Guitar remodeling course (wiring) Part 2

First, before modifying the wiring, we will explain the difference between series and parallel.

What is series

Series refers to a series connection of electric circuits, and the current flows in the order of +-+-from the first pickup to the second pickup. The humbucking pickup is in a state where two single coil pickups are lined up, but by connecting each single coil pickup in series, it is a thick sound with a sense of power peculiar to the humbucking pickup is output.

What is parallel

Parallel refers to a parallel connection of electric circuits, and connects + and - of two single coil pickups to the same terminal respectively. When the humbucking pickup is wired in parallel, the output method is the same as that of Stratocaster's halftone, and the thickness of the sound is smaller than that of series wiring, resulting in a mild output. In addition, noise cancellation effects can be obtained.

In this way, you can change the character of the sound of your guitar by wiring alone, without changing the appearance. And by attaching a switch to switch between series and parallel wiring, it becomes possible to easily switch between the two types of tones described above.

So what are the benefits of actually installing a series-parallel changeover switch?

Application example

The front pickup is set parallel to the rear pickup wired in series with power. And if you adjust the sound so that it becomes crunchy at low volume for the front pickup side, just switching to the rear pickup will raise the gain (volume and distortion level). Therefore, it is possible to separate the rhythm section and the lead section without adding an additional effector or switching the amplifier channel.

Also, if you turn the volume down in advance, you can play the guitar solo as it is.

Wiring method of series-parallel changeover switch

So, actually, we will guide you in the wiring of the series-parallel changeover switch.

First check the color of the wire coming out of each coil of the humbucking pickup.
(In this case, the combination of red, white, black, and green for SH4)
Connect each + and - so as not to make a mistake.

Wires passing diagonally through the center of the switch route to both the corner terminals.

The level of difficulty is higher than the previous tap switch and direct switch, but it is more practical wiring.