[Lelik]

I'm familiar with partial coil splitting (like PRS uses), where a simple resistor is added to avoid a full split. With full-sized humbuckers, I generally find that this produces a more convincing single-coil-like sound than wiring the coils in parallel.

What I'm wondering is how this translates to single-coil-sized rail humbuckers, especially medium-output models such as the Air Norton S or Mirage Neck.
In your experience, would a partial coil split be more useful than running the two coils in parallel if the goal is to get a distinctly different sound from these pickups?

I'm asking because I'm planning a custom Jaguar-style build and would like to maximize versatility. The idea is to use a Super Switch (DiMarzio EP1112) and experiment with a few alternative wiring options both in the neck and in the bridge positions.

At the moment I don't own either of the pickups mentioned above, so this is mostly theoretical. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried these wiring schemes with the small rail humbuckers.

I do have a BC-1 in the bridge position of another guitar, but I never wired it for coil splitting or parallel operation. Since it's my main guitar and favorite instrument, I'm a bit reluctant to start rewiring it just for experimentation. Maybe one day I'll give it a try, though.

[gregr]

I find partial splitting useful only when combining a more powerful rail pickup with a weaker single coil. Otherwise I was disappointed with alternate wiring schemes (parallel, split or partial split*). This goes for the Fast Track 1, Satch Track, Chopper, BC-1 and Fast Track 2 (as well as Seymour Duncan offerings).

The next person to chime in will likely have a different opinion. The only way to know for sure is to experiment for yourself. The BC-1 is a good candidate for this, as is The Chopper.

(*) My partial splits typically involve two resistors and a capacitor in order to coax a little extra single coil voicing without sacrificing body. I’ve gone as far as three resistors and two capacitors in an attempt to get extra chime out of the Satch Track but it was like getting blood from a stone.