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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 30, 2019, 09:33:18 PM »

For those who are interested to hear whats going on today, heres a few links:

Animals as Leaders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt-RoSzsEKA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVSQnsuTs-g

Polyphia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_gkpYORQLU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHcAi2FPrTM

Periphery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mZXwSME7rU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3WQvLKgCd0

I ended up with a normal 5 switch pos config, full humcanceling on the HSH guitar. I'll just use my HH config, 5 switch pos guitar when I need it and lay off the dream to combine these two switching options into 1 guitar. Thanks again for all the answers! My intention here is not to step on anyones balls and make enemies, fellow guitar players

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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 30, 2019, 09:32:42 PM »

I live this “the reality of this younger generation is we don’t play this blues scale anything because we have evolved”. From people that probably weren’t there and are either regurgitating something they heard or are just making up an erroneous statement.

I know I am reading like I’m trolling, but I am not. I just love the whole idea that they are somehow doing something new that nobody else is or has.

If your generation has evolved playing so much,  then please by all means show me these new “evolved”  and “exotic” scales and modes that have been unlocked so the rest of us old guys can quit playing pentatonic.😂

I understand The same was said about The Beatles, Hendrix, Page, Blackmore, Frehley, Van Halen, Malmsteen, Satriani, Vai the list is TOO long to name them all. Every era of 'music evolution/guitar evolution' there would be oldies complaining about the newcomers and the younger generation listening to them. I remmember growing up with Vai being one of the relevant guitar gods in the 90s, Vai then became to be a old god today and to be put in the list of old guitar heroes. My generation who listened to him and the others in the 90s are the younger generation evolvin guitar playing and making new music today, its an ongoin cycle. My father grew up with 70s and 80s music, he ended listening to anything new after Vai and Satch and a few others made their thing on guitar in the 90s. 7-8 string virtuosos of today is out of question and garbage to him, with the exception of Petrucci which is still somewhat relevant today but in my opinion soon to be put in the old guitar heroes list aswell.

some fancy headless fan-fret 42-fret 13-string in Drop Q through a massive pedalboard into a 6-channel 300-watt head (with obligatory AxeFX in the loop of course)

I'd love to try that! 
I remmember my father telling me how stupid the Ibanez Universe was for having a 7th string, look at what it has done to music 25 years later. Floyd Rose, active pickups, don't even start talking about amp sims or else he will have a heart attack, not tube amp ? only Roland JC120 

There is nothing more satisfying than waiting 15 minutes for those trusty good old tubes which can't be replaced because the amp wont sound the same right ? 
And of coarse lets not forget about how dead and sterile sounding digital effects of today is compared to the warmth and trueness of the analog gear of the past 

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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 25, 2019, 12:02:35 AM »

You’re going to have a Swiss army guitar with a lot of useless  combinations... for just because. Maybe you should buy an Esquire or Les Paul Jr.

I have 5 super strats from Ibanez so I'll pass. The TAM and EGEN switchings which I posted are wirings for well respected guitarists of this era, I understand this looks strange and not of a necessity (if one is still listening or playing from a certain era) but modern guitar evolution is a reality and most of us younger people don't bother with the 80s, 90s or even early 2000s blues scale guitar playing.
Anyway thank you for the detailed information you gave me on this thread BluesJam

I'm not gonna tell you to get an Esquire, but I'll say this: go to a guitar store, get an HSH ibanez, a Tele, a LP, and an SSS strat. Plug them all in and try every position for at least 3 minutes. Take notes on what you liked about each one and why and what you'd use them for and whatever. Then make an informed decision about what sounds are essential for you and you need on quick access, and make those the ones available on the 5-way. If you desperately need some other position, then consider adding it to the switch, but I'd recommend giving yourself a week or so to play around with it before you do that, because you'll be able to get a feel for how you use each position and whether you're actually missing anything.

For not telling me to get an Esquire
I grew up with Teles, Strats and Les Paul's. I liked the strats and LP's for different reasons, the hybrid of a strat and les paul together is what I call my HSH Ibanez's.

Thing is, I'm going to make the story short as possible. All guitars of mine have DiMarzios, this new particular guitar is dropped down to drop C. So after trying 3 different models I finally got satisfied with the set I have now.

As I meantioned earlier, bridge is used for solos and rhythm (distortion), middle coil alone for percussive slap riffs (distortion) neck for soloing (distortion)
2 pos (clean) 3 pos (clean) on all HSH guitars. On my HH config I love the 3 pos inner neck and inner bridge. In other words I use ALL positions and really just wanted to see if there was a way to get that HH bridge and neck split in to a HSH config with a rail pickup in the middle.

So last question:
The EGEN wiring I posted which is a HSH config and can coil tap it to use the inner neck and inner bridge. Is it possible to use a rail coil/pickup in the middle ? and split it in pos 2 and 3 when coil tap is off ? Or is it just possible but both rails will be active and not splitted in pos 2 and 3 when coil tap is off ? 

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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 20, 2019, 11:23:44 PM »

Would the EGEN setup work with a pickup in the middle instead of a single coil ? This is the closest switching option that I would like to have.



I'll just buy all kinds of switches that have been mentioned here and hand it over to a luthier I guess. I have already bought 4 pickups by DiMarzio for this guitar I didn't like until I found the ones I liked, so buyng more stuff won't make me  
I still have no idea how all these modern guitar artists pull off their split modes I even saw a guy with a SSS config with rail pickups and coil tap splitting the rail single coils But this is kind of giving me an impression that splitting pickups is kind of impossible

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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 19, 2019, 09:01:18 PM »

I would forgo the split coil options.  Parallel wiring in sound uses both coils independently, so you will get hum canceling single coil tones.  But regardless, humbuckers in series will be louder, so there is going to be a compromise in output.  Unless you wire resistors into the circuit to bring the down the output of a the pickup in series to match the output in the other configurations.  But, now we’re getting into very complex wiring schemes.  You won’t need a super switch, if you wire as above.  Unfortunately, you will have 11 options and only need 4 tops.

Another option, use a (1) 3 way switch (1)  volume push/pull blow switch; (1) tone pot push/pull parallel option; and (1) blend pot for the middle pickup.

The 3-way switch controls the full size humbucker options.  The blend will give you all the 5-way tonal options, plus all pickups on together and neck and bridge together options;  plus blow switch.

This would be the optimum simple but most effective setup

I only use the bridge, the middle coil and the neck when using distortion (the reason I wanted a pickup in the middle, to get rid of the hum). I only use the pos 2 and 4 on cleans on a HSH config.
I have a HH config guitar with a 3 way switch and I really like the 2 pos/bridge inner and neck inner coil on cleans. Thats why I wanted to install a coil tap/pot switch to get that split sound on a HSH config.

I am not the most techincal when it comes to wiring so pardon me if I am repeating questions
My switching option will be too dificult with a pickup in the middle (if I want to split it) If I were to use a true single coil or a pickup in the middle (without splitting it) the EGEN, TAM and my own switching would be possible ? but with the cost of not being humcanceling when using middle coil alone (when true single coil is used) and when coil tap/pot switch is on ?

I'm thinking whether I should just drop the coil tap/pot switch and be fully humcanceling in all 5 positions. Or have 10 different options but be full of noise and hum with the exception of being humcanceling in pos 1 and 5 when coil tap/pot is off.

 Did I understand it correctly ?

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The Pickup Place / Re: Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 19, 2019, 02:46:28 PM »

Your switching system is overly complicated with several tones that would be similar anyways. In a live situation, it won’t work.  Just too much fiddling around.

In summary: Your combinations of 6 pickup coils for the sake of humcancelling can be achieved but, as BluesJam suggests, series/parallel switching is a simplified way of achieving singlecoil tones between three humbuckers. Your diagrams are the messy alternative: Having to keep track of which of six coils are available between 13 switching combinations, with each dependent upon a particular arrangement of binary coil states, and some only possible through three or more switches being engaged.

Wow, okay I'll forget about my switching option I see now how overly complicated this would be. I appreciate the detailed answers

What kind of switching options can be made using a standard 5 switch or a super switch, a DPDT miniswitch or volum/tone pot switch ? I still want the switching option when coil tap is off. But I am open for whatever switching option can be made when coil tap is on. Would a true single coil make the installment easier ? With the cost of not being humcancelling ?

I was looking at the Ibanez EGEN and TAM series when I made my own switching options. But they use a true single coil not a pickup in the middle.

TAM

EGEN

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The Pickup Place / Are these switching options possible ?

« on: June 18, 2019, 08:30:37 PM »

Hello 

I was wondering if these switching options are possible ? I will be using a super switch and DPDT miniswitch.
Pickups I plan on using are a Titan Neck, Fast Track 1 Middle and D Sonic Bridge.
I know that the coil tap off swithing is possible, but not quite shure about the coil tap on switching. So before I go out and buy the stuff and hand it over to a luthier I want to make shure if this switching option I made are even possible 



I'd appreciate your thoughts 

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The Pickup Place / Re: Fast Track 1 vs The Cruiser bridge and neck in middle position

« on: May 15, 2019, 08:22:19 PM »

Here is a video that shows how to add the resistor for the single coil: https://youtu.be/SJZ2Do7Ywx0

Just note it is the volume pot that matters, not so much the tone pot.

Thanks guys for the answers, I will show my luthier the video!

Regarding the differences between the bridge and neck Cruisers, I know Andy Timmons use the bridge in the middle pos, he has a great clean sound when splitted! From what I’ve heard the bridge has a scooped midrange and warmer lows. Would the neck version be a better choice ? I’m playing these guitars in Eb, D and drop C.

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The Pickup Place / Re: Fast Track 1 vs The Cruiser bridge and neck in middle position

« on: May 14, 2019, 01:53:25 PM »

I found the fast track extremely boring and sterile. It was hot, but did not have personality in my opinion. I have the Cruiser bridge in the middle of a Fred and Paf Joe in an Ibanez RG. The Cruiser has a stratty, but modern and more aggressive tone with bite

Okay, Fast Track 1 is out of the question then!
How would The Cruiser bridge or neck blend with very heavy output pickups like a Titan Neck and D sonic bridge ? The Cruisers are very low output, will there be any problems splitting them together ?
Also, what are the differences between the bridge and neck Cruisers used in middle pos, which one is better ?
I play these guitars in EB and C.

In my opinion all of the Cruiser single coils need a resistor un parallel to the hot lead (run to ground) so they "see" a 250k volume pot while the humbuckers still see a 500k volume pot. They sound WAY better wired this way.

With 500ks I found the Cruisers too bitey on the 1st and 2nd strings and the Areas too thin overall. With 250k they are just right (and I mean that in the sense of "really right").

Interesting. What kind of resistor do I need to buy, or what do I have to tell my luthier to do to get this ? For the Cruiser to see a 250k pot and the humbuckers to see a 500k pot.

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The Pickup Place / Fast Track 1 vs The Cruiser bridge and neck in middle position

« on: May 13, 2019, 06:02:58 PM »

Hello

For those who has or have had a Fast Track 1, The Cruiser bridge or The Cruiser neck in the middle on a HSH, HSS or SSS config. How is the sound splitted in position 2 and 4, aswell as in standalone in position 3 when used in clean ? Which one quacks the best, have greatest sound, less hum etc.

I’m replacing my noisy stock single coils on 3 HSH config super strats, cannot decide which one of these 3 are best for middle position 

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The Pickup Place / Re: Please help me decide the right neck and middle choices for HSH config

« on: March 14, 2019, 05:00:16 PM »

I will be splitting the neck and bridges outer coils with the single coil. If I go with the Fast Track 1 or one of the Cruisers will I need to split the rails aswell with the outer coils of the neck and bridge ?

Yes, otherwise you would have three coils operating which is never hum cancelling.

  if I understood you correctly I will be needing a super switch or in my case the megaswitch M from Schaller if I want humcanceling in position 2, 3 and 4 ?

Most likely yes - at least it will be the easiest way to get where you want. A standard 5 way switch with two levels would allow you to split the humbuckers in #2 and 4 but to get these positions hum cancelling with a rail humbucker in the middle you would need to split that as well. This is not possible with a standard 5 way switch.

Understood, thanks for the answer 

The Eyb/Schaller Megaswitch E splits both humbuckers as well but would have the outer humbucker coils in #3 instead of the middle pickup alone. For the neck humbucker, the neckside coil would be active in #3 and 4, for the bridge humbucker the neckside coil would be active in #2 but the bridge side coil in #3 but I understood that these are not the combinations you want.

So what switch will I be needing to get this config:
1. Pos, Bridge only.
2. Pos, Middle coil rail closest to bridge and outer bridge coil.
3. Pos, Middle only (both rails on single coil active)
4. Pos, Middle coil rail closest to neck and outer neck coil.
5. Pos, Neck only.

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The Pickup Place / Re: Please help me decide the right neck and middle choices for HSH config

« on: March 13, 2019, 03:45:41 PM »

If you don't split the humbuckers and use a hum cancelling middle pickup, all positions will be humcancelling. No special switch needed. The downside is that this set up will not give you quack in positions 2 and 4.

As regards the Super Switch: the Eyb/Schaller Megaswitch M was designed for guitars with small cavities for the electronics. I used it successfully in two telecasters where the regular Allparts Super Switch would not fit. 

Thanks for the answer, if I understood you correctly I will be needing a super switch or in my case the megaswitch M from Schaller if I want humcanceling in position 2, 3 and 4 ? I will be splitting the neck and bridges outer coils with the single coil. If I go with the Fast Track 1 or one of the Cruisers will I need to split the rails aswell with the outer coils of the neck and bridge ?

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The Pickup Place / Re: Please help me decide the right neck and middle choices for HSH config

« on: March 12, 2019, 09:18:02 PM »

I totally understand where you're coming from about not being able to do the pickup swaps. Being in Canada it's not that different than being in Norway (even our weather is similar!).

 

Do you have any experience on the Titan neck ?

I´m going for a Titan neck and hope for the best.

I´m going hum canceling for middle pickup, but can´t decide on The Cruiser neck, bridge or Fast Track 1, anyone with experience with these in the middle on a HSH config ?

Will they be hum canceling in position 2,3 and 4 ? Or do I need a super switch ? I don´t know if a super switch will fit in that thin slim S body, I don´t even think a hum canceling pickup will fit without being to near the strings, I can take away some inches of the wood, but I have seen someone do it on a S guitar and drilled a hole to the springs, the S body especially on the prestige lines are extremely thin

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The Pickup Place / Re: Please help me decide the right neck and middle choices for HSH config

« on: March 12, 2019, 10:32:57 AM »

Personally I've always liked the LiquiFire more than the Illuminator neck as it's closer to the Air Norton that I've gotten very used to but just with a bit more brightness. It may work for you as well.

As for the middle, you really have to ask yourself how often you usually use the middle by itself. If all you want is the split sounds in positions 2 and 4 then the true velvet will work fine. You probably won't need a super switch.

How is the Liquifire on cleans, especialy on the lower strings compared to the Air Norton ? I need something that cuts through on cleans like an Ionizer but they don’t make them in 6 string version. Don’t get me wrong I love the Air Norton I just want it to be brighter overall to cut trough better in a mix and live when doing cleans.

I forgot to mention that I am one of the strange people who uses the middle pickup by itself on distortion and cleans. I have mahog guitar with Air Norton, Fast Track 1 and Tone Zone, the darkest sounding guitar ive ever owned! The Fast Track 1, I don’t think it is split with the humbuckers as I feel it has way to much output, on its own its sounded great for snappy attacky djent riffs, it just never worked well split with the humbuckers.

I am here to ask DiMarzio enthusiasts here because DiMarzio tech recommended me D Activators, I bought them and they sounded terrible and sterile. Then Dominions, also terrible and stiff. Here in Norway you can’t swap them for free, so I don’t trust DiMarzio tech anymore.

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The Pickup Place / Please help me decide the right neck and middle choices for HSH config

« on: March 11, 2019, 09:23:24 PM »

Hello 

Greetings from Norway!

I´m replacing the stock pickups on my Ibanez S5470: Mahogany body, 24 frets rosewood, maple neck, ZR locking trem, HSH config, D standard and drop C tuning on this guitar.

I can´t decide which neck pickup to choose. I´ve used Air Norton´s on 2 other guitars for 10 years and want to switch to something a little brighter and not so muddy on the low strings. I´m looking at the Illuminator neck and Titan neck but can´t decide which one would translate as a brighter Air Norton (Ive tried the pole pieces towards the bridge, but still to muddy) I play leads with distortion 12 fret to 24 fret with the neck pickup and 12 fret to 1 fret with the bridge pickup.
I play cleans in position 4 (neck and middle) and 2 (bridge and middle) I don´t use position 1 and 5 on cleans.

The bridge pickup I´ll be putting is the D sonic.
I´m wondering which middle coil would fit/match greatly with the D Sonic bridge and either Illuminator, Titan or any other neck recommendations in this HSH config. I´ve been looking at the Cruiser bridge and neck, Fast Track 1, True Velvet Middle and FS-1, but have no idea which one will hum or nut hum in position 4 and 2. Will I be needing a super switch or can I use the stock Ibanez switch.

So many questions, I would really appreciate your answers