P-Rails Advice

[Bobisadrummer]

So I'm looking to install a set of P-Rails w/ Triple Shots in my Chapman ML-3 Modern. I'll also be swapping the 3-way blade for a 4-way and utilizing the current push/pull tone pot, that came wired as a coil split, for a phase switch which should allow me to do a Jimmy Page wiring set up on a tele-like guitar.

I was planing on just buying a normal P-Rail set w/ Triple Shots, but then I wasn't sure which Triple Shots I should get, the flat or the curved. The Chapman ML-3 Modern has this carved top thing going on, but the top where the pickups and bridge are, is flat as far as I can tell so I'm guessing I'll use the flat versions.

While trying to figure that out I came across a few threads that had a lot of info from GuitarDoc and his experiments with P-Rails. I see that he often recommends flipping the P-Rail orientation so that the rail is facing the bridge and putting an A8 magnet next to the rail. Is this for a normal P-Rail or for a Hot version? I've assumed the normal version so far. Should I put an A8 magnet in the neck rail as well?

 

[Mincer]

Re: P-Rails Advice

I would probably install it normally and see how you like it first. What kind of pickup rings are on there now?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: P-Rails Advice

I tried the Artie mods on a P-Rails/P-Rails Hot pair. I decided that the neck position pickup sounded better with two A5 bar magnets. The Hot bridge position unit features two A8 magnets. I sometimes wonder about changing to UOA5 but never quite get around to it. I suspect that I am afraid of damaging the flimsy ribbon connectors between the PCBs.

 

[Bobisadrummer]

Re: P-Rails Advice

I would probably install it normally and see how you like it first. What kind of pickup rings are on there now?

Currently it doesn't have any pickup rings, the stock pickups are body mounted, but I'm not against drilling some pilot holes for the triple shots. I figured I'd install them with the rails facing outward first because that would place them in a more traditional Tele spot.

I tried the Artie mods on a P-Rails/P-Rails Hot pair. I decided that the neck position pickup sounded better with two A5 bar magnets. The Hot bridge position unit features two A8 magnets. I sometimes wonder about changing to UOA5 but never quite get around to it. I suspect that I am afraid of damaging the flimsy ribbon connectors between the PCBs.

I opted for the normal bridge (w/ flat triple shots) since it's what comes with the set. I also listened to those comparisons posted in the "P-Rails...is it supposed to sound like this??" thread and preferred the clarity of the normal vs hot.

So now my options to consider are:

1) Rail orientation.

2) A5 -> A8 in bridge rail.

3) Which pickup, neck or bridge, to wire up to the push/pull tone pot for phase switch/reversal.

 

[Will S-T]

Re: P-Rails Advice

I'd try stock orientation first and then flip them around, will give a reference
point as to what you may want from the bridge rail and also your preference
for switches on the top or bottom, then change whatever you need.
You can phase either pickup but I would also recommend getting one of those
500k no-load volume pots from Stewmac for added versatility.

 

[Bobisadrummer]

Re: P-Rails Advice

I'd try stock orientation first and then flip them around, will give a reference
point as to what you may want from the bridge rail and also your preference
for switches on the top or bottom, then change whatever you need.
You can phase either pickup but I would also recommend getting one of those
500k no-load volume pots from Stewmac for added versatility.

Is there any tonal differences between phasing the neck vs bridge? I know that Peter Green had the neck out of phase by flipping the magnet and Jimmy Page phased the bridge with a switch but I've haven't heard any demos.

I've also been wondering if it was possible to turn my volume knob into a bypass/blower switch with a push/pull knob EXCEPT, unlike normal blower switches that just do the bridge pickup to the jack, this one would only bypass the volume and tone controls, NOT the pickup selector. So I could have either neck, bridge or both going straight to the jack.

 

[Will S-T]

Re: P-Rails Advice

The only phasing mod I do is the same as Page's, in which case it doesn't matter which pickup you reverse the live and ground wires.

This little pot right here what you want.

http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Components_and_Parts/JackPot_Potentiometer.html

You will have a very versatile palate of sounds with your setup!

Enjoy

 

[Bobisadrummer]

Re: P-Rails Advice

The only phasing mod I do is the same as Page's, in which case it doesn't matter which pickup you reverse the live and ground wires.

This little pot right here what you want.

http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Components_and_Parts/JackPot_Potentiometer.html

You will have a very versatile palate of sounds with your setup!

Enjoy

Cool, thanks for the clarification regarding the phase switching.

That pot might be my best bet. I'd still have to roll the volume all the way up though instead of just pulling from w/e current setting the pushed was at, say 50%. But that's still a cool pot you linked and probably what I'll go with if I can't get a push/pull version.

Off-Topic: The Tele in your avatar, is the pick guard leather or wood? After I finish modding my current guitar, I have a Tele I'm planning on building with alder body from Warmoth and maple neck from USACG with gold hardware, Area T's and either a Walnut or leather pick guard. Wasn't sure if a leather pick guard would last though.

 

[Will S-T]

Re: P-Rails Advice

Mate, really like your recipe for the Tele build.

The leather pickguard and all the silver plated hardware is by El Dorado Straps, all hand carved and engraved.
It's a CIJ 52RI and plays like BUTTER!