1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

[DC Ross]

Hey,

I'm building a guitar with a Hum + Single configuration using a 1/4 lb and a Distortion Trembucker (both tapped). I'll be using one push-pull volume to control the master volume and tap the 1/4 lb, and one push-pull tone to control the master tone and tap the Distortion, as well as a standard 3-way toggle for switching.

Could anyone provide a schematic (or at least some guidance) for this kind of setup?

Thanks!

 

[Robert S.]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

I assume you are ordering a tapped Quarter Pounder.

The Duncan Distortion is splittable but SD doesn't offer a tapped humbucker. You may be able to order something through the Custom Shop.

Wiring for a tapped single is pretty simple. Use the middle of three terminals on your dpdt switch for the std output lead and one of the adjacent terminals for the hot lead. If you want normally hot, use the outside terminal farthest from the pot stem. If you want normally std output, use the terminal closest to the stem.

Be more specific about the Distortion and we'll go from there.

 

[DC Ross]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

Thanks for the reply, Robert.

I'm using a TB-6 in the bridge and a SSL-4T in the neck. According to the diagram that came with the TB-6, it can be tapped in one of three different ways: Coil Splitting, Series/Parallel, or Phase Shifting.
I was planning to split the coils with the tap.

Thanks again!

 

[Artie]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

I just did this quik-'n-dirty, but it should make sense. I've also just installed a tapped QP, myself, this last week. I used a DPDT on-off-on switch so that I could determine the best way to "tap" it. I found that shorting the red wire to ground gives you a little more open, airy tone than selecting it for output.

Btw: Ideally, to have hum-cancelling when the QP and split Distortion are on, you want the "neck" version of QP. As opposed to the rw/rp middle version.

 

[DC Ross]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

Thanks ArtieToo,

Just to clarify, are these the correct colour values?

Thanks!

 

[Artie]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

You got it.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

Just an FYI, you're saying "tap" when you should say "split". Extremely common mistake

 

[MikeS]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

"Tap" is appropriate for single coils, and while the term works for humbuckers, split is a more correct term. We know what you mean, though.

As usual Artie has a diagram that will get you there. Know that in the diagram Artie is using the "other half" of the coil windings in tapped mode of the QP. The tap is not smack in the middle of the windings, so as he posted there will be a difference in tone and output between shorting the red to ground and using red as the hot lead. Neither is more right than the other. Good luck.

 

[DC Ross]

Re: 1/4 lb + Distortion wiring

Hey guys, thanks for setting me straight on the terminology.