HSS compromises..?

[merseymale]

Am currently deep into another wiring task BUT eventually my next one will probably be to tackle the perennial problems associated with the HSS configuration

I got to thinking that a best solution would be a 3way tele' type switch controlling the N and M pickups via their own 250k volume and a B HB having its own 500k volume. The whole shebang can share a master tone

Then I thought about how I rarely bother with the Middle pickup solo AND how it would require turning the M&N volume down while fading up the Bridge Volume just to have the Humbucker solo unless there is there a way of having the selector offer the following:

1. N
2. N&M
3. Neither..?

Even better would be a 4way allowing:

1. N&M in Series
2. N
3. N&M
4. Neither!

But IS this even possible?
If so then I think this would be an intuitive yet very versatile set-up! Especially if the Bridge Volume was a PushPull that offered Series/Parallel

Any Thoughts..?

[JohnH]

I think those 3 or 4 way options between N and M are quite feasible using Tele switches and versions of Tele wiring. M is subbed for B and have one position 'off' where M would have been single.

But with the resulting combined HSS scheme, how will the humbucker be engaged? Does it have its own 2 position switch for off/on? Not good to do it just with volume pots rolled up or down IMO.Too fiddly to use and also no good way to get the 'off' pickups and pot properly disconnected without affecting the 'on' selections.

I like HSS and my daily Strat is an HSS American Special (with even special-er wiring of course!)

Do you really want two volume controls for fully independent adjustment?, or is it just for having 500k and 250k for humbucker and single, plus having a volume match?

If the latter two, and if the Hb is not too hot then you can just use a 250k volume for both and a no-load tone pot. Or use 500k pots and a hardwired resistor across the singles if you need to. Or,the latest Fender Pro HSS's use a dual-gang 500/250k volume.

You can set a volume match by adjusting pickup heights, or use parrallel humbucker wiring for volume match and series for boost.

[merseymale]

G'Day again JohnH!

I dont really want two volume controls just a way to use the Bridge 'bucker too plus having 500k and 250k for humbucker and single so as not to compromise either electrically

May I ask what special-er wiring you have in your HSS for me to consider too? (AFTER we've sorted THAT 'mustang', of course!)

-Den'

[merseymale]

[JohnH]

This is my hss strat

guitarnuts2.proboards.com/thread/6873/strat-ssm2-hss-sounds-dpdt