P/S switching and 500k/250k pot sizing

[axedoctor]

okay ... there have been some nifty parallel/series switching wiring ideas proposed herein and I am seriously considering implementing something akin to them

my question is : what to do about potentiometer sizing?

whereas the standard parallel configurations are typically paired with 250k versions of tone and volume, will the series-connected single coils prefer 500k versions of these potentiometers as do conventional dual-coil humbucker pickups?

if so, how have folks attacked the associated switching?

selecting between levels of a stacked 250k/500k component?

or adding resistor(s) to a 500k part to make it behave sorta like a 250k?

or something else entirely?

[reTrEaD]

Dec 21, 2016 9:20:20 GMT -5 axedoctor said:

if so, how have folks attacked the associated switching?

selecting between levels of a stacked 250k/500k component?

or adding resistor(s) to a 500k part to make it behave sorta like a 250k?

or something else entirely?

Best to keep it simple, imho. A switching between elements of an expensive ganged pot gets pricey and complicated. Not only do we need a pot that costs significantly more than a single-element pot, but we also need TWO additional poles on the S/P switch to choose which pot.

And what are we accomplishing with this additional cost? Isn't one point of series/parallel to give us a difference in tone due to the increased inductance? If we counteract that by changing the loading, all we're left with is a very slight increase in volume in the series mode.

I believe the most sensible approach is to start with the pots that are already in the guitar, add the switching option, then evaluate the results. Make any necessary changes in loading so that neither mode is objectionable. For instance, on a Strat, you may find that series mode is just a little too dark and are willing to have the parallel mode a bit more bright. You could accomplish this by using a no-load pot for your tone control. If you anticipate this is likely to be the case, you might even assemble the guitar with the tone control disconnected on the first attempt. This will mimic the tone-on-ten condition with a no-load tone pot. Of course you won't have a tone control during this initial test but it will allow you to evaluate the result before purchasing a no-load pot.

[axedoctor]

I would certainly prefer a simplified approach (and who wouldn't?).

If tone pot interaction is the major concern, then perhaps my accompanying ideas of a three-cap-selectable treble tone control coupled with a two-setting bass cut selector can provide enough adjustment to offset any adverse tone shaping effects due to a fixed 250k pot range.

thanks for helping me think through this issue with fresh perspective

[ChristoMephisto]

I've thought of this. 250k for sc and parallel, and 500k for series. All it would take would be a cheap Alpha dual gang pot and swap one wafer from a single gang pot. Less than $5 total. The spare poles on my super switch would of taken care of the switching issues.
Swapped out the 250k in my tele for a 500k, and it sounded hollow, no mids. Even in series. So back in goes the 250k.
It was worth the simple experiment, but not worth keeping.
Fender came out with a ssh strat, the Shawbucker that uses a 500k for the bridge, and 250k for the single coils.