Humbucker Split

[The Dude]

Disclaimer: While I can wire a guitar with the best of 'em, when it comes to actual pickup construction, I know little to nothing. So, take it easy on me you pros.

I am curious to know if it is possible and if so how difficult it would be to tap an existing humbucker that is a two wire pickup stock. I understand the electronics part. I have no knowledge of whether or not you can access the junction of the two coils. What I want to do is add a wire connected to the center of an existing pickup so that I can coil tap it. Is there a visible point where you can see this junction, or is it buried deep within? I am only interested in the logistical possibilities of doing this. No explanation of how a pickup works is necessary. My apologies in advance for what may be an idiotic question. I'd like some advice before I take apart a perfectly good pickup.

[big_teee]

You will need to convert your pickup from a two wire cable to a 4 wire cable.
The diagram 1 & 2 on this page shows both 2 wire and 4 wire configurations.
The S & F on the diagram for the coils, stands for Start and finish leads.
Guitar Wiring Site - Pickup Wire Colors
Be careful and don't break the small magnet wires.
**Another webpage that shows more diagrams the difference between 2 & 4 wire.
http://www.1728.org/guitar1b.htm
The pickup will be all taped up, You will have to remove the tape and look for the two finish leads that are tied together.
If you can access everything, take out the 2 wire, and install the 4 wire.
Depending on how the manufactuer built the pickup, if it will be feasible to convert it from 2 to 4 wire with shield.
You may want to just buy another pickup!
T

[The Dude]

After I posted, I found THIS LINK that shows a little picture tutorial on how to do what I'm looking to do. I'm going to give it a whirl when I get some time. Thanks for the help T!

[g1]

I could be mistaken, but I think T's method gives more options.
From what I can tell, the stewmac method leaves the series link in place and adds a third wire.
T's method removes the series link and adds 2 wires. This gives 2 independant coils so you can choose which one you are tapping, go series or parallel, etc.

Edit: I've never seen the 3 wire method before, I don't know why you would go to all the trouble of adding a wire and leave the series link intact, rather than add 2 wires and remove the series link. Maybe one of the pickup guys could clue me in if there's any reason to go 3 wire rather than 4.

[The Dude]

G,

All I want to be able to do is short out one of the coils for single coil operation. I agree, the 4 wire option does give you many more options- no question. I'm only interested in one option and the Stewmac method will work just fine. This is for one of my own personal guitars, so I'm not concerned about what might happen with the pickup in the future.

[big_teee]

G,

All I want to be able to do is short out one of the coils for single coil operation. I agree, the 4 wire option does give you many more options- no question. I'm only interested in one option and the Stewmac method will work just fine. This is for one of my own personal guitars, so I'm not concerned about what might happen with the pickup in the future.

You can do that, but the reason of the 4 wire with shield is for noise and hum.
You want the signal leads inside the shielded cable not wrapped around it.
Give your mod a try. If it picks up too much noise then try something else.
T

[wolf1728]

Hi. I noticed my guitar page was referenced here.
I followed the link you have to the Stew-Mac method of cutting a coil.
I'd say it is basically the same as mine. I really don't think you need to saw through the solder to get the cover free from the pickup. I find the heat from a soldering iron is quite effective for this (and I think it does not do any damage).
I have found it funny that just about all pickup manufacturers always show a DPDT switch being used for coil cut. (Maybe because all push-pull pots have DPDT switches?) Heck, all you need is a SPST switch.
Just thought I'd add my thoughts on this.

[big_teee]

Everyone I know uses a soldering iron and Safety Razor blade to remove the covers.
Possum has a neat vid on Youtube on how to do this.
T

[David King]

I use c-4 and a very short fuse but it still hasn't worked that well for me.

[big_teee]

I use c-4 and a very short fuse but it still hasn't worked that well for me.

The C4 would be handy, if nothing else to get rid of the stumps here on the farm.
The trick is to use a good hot iron, so you don't heat it up too much in the process.
You do it fast with a hot iron.
I took some covers off a couple of import pickups, and must have been put on with leadless solder.
I had a hellofaTime with those.
I about had my work table on fire before I got them off. lol

[g1]

.
I took some covers off a couple of import pickups, and must have been put on with leadless solder.
I had a hellofaTime with those.
I about had my work table on fire before I got them off. lol

Chip Quik would probably be the solution for this, or anywhere else where you need to reduce the melting point of the solder.