SSS Stratocaster with PBTM, HoOP and more

[dany]

Hello,

I've been working on designing the next iteration of my beloved SSS Lite Ash Strat and I was hoping to get some feedback from you fine folks.
The pickups are Seymour Duncan APS-1
My goal is to build a plateforme for experimenting with tone, with a possible goal of simplifying a future iteration.
I've already been using the Freeway switch for 2 years and I'm in love.

I've listed some questions but I'm open to any feedback

- Are there elements that seem superfluous ? (i'm thinking about the treble bleed switch and the arlo mod notably)
- Do the component values make sense.
- What's you're take on the adjustable varitone / mid shaper ?

Here are the schematics. Note that the pots are 2 concentric pots

[frets]

Hi,

I would caution that your cap values on the Varitone switch might be a little high. I’m specifically addressing .1 and .22. Those two values will be extremely muddy. Typically, anything above .05 has limited usability in a guitar.

On a 12 position Varitone, I do the following (uF):
Bypass
.0033
.0068
.01
.012
.015
.018
.022
.027
.033
.039
.047

These values are very useable and provide a nice spectrum of tones.

Also, with a Varitone, you may not need the bass cut, treble cut and arlo. I would do a Varitone only or a bass cut treble cut only harness(es). You might have too many tone things going on that would conflict. The concept of a midshaper
on the Varitone probably will not work. You really only need one value for a midshaper (.039). I would probably modify the layout as recommended. I think with either an all Varitone harness or a PTB harness that you will be in great shape.

There are posts by me and ssstonelover that feature a PTBM harness. You might want to take a peak at those before you make a decision on your harness.

An idea is to make the midshaper Varitone a treble cut Varitone. Like a 2P4T switch with .01, .015, .022 and .027 caps.

Just thinking of things that will maximize its usability.

[ssstonelover]

One of the posts frets is mentioning is this one, and I'm pretty sure she has some others, maybe more specific to the SSS pup design, should you want to go down the treble/mid/bass pot line of things.
Revised Passive Treble Bass Midrange (PTB-M) for HH

In terms of Varitones I have not made any true Varitones but several times I have used a 6-way rotary switch in SSS guitars to vary the treble cut. I went as small as.0012uF (to just take the 'shrill' off) and topped out at .012uF (I'm not a big fan of muddy sound). The caps were wired without resistors or any inductor, so this may be one reason that are different than some other ranges shown (like frets).
.0012
.0022
.0033
.0047
.0068
.012
Certainly your 12-position scheme would be more comprehensive and more orthodox (with an inductor and including resistors that is). Just make it so it's easy enough to rework if you decide to change some values (during sound audition or later on).

Like you I love the Free-way 10-way switch, the PTB type tone controls circuit works great for that, and with a no-load treble cut pot, even better.

[dany]

Hello,

Thanks to both of you for reviewing and critiquing what I had planned. It's super helpful
I'll now go back to the drawing board and work on a new version based on your recommendations.

[dany]

Hi

I've revised the design based on the feedback I got and looking at some pre-made harnesses on the forum.
I got rid of switchable treble bleed and the arlo mod. Changed the Varitone to have better values and used the last slot on it to try the mid-shaper (mostly to experiment with)
I've also added a switchable inductor. frets, I've seen you've used one on a design. I wonder how that worked out and if it's worth it.

[frets]

Dany,

I love switchable induction. I do believe it adds a lot to the diversity in tone. My favorite way to do it is to put the inductor (typically an audio signal transformer) on an “on on” switch running off the ground of the Varitone. But you can put it on a push pull as well. You have to hear it to appreciate the tonal differentiation as it is hard to describe. No always say it adds more “depth” to the tone. I think you will be pleased with the results.