3HB 3Vol 1Tone + Push/pull master series/parallel

[asheom]

I have a 3 Humbucker Les paul. I want to wire a free way, 6-way switch with two push/pull pots.  1st push/pull would control middle pickup in 5th position (wiring diagram attached).  What I want to know is:  Is there a way to have a master series/parallel switch for all 3 Humbuckers?

I would like to install one additional push/pull pot to make all 3 humbuckers work in parallel or in series while still allowing the 6-way freeway switch to select which pickup(s) is(are) going to the output.  Can anyone help?

[asheom]

Here's another starting point for wiring, but my original question still stands.  Is it possible to have one push/pull switch to make all humbuckers parallel or series?

[newey]

asheom-

Hello and Welcome to G-Nutz2!

At first blush, I think the answer to your question is "no", I don't believe it's possible to switch all 3 pickups from series to parallel with just one P/P pot. I think you'd need an extra pole or two on the switch, meaning you'd be looking at having to use a 4-pole toggle, meaning you'd be drilling an extra hole.

But, I could be wrong, maybe someone else has a creative solution to this I didn't think of. Stay tuned to this channel . . .

Also note that the two diagrams you posted use different versions of the Freeway switch. The first diagram uses the regular Freeway, the second uses the Freeway Ultra version, which is a true 2 pole 6 throw switch (2P6T). So, you'd need to decide which version you will be using. The Ultra version is more versatile, which may come into play when we start trying to integrate your series/parallel switch.

With a single P/P switch, the best you could do (I think : would be to have the switch put one of the three pickups in series with the other two in parallel, or with either individually. Thus, I think you could have (if you chose the bridge pickup for the series options) B X(N+M), B X M, and B X N. You'd need more switching to have N X M, or N X M X B.

But, let's await further developments.

[asheom]

Thanks for the response.  I realize there are two different switches in the posts.  I'm open to buying the more expensive switch if someone can figure out how to wire my request.  I'm afraid, however, that you have just confirmed what I already suspected.  The only way to have a series/parallel switching on all pickups is to have multiple switches.  I'm keeping hope alive though.  We'll see if someone has a creative solution to my predicament. 

[sumgai]

asheom,

Hi, and welcome to The NutzHouse!

When switching between series and parallel in a two-pickup axe, we need to switch one lead on each of the two pickups, and that requires two poles.  In a dual pup axe (SC or Hb), this is easily seen and understood.  With a larger number of pickups, we simply compound this method - two more leads for each additional pup equals two more poles.  I won't draw any diagrams at this point, but I will say, because of the number of poles required (4, for your 3 pup rig), neither Freeway switch will work as you desire.

Now, if you're willing to settle for only some of the possible serial combos, then I'd advise you to give the Freeway Ultra a closer look.  This may work well for you, because a total of 3 humbuckers in series will be more than a bit muddy sounding, trust me on that one!   And that's before we consider what happens with one or more volume controls in the circuit - they will only add to the mud.  Ask JohnH for clarification, if you're wondering why that might be so.  Still and all, if you're bound and determined to have all the pups in series, then what would be holding you back from splitting the s/p duties amongst more than one p/p?

In addition to all of the above, each pole must be a 2 throw (as found on most p/p units).  It can have a center-off if desired, or not - that part doesn't affect the switching logic itself.

HTH

sumgai

[JohnH]

Im assuming tbat you want to change between series and parallel wiring of the coils within each pickup?

That needs two poles per pickup. But a good option could be Seymour Duncan Triple-shot mounting rings for each pickup. These are like standard HB rings as on an LP but have small switches built in so you can preset a single, parallel or series wiring for each. Very neat. Then after that, wire up with pots and switches as you were.

[newey]

Im assuming tbat you want to change between series and parallel wiring of the coils within each pickup?

Now that I go back and re-read the first post, I think that is what he's asking. I read it at first that he wanted all 3 pickups in series, and sg took it that way as well. But, either way, a P/P won't do it.

[sumgai]

Guys,

I still think asheom wants all three in either series or parallel, to witness:

Aug 1, 2016 19:31:22 GMT -5 asheom said:

.....

What I want to know is:  Is there a way to have a master series/parallel switch for all 3 Humbuckers?

I would like to install one additional push/pull pot to make all 3 humbuckers work in parallel or in series...

I believe that if he meant to control each pickup individually, then he'd've said so, using words like "each" and so on and so forth.

A further clue is that neither posted diagram shows anything like individual control, only overall control.

Language, and all the possible (mis)interpretations - don't you just love it?

sumgai

p.s. Yes newey, I finally got to use that new emoticon you were sure I'd love.

[cynical1]

Just an aside, but you might want to give some thought to how bad you want all 3 pickups in individual series as well as in series with each other. Having done this a couple of times I have to say that I've never found a steady use for 3 pickups in series. What I did find entertaining are pickups in individual series\parallel mode, put only when the individual pickups are in parallel with each other. Make sense?

I just add this, as every design is a trade off and I'd hate to see you trading something off that might be useful for something that typically isn't.

Just my $.02...

Happy Trails

Cynical One

[asheom]

Thanks everyone for all the advice.  Just for the record, I was hoping to have one switch that would put each pickup's individual coils into series or parallel, but only have one button and not have to think at all about which button to press for which coils.  It looks like that's not possible, but thanks everyone for the responses.  It looks like I'll have to pick which pickups can be switched.

[sumgai]

OK, so I was wrong... somebody call the WAHmbulace.

---

asheom,

Seriously, newey's suggestion about the Triple-Shot rings is a good one... there's no worry about "what switch do I manipulate for this pickup", it's right there on the pickup itself.

But I feel for ya, too many switches can make for some non-fun times when it comes to making quick selections, particularly when on stage in front of people.  In my mind, K.I.S.S. is always the way to go.

Let us know if we can help you further.

sumgai

[JohnH]

My thought was, the triple shots could neatly slip into your design without complicating it. I think its very useful to be able yo preset a coil cut, series or parallel sound on each PU. Then have just one switch move on the main toggle to go from say neck parallel rythym to bridge series for lead.

[reTrEaD]

Aug 2, 2016 17:21:11 GMT -5 JohnH said:

My thought was, the triple shots could neatly slip into your design without complicating it.

Reasonable idea is.

The only sniggly bit is those little switches on the triple shots tend to be a bit fiddly. But it would get you anywhere you want to go. The best part about that is the fact that you can independently choose which coil you split to on any pickup. Makes it possible to get hum-cancelling in some combinations that wouldn't be possible if the splitting was on a global basis.




Here are some other thoughts...

1 - Use a Fender S-1 for the volume pot to switch between series or parallel for just the Neck and Middle pickups.
Omit the split option entirely.
Bridge pickup is always in local series mode.
All combinations are hum-cancelling and it's quite simple to manage.
Just the position of the free-way and the S-1.

2 - Along with the S-1 volume control, add a push-pull on the tone, incorporated with the Freeway to split any selected pickup that was in series mode. (this is already incorporated in the drawings asheom provided)

3 - Use two S-1 pots. One for the volume, one for the tone. Three poles would be used on each S-1.
Normal mode - All three pickups are in local Series
Press volume only - All three pickups are Split to one coil.
Press tone only - All three pickups are Split to the other coil.
Press both volume and tone - All three pickups are in local Parallel

If we were only dealing with two pickups, I would prefer concept #3. It would allow spitting the pickups so that hum-cancelling would achieved in any combination of two split coils. But since we're dealing with three pickups, I tend to gravitate toward your idea of the triple shots if split pickups are desired.

[col]

Just adding my own thoughts about a possible switching arrangement.

I am not up enough on how the Freeway operates to know for sure, but from what I recall reading about the Ultra when it was released, nearly any arrangement is possible. So - if possible - how about arranging the options on each row of the Freeway (Ultra) like this:

BxM | B+N | MxN

B | M | N

Then use an S-1 switch to shunt one coil from each pickup. Given the sophistication of the Freeway Ultra, there even might be a way to automatically change which coils are shunted (depending upon which pickup(s) are selected) to retain humcancelling in the first three options. It would just need to change the selection of coil in one on the pickups. This would (potentially) provide three humcancelling splits on the top row, and three single coils on the bottom.

Yikes. Just had a look at the data sheet / schematic. Not exactly intuitive. I'll have another look at this tomorrow.

www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/i-0072/free-wayultradiagrams.pdf

[col]

I just looked at the schematic - it seems that what I suggested is along the lines of what you were after anyway. Yes?

Additionally, will someone check schematic (last diagram on the page I linked in my last post). I've not checked any further, but is there an error in position 1? It seems that both the neck and bridge pickup are in play in that position (should be just the neck).