I was hoping the kind, wise and otherwise nice people here could offer some help with a scheme I'm thinking of trying in my LP copy.
Picture first, words next:
Above schematic: "LP SP-SaS" (Les Paul Series/Parallel with Spin-a-Split) v.1
Mote: Treble bleeds on the volume controls P1 & P2 have been omitted for simplicity
Here's what I'm hoping to get:
1- Separate volume knob for each pickup (like a std LP), but with treble bleeds
2- Master tone control knob
3- Spin-a-Split knob that splits both pickups (when the pickup is in series mode)
4- Local series/parallel switching on each pickup (coils within each pickup)
5- System series parallel switching (between the two pickups)
Here's what I'm trying to avoid:
6- Stealth mod: no difference in appearance compared to standard LP
7- Adding or subtracting lots of load compared to a standard LP
Stacking the controls:
8- The switch numbers and pot numbers above are matched - example: P1 and S1 will be the same control (a push-pull pot).
9 - Control locations: Standard LP volume knobs (1&2); Tone (4) will be where the Treble tone usually lives; Spin-a-Split (3) where the Rhythm tone usually lives.
Some rationale for the above schematic:
10- Stealth constraint led to consolidating the Spin-a-Split onto a single knob. So it's a dual-gang, in order to keep the two pickups' circuits separate into they get mixed "downstream"
11- Sacrificing one of the traditional tone control positions meant consolidating two tone controls into one position. Since I wanted to keep the circuit loading close to a standard LP's I used two pots, which means dual gang
12- "No-load" pots for the Spin-a-Split in order to minimize extra circuit loading.
Also considering:
13- Adding a push-pull to the tone control, to select a different value tone capacitor... perhaps for only one of the pickups?
14- Breaking the Stealth decree: concentric pots for the Spin-a-Split? (this will cost a push-pull switch position)
Here's what kind of help I'm hoping for:
15- Verification: Does the schematic above achieve the goals? Anybody spot any pitfalls?
16- Component values: I'm thinking A500KΩ for: P1, P2, P4a, P4b (volumes and tones); A250KΩ-NoLoad for the Spin-a-Split pots; 33nF for both tone capacitors. Validation of my choices, or any suggestions for improvement?
17- Opinions on the choices I've mode for which controls get consolidated (always respecting the Stealth constraint)
18- Overall opinions/suggestions: is the consolidated Spin-a-Split gonna be a bust? Other ideas?