HB coils in series vs coils in parallel

[TremoloKing]

I know the electrical difference, I'm wondering how the output of coils in parallel differs from when they are in series.

Basically, I'm wondering if it's worth putting a switch in for a TB-4 JB trembucker that I will be building a Strat around. I have eons of experience with single coils of all shapes and sizes, but my exp w HBs is strictly PAFville. I guess it comes down to differences in

Tone?

Output level?

 

[Dr. Lo]

Re: HB coils in series vs coils in parallel

I've messed around with series/parallel switches with humbuckers. In my experience, the parallel setting has about 30% less output, lower mids and more pronounced highs. It's similar in tone to (although not exactly like) splitting your bucker and only having one coil on, with the advantage that you don't have any 60 cycle hum since both coils are still on.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: HB coils in series vs coils in parallel

It's less output than just one coil by itself, but it's still a useable tone. I wired a neck pickup for series/parallel for a guy once and couldn't imagine what possible use he could have for that.

He started strumming (and I do mean strumming) and darned if it doesn't make for a pretty convincing pseudo-acoustic guitar tone. Not that you would actually think it was an acoustic guitar, but it definitely has enough of an acoustic attitude that you could get away with it on a live gig for a song or two.

 

[TremoloKing]

Re: HB coils in series vs coils in parallel

Ah, OK... I'll put that at the bottom of my list of things to someday MAYBE try. :boggled:

Thanks, guys! 'swhat I needed to know.