Les Paul middle position question

[Old Guy]

I did a search and can't seem to find the answer.

I don't own a Les Paul and haven't for 20 years. The question is, what pickup configuration does the middle position activate?

Does it active both humbuckers fully? Or just the north or south of each together? Or a combination?

I'm trying to figure out what kind of sound I want for a potential upcoming build. Thanks for any help!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

on a stock les paul, its both pups on together in parallel

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

Both pickups fully on, in parallel with each other. This is the standard setup for running multiple pickups at the same time. That is, on most guitars, it actually thins the tone out running multiple pickups. Typical Gibson and Fender switches are physically incapable of doing anything *but* this.

 

[Adieu]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

Yeah

Couldnt be any other way, LPs are wired hot & ground only regardless of how many wires you got coming out of the pups themselves

Coil taps on switch positions is an Ibanez superstrat thing from the 80s

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

Ahhhhh okay. Got it. Thanks for the answers!!

If you're building a guitar with 2 Humbuckers and want to use a 5 way switch, but to have the middle position with both pickups on, this is possible, yes?

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

Ahhhhh okay. Got it. Thanks for the answers!!

If you're building a guitar with 2 Humbuckers and want to use a 5 way switch, but to have the middle position with both pickups on, this is possible, yes?

With a special switch it is, but not with a typical Fender 5-way, while also being able to control what the notch positions do. You need a super switch...and a book to learn how to use it.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

I recommend using spin a splits since there are bloody 4 knobs on an LP. You could do 2 vols, 2 spins or vol, tone, 2 spins, or 2 vols, tone, master spin... etc.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Les Paul middle position question

i prefer v,v,t,t for my hh guitars, so many tones available by manipulating the controls. spin a splits are cool but i usually end up using series or full split so a p/p works fine for me.