiring, use a noise gate or a humbucking pickup, or use a wiring diagram that cancels out the hum and noise.
Can I wire my own guitar?
Yes, you can wire your own guitar if you have some basic knowledge of electronics and soldering. You can find wiring diagrams online or in guitar electronics books, and you can buy components from guitar parts suppliers. However, if you are not confident in your skills, you should consult a professional guitar technician or luthier.
A pickups wiring diagram is an essential tool for any guitar player who wants to customize their tone and sound. By understanding the basic principles of pickups and wiring, and by experimenting with different components and configurations, you can create a guitar that is unique and tailored to your style and preferences.
