HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

[SubversivePinko]

I've two basic questions. First, have the people that have tried parallel and/or coil tap on HotRails found it yielded additional usable tones? I'd like a more single-coil sound out of my neck HR at times. Second, how could I accomplish this mod? I assume it uses a DT3T on/on/on switch. Does anybody know of a diagram? (Am I just missing it on the SD site?)

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Kent S.]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

I've two basic questions. First, have the people that have tried parallel and/or coil tap on HotRails found it yielded additional usable tones?

Never tried it, but the results won't be as contrasting as on a full sized HB.

I'd like a more single-coil sound out of my neck HR at times.

It will give you more versatilty of course.With the hot rails it wouldn't be a waste, let's put it that way.

Second, how could I accomplish this mod? I assume it uses a DT3T on/on/on switch.

That's DPDT on/on/on, it's not called a 3T, as there are only two throws, but it is three position ... Just so you know.

Does anybody know of a diagram? (Am I just missing it on the SD site?)

Thanks,
Nathan

Yes (you are missing it) ...It's the same as the series/split/parallel switch under humbuckers ... same thing.

 

[SubversivePinko]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

Thanks, I found the correct diagram (somehow I managed to not think of looking under humbuckers! *slaps forehead*). I'd still be interested in people's experiences with tis mod.

Never tried it, but the results won't be as contrasting as on a full sized HB.


It will give you more versatilty of course.With the hot rails it wouldn't be a waste, let's put it that way.



That's DPDT on/on/on, it's not called a 3T, as there are only two throws, but it is three position ... Just so you know.



Yes (you are missing it) ...It's the same as the series/split/parallel switch under humbuckers ... same thing.

 

[psy]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

Hi Nathan,

I use it the split-option in the neck position of my Viper (alder, maple/rosewood, 24frets).
Love it quite a lot. Don't expect a vintage SC sound. I regard it high output, warm sounding with less highs than other SCs.
Sound-wise I would compare it with the SSL3 hot (very vague statement as I only own a SSL3 in bridge-position)

Anyway it's adds plenty of versatility. Please post your experience of the parallel-wiring if you do it.

Chris

 

[SubversivePinko]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

I wasn't expecting a vintage sound. Sounds like it's worth trying out. I'm going to do the mod on my neck and bridge. I'll post results once I get everything done.

Hi Nathan,

I use it the split-option in the neck position of my Viper (alder, maple/rosewood, 24frets).
Love it quite a lot. Don't expect a vintage SC sound. I regard it high output, warm sounding with less highs than other SCs.
Sound-wise I would compare it with the SSL3 hot (very vague statement as I only own a SSL3 in bridge-position)

Anyway it's adds plenty of versatility. Please post your experience of the parallel-wiring if you do it.

Chris

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

If you don't want to a add a seperate switch, a push/pull pot will work just as well for splitting a humbucker.

 

[SubversivePinko]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

True enough, but I'd also like a parallel option, so a switch is the only way to go. Besides, it's only about a $200 guitar, so I'm not too shy about major surgery.

Once I get this done (probably next week some time) I'll put up pics and sound samples.

If you don't want to a add a seperate switch, a push/pull pot will work just as well for splitting a humbucker.

 

[SubversivePinko]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

I thought I'd go back and let you all know about my experiences with this, now that I've had it set up like this for a good 6 months.

If I had it to do again, I'd do the series/parallel, but not bother with the coil tap. The coil-tapped HotRail is somewhat thinner than stock mode, but totally lacks any "chime" or high-end clarity, and because it's such a hot pup, it hums like a mother. I never really use it on either pickup.

Parallel mode, however, is great! I use it more than series. It gives my huge crunch tones, especially from the bridge.

Thanks for all of the advice and guidance.

 

[Artie]

Re: HotRail Series/Parallel/Coil Tap

Thanks for the feedback, Pinko. Thats good to know. I may go ahead and parallel my Cool Rails now.
Curious to see how they sound.