Humbucker wiring

[big_teee]

I'm going to be rewiring a hoffman type import bass.
Currently it is wired like a regular J-Bass, 2 volume controls, one master Tone, and currently no switches.
A friend was wanting me to add a 4-way switch and wire it like a tele where you have bridge, neck, both parallel, and both series. ( that is probably not the right order)
I don't think that would work with two independant volume controls.
So was wondering what options for putting both pickups in series, and keep the other controls.
The final config, will be two humbuckers, with 2 vol. 1 tone, and whatever the best switching I can come up with?
Please discuss away.
Just trying to come up with wiring ideas.
Thanks,
T

[rjb]

Here are some thoughts:

The 4-way switch (bridge, neck, parallel, series) can work with two independent volume controls-
but (stating the obvious, I guess) before committing to wiring it that way, I would temporarily wire
the pickups in series to see if your friend really finds the series position to be useful.
I'm guessing 2 bass humbuckers in series might be muddier than desired.

bbsailor describes a Tele build with 4-way switch, concentric volume pots, and a master tone pot with phase switch here:
http://music-electronics-forum.com/t34987/#post326355

I've drawn a (barely legible) schematic/wiring diagram hybrid using 4-position/2-pole rotary switch
for a 2 HB guitar with independent volume controls- but I have no idea where the sketch is right now.
However, if you want to try that configuration, I might be able to describe the wiring in words.

Another option might be to use push-pull volume pots and wire each HB for series/parallel coils.
DiMarzio shows how to wire Model P pickups for "dual sound" in this document:
http://www.dimarzio.com/sites/defaul...ams/ModelP.pdf

GL
-rb

[big_teee]

I will look into how Dimarzio wires their dual P pickups.
The other link is not what I was trying to do.
I want to keep the 2 volume hot like a J-bass with the hot on the outside of the pot, not the center.
That grounds the pickups when you roll off the vol. not ground the hot or output when rolled off.
I don't care anything about phase reversing, I never did care for push pull pots.
Like said, try the series first to see if I like the effect.
If you find anything else, I would like to see it!
Thanks,
T
Edit** I did find this, and it might be interesting. Use a mini toggle in place of the push-pull.
with the wiring diagram, also use a 3 way LP toggle to split the pickups, use the mini to include the series wiring.
http://www.dimarzio.com/sites/defaul...1pptseries.pdf

[rjb]

I didn't think you would be interested in phase flipping- just wanted to show that 4-way switch with 2 "J-Bass style" volume controls is do-able.

That DiMarzio diagram looks pretty elegant. I'll have to study it more carefully when I'm not preoccupied with house repairs.

GL,
-rb

[big_teee]

I didn't think you would be interested in phase flipping- just wanted to show that 4-way switch with 2 "J-Bass style" volume controls is do-able.

I didn't see or read in any of that for a series circuit, with two independent volumes.
If it did, I would need a layout or schematic to walk thru it!
However the Diagram I listed, does show the volumes independent with the output on the outside of the pot.
I don't think you can mimic the diagram I showed with the 4 way tele switch.
You can take the Dimarzio diagram and add the 3 way LP switch and do all I was attempting to do.
I am warming up to the push pull tone, because of the simplicity of the install on the beetle bass.
Since it will be played mostly in normal mode, have it that way in push mode, and have the series in pull mode.
The bass will be here tomorrow, and I'll start gathering info.
The friend suggested the 4 way switch, but the bass is my bass, and I'll be the one playing and wiring on it.
Thanks,
T

[rjb]

I didn't see or read in any of that for a series circuit, with two independent volumes....
The friend suggested the 4 way switch, but the bass is my bass, and I'll be the one playing and wiring on it.

Oh well....I tried to be helpful, but it looks like I spent half my time being confusing and the other half being confused!
It looks like you've pretty much determined what you want to do and how you're going to do it.

Just out of curiosity, do those Douglass "Beatles Basses" come with single coil or humbucking pickups?
I see from the rondomusic site that they have plain covers; if they happen to be reproductions of (humbucking) Hofner Type 3's,
(maybe it could happen) the stock pickups might be pretty cool.
http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/hofne...ckups/cav.html

Have fun,
-rb

[big_teee]

No apologies necessary, I appreciate the help.
I'm not sure what the Douglas stock pickups will be.
I've heard different things.
I bought it strictly to beat on and modify.
For a Hundred bucks, Can't Hardly Go Wrong!
I won't be surprised if they are some form of SC.
But they are the right dimensions for minibuckers.
I plan on them ending up some form of Humbucker.
I don't do SC Noise well.
Even if they are minis, they will get rebuilt!
All of my personal guitars and basses have my own pickups, or my own rewinds in them.
I've got a couple of ideas in mind for humbuckers.
Thanks,
T