Newbie at installing pickups

[grillking]

Hi!
I am looking to install new pickups in my Ibanez RG 240. The guitar has a S-S-H configuration and I am looking to upgrade to H-H. The guitar also has a 5 way selector, one tone knob and one volume knob. I am looking to install a Dimarzio Humbucker from Hell in the neck (4 wire) and a Tone Zone in bridge (4 wire). I noticed a thread a couple of weeks backs from a guy who installed the same pups into an OLP Petrucci. He had a 3 way selector switch and a push/pull knob. I am a complete newbie at this and I am eager to try and learn by installing them myself.
Do you guys recommend that I follow the same guidelines in the link provided OR.....would I have greater variety of tones using a push/pull pot and a 5 way switch??? How about a Super switch???

guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=wiring&action=display&thread=1154957638

If so....any recommendations on how to wire it???
Thanks

Darren

[sumgai]

grillking,

Hi, and to the forums!

Just to go sideways on you, would you consider N, N+B, N*B, N*-B, B as your line up? No extra switch needed, all done with one Superswitch. If so, then you might pay attention to this thread: quick 2HB superswitch wiring question.... ccoleman hasn't yet submitted his final diagram, but I expect it'll show up today, or soon thereafter. Even if he doesn't get it soon, I've got a full schematic for this setup, just waiting in the wings.

Just something to consider, that's all. ;D


sumgai

[UnklMickey]

hi Grillkiing,

Welcome to Guitarnuts2.


deciding what kind of wiring mod is best, is a highly subjective process.

for instance, in the case of the OLP Petrucci, that had an LP style selector as stock equipment.

the fact that it would require much mechanical adaptation to replace that with a superswitch, makes replacement much less attractive.

in your case, you already have a slot, although i'm not sure about the spacing between the mounting screws.

keeping your stock selector has possibilities, a superswitch will have more.

if you want to keep the appearance close to stock, adding one or 2 push-pull pots won't hurt.

if you don't find them handy, and prefer mini-toggles, you'll need to drill some additional holes.

you could even trade in your tone control for a rotary switch to be used in conjunction with the 5-way.


probably the best place to start, would be to think about what you would prefer in terms of controls.

and what combinations you need and want for sounds.

how complicated are you willing to get?


there are several designs on the schematics page.

looking them over might help with deciding on an overall direction.

you might even find one that fits, right off the rack



i'm sure our members can offer some additional advice.


unk

[grillking]

Excuse my ignorance but I am REALLY new to all this. What does + vs * mean? Does + mean series and * parallel? I am also assuming that - means reverse polarity. If so...what kind of sound dynamics will these configuration give me. Prior to starting this project my only experience was with the 5 selector switch with my S-S-H config which resulted in N, N+M, M, M+B, B. Changing my config to H-H, I assumed my only options were going to be N, N+B, and B. After doing reaserch into the capabilities of splitting the pickups and the info provided by this forum, I am discovering that I have a significant amount of options. Any recommendations??? I play blues, funk, hard rock, and metal. Thanks for all your help.

[UnklMickey]

hi Darren,

+ or // means parallel

* or x means series.

if you're not certain what the difference looks like, go here (a site by Wolf, a Guitarnuts2 member):

www.1728.com/guitar.htm

and scroll down to

3 Single Coils Wired In Parallel

and

3 Single Coils Wired In Series


cheers,

unk

[UnklMickey]

hey Darren,

i looked back at this and realized that i only answered a small part of what you asked about.


most stock guitars combine pickups in parallel. (and in-phase)


compared to that, series sounds "darker" and louder.

parallel out of phase sounds thinner and weaker.

series out of phase sounds "hollow".


using words to describe sounds, doesn't always work too well, but that's the best i can do for you.


unk

[grillking]

Unk-
Thanks for the info. I will check out the link from Wolfe's site and once I do a little more learning, I will come back for more advice. I think I will open up the guitar to actually see whats going on inside too. I think that should help me understand the schematics a little bit better.