"Booster" with microswitch

[Jackylope]

Let me start by saying I know pretty much nothing when it comes to wiring and electronics. Actually, that might be an understatement.

That said, have seen several setups lately where the pins of the neck and bridge pickups are connected with a microswitch to create a "booster" for the bridge. Have seen a couple of YouTube vids, and it sounds kinda cool, but I didn't notice any huge difference. Is it just for the bridge, or can the neck pickup be used, too? Can you create a path with a single-conductor SC, or do you need a three-conducter HB? Is it more of a gimmick or does it have real value?

Am really confused, but really interested at the same time.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: "Booster" with microswitch

There are different ways to add boost to a pickup. You can use an on-board boost circuit which can be accessed with a mini-toggle. Some pickups, like AHB-2 Metal LiveWires, have two voices built in--one far louder--and can be accessed with a switch. Also, as you probably know, most four-conductor humbuckers can be set up with series/parallel/split/out of phase wiring which can be accessed with small switches--or other ways. When you go into series from the other wirings, you'll get a noticeable boost.

I hope that helps.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: "Booster" with microswitch

Can you post a link to one of these YouTube videos so we can get a clearer understanding of what you're talking about? Sounds to me like a coil-swap type of mod where one coil of the neck pickup is added to the bridge pickup, which would be the same as running a full bridge with a split neck, which is a common switching option with a push-pull, so I don't know why they'd need a mini-switch to do that specific function.

 

[Jackylope]

Re: "Booster" with microswitch

Can you post a link to one of these YouTube videos so we can get a clearer understanding of what you're talking about? Sounds to me like a coil-swap type of mod where one coil of the neck pickup is added to the bridge pickup, which would be the same as running a full bridge with a split neck, which is a common switching option with a push-pull, so I don't know why they'd need a mini-switch to do that specific function.

Actually, nothing anywhere near that involved. I did a bunch more searching last night when I got home, and answered a few of my questions. It's basically just a shunt connecting the pins on the back to provide a hotter output. The blackouts come with a slide-on connector, this mod just attaches leads to the pins and runs them to a toggle so that you can turn it on and off at will. And yes, it can be used on SCs and in any location. Here's probably the best/least confusing example:

...if you start this at about 4:25 he talks about it.

Was mainly curious if a coil-tapped neck HB could be made hotter with this mod, why I was so curious.