Forum Ringside > Tech
common ordering FAQs
Tim:
Thought I'd post up common questions I get asked in the 150+ emails I reply to every day.
2 or 4 con?
If you want access to series/parallel, in/out of phase, or coil taps then 4 conductor is the hook up for you. 2 conductor allows series(normal humbucking operation) only. Traditonally LP style axes have always used braided 2 conductor.
50 or 52mm?
Again, traditionally Gibson spacing has been 50mm(49.5mm actually) and Fender 52mm(again nearer 53mm) so as a general rule I advise wide space-52mm for trem equipped guitars and 50mm for fixed bridge guitars. If in doubt measure from the centre of the High E to the cntre of the low E pole screw.
Does fitting a humbucker cover effect the sound?
In a word, yes. It lowers the resonant peak slightly however we compensate for this with a small adjustment to the wind.
Covers are a great tonal shaping tool, fit one to an overbright pickup can just round the highs slightly and impart and more vintage tone. Similarly removing a cover from a pickup that seems a touch closed off in the top end can open it out a touch.
Covers always need to be waxpotted on if you want to satnd a realistic chance of preventing microphonics. Likewise it's never a good idea to just prise a cover off as you can damage the windings underneath. Send them in and we'll do it for you.
I'll post more as I think of them. :D
Tom:
Please excuse my ignorance but what then would you need (4-con/2-con) for a regular Epiphone Les Paul with (obviously) 2 humbuckers, 3 position switch and 4 pots (1 tone and 1 volume per pup)? Is there any way of converting a regular LP axe like this into a 5-position switch?
How about a guitar with two humbuckers (and 3 position switch) but only 1 volume and 1 tone for both? Would that matter what 4-con/2-con to choose? Could you add two extra pots (by drilling some holes etc) so that volume and tone could be independently controlled for each pup?
Having said all this I certainly won't be doing any installation of pups myself as I wouldn't have a clue of what to do - might as well pay somebody experienced to do the job properly!
Sorry for all these questions but I find it interesting and would like to know as much as possible about how pups work. Also I need to know before I buy some BKPs :D !
T...
R/2e:
--- Quote ---Please excuse my ignorance but what then would you need (4-con/2-con) for a regular Epiphone Les Paul with (obviously) 2 humbuckers, 3 position switch and 4 pots (1 tone and 1 volume per pup)? Is there any way of converting a regular LP axe like this into a 5-position switch?
--- End quote ---
You need to replace one or both of the pots with push/pull or push/push pots. Very simple as long as you're careful with the soldering - you can screw up a push pull pot if you're not careful, too much heat can kill them to paraphrase Queen, and don't ask me how I know that.......
PS - if you want to try an Epi LP with Nailbombs, give me a shout.
Tim:
--- Quote from: Tom ---Please excuse my ignorance but what then would you need (4-con/2-con) for a regular Epiphone Les Paul with (obviously) 2 humbuckers, 3 position switch and 4 pots (1 tone and 1 volume per pup)?
--- End quote ---
2 conductor
--- Quote from: Tom ---
Is there any way of converting a regular LP axe like this into a 5-position switch?
--- End quote ---
No easily-you'd be better off with push pull pots for coil splits etc
You'd need 4 conductor too.
--- Quote from: Tom ---
How about a guitar with two humbuckers (and 3 position switch) but only 1 volume and 1 tone for both? Would that matter what 4-con/2-con to choose?
--- End quote ---
No
--- Quote from: Tom ---Could you add two extra pots (by drilling some holes etc) so that volume and tone could be independently controlled for each pup?
--- End quote ---
If you wanted although I'd get an experienced repairman/luthier to do the job.
T...
Tom:
Thanks for that Tim and R/2e - all very useful! No worries about trying out the Epi LP thanks R/2e as I think I've decided to go for those anyway, now I've just got to wait for my new guitar to arrive and payday.......
T...
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version