Enhanced series/parallel wiring options with dual P-Rails

[lilbiscuit]

I am considering installing a pair of P-Rails into a Martin EM-18 which already has two mini toggles that I would replace with new DPDT center off switches to handle coil splitting. These minis would allow independent use P-90 coil, Rail coil, or both (full humbucker). The guitar also has two sets of volume and tone controls.

So....the stock wiring from SD provides for series wiring in humbucker mode for each PUP.

I've read different opinions on series vs parallel configuration with the P-Rails. So I thought, as long as I have everything apart, why not add some push/pull volume pots to provide series/parallel switching.

So the question is...... Are two more DPDT switches enough to add series/parallel switching (just for each PUP .... not for both)?

 

[VinceT]

Re: Enhanced series/parallel wiring options with dual P-Rails

I don’t know the specific answer on extra switches (others will chime in) but just wanted to ask if you’ve considered Triple Shot rings with the PRails? They make this all so much easier.


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[BriGuy1968]

Re: Enhanced series/parallel wiring options with dual P-Rails

VinceT make a very good point in suggesting the Triple Shots... they definitely simplify the entire process. However, if you don’t want to use them for some reason check out this diagram I came up with for a project I’m currently working on. It’s a single humbucker guitar where I’m using a P-Rail and want all four of the switching options but I DON’T want to use a Triple Shot ring.

If you wire up a standard two way DPDT switch like I have the switch on the volume push-pull wired, it will act as a series/parallel switch where series will override coil selection. I did it this way because on my other P-Rail equipped guitar I like using the parallel setting for my typical humbucker sounds since the output volume is similar to either of the coils by themselves. The ability to switch to series from ANY of the other settings acts a little bit like a solo boost.

 

[Artie]

Re: Enhanced series/parallel wiring options with dual P-Rails

Here's a simplified diagram just to show how to implement a push-pull with an on-off-on switch to get all combinations. Pulling the p-p, to get parallel, overrides the other modes.

 

[lilbiscuit]

Re: Enhanced series/parallel wiring options with dual P-Rails

VinceT make a very good point in suggesting the Triple Shots... they definitely simplify the entire process. However, if you don’t want to use them for some reason check out this diagram I came up with for a project I’m currently working on. It’s a single humbucker guitar where I’m using a P-Rail and want all four of the switching options but I DON’T want to use a Triple Shot ring.

If you wire up a standard two way DPDT switch like I have the switch on the volume push-pull wired, it will act as a series/parallel switch where series will override coil selection. I did it this way because on my other P-Rail equipped guitar I like using the parallel setting for my typical humbucker sounds since the output volume is similar to either of the coils by themselves. The ability to switch to series from ANY of the other settings acts a little bit like a solo boost.

Triple shots are a possibility (thanks VinceT) but I am hoping to preserve the aesthetics of this old guitar, as subtle as the little Triple Shot switches are.

BriGuy Your diagram is very helpful. PUPS should arrive soon