P-Rails in Hamer

[ibis]

Hi everybody I'm new here so please forgive a little ignorance!

I have a lovely Hamer Studio Custom that I hope to install P-Rails into.

I have quite a few questions to ask:

1. Is there a wiring diagram for the Hamer 2 Vol, 1 Tone set up using 500k Push/Pull pots? Also, is there an optional diagram to give parallel/series/P90/rail switching. I don't want to drill any holes for micro switches.

2. Has anyone got experience fitting Push/Pull or Push/Push pots in a Hamer Studio? Is the body thick enough to accomodate them?

3. I've read that, despite its mega DC resistance, the bridge P-Rail can seem a little weedy in comparison to the neck pickup. Frank says he has his neck P-Rail wound right down and that some people choose to parallel wire the neck pup.

I love the SD '59n that's in the guitar at the moment so a parallel P-Rail might be the answer for me. Has anyone got experience of this? Does it sound similar to a PAF? How would you compare it to the '59n?

Frank also said that the mixed position combination of Bridge (series) and Neck (parallel) sounded 'special'. If Frank is reading this, would he care to expand on this?

4. If you do choose to wire the Neck pup in parallel to make the HB settings balance ( presumably the neck pickup will then be higher in the mounting ring ), will it mean that the P-90 and Rail modes will cause the neck to be louder than the bridge again? Is there a perfect solution or is it always going to be an imperfect compromise?

5. Thinking aloud now, is there a wiring scheme that will allow the neck and bridge pup volumes to be independantly controlled, like there is for Les Pauls? Will it work for the P-Rails and their complicated wiring?

6. What does the bridge P-Rail in series HB wiring mode sound like? The video sounded pretty trebly, but then again so did the other HB equipped guitar that was played at the beginning, so I guess it was the amp /recording / my computer settings. What pickup in the current SD range does it sound like when in HB mode? I would use the guitar in HB mode most of the time in my Classic Rock covers band and currently dig the '59b in my Hamer. I'm pretty sure the P-90 sounds and the rails sounds will be on the money but would like some objective reassurance that the HB is going to be suitable for my purposes.

Thanks for your patience, sorry to drone on with endless questions. Hopefully some of the answers will help other preopective P-Rail users!

Best wishes to all,

ibis

www.electriclandlady.net

Classic Rock... Served with a smile!

 

[austin]

Re: P-Rails in Hamer

To address 2 of your questions:

5) Your Hamer already has independent volume controls that would be maintained even with push-pulls, so you don't need to worry about that.

6) The bridge P-Rails in series is a way more powerful beast than a 59 bridge. Lots more output and beefier.

-Austin

 

[ibis]

Re: P-Rails in Hamer

To address 2 of your questions:

5) Your Hamer already has independent volume controls that would be maintained even with push-pulls, so you don't need to worry about that.

6) The bridge P-Rails in series is a way more powerful beast than a 59 bridge. Lots more output and beefier.

-Austin

Thanks Austin for the reply.

From what I've read in other threads I'm tempted to go with Neck in parallel and Bridge in series.

Anyone wired them up that way yet?

 

[Natman]

Re: P-Rails in Hamer

I'm gonna say that you should try to get all the sounds. I am blown away by how all 4 sounds are great. I am loving these pickups though I still need to play them at higher volume to really hear all the nuances.

1.Yes, the diagram comes with the P-Rails. Just add the extra volume pot as it shows up on a 2Vol 1Tone diagram.
2.Nope! Should be fine though.
3.There is nothing wrong withe the output of the bridge pickup on my axe.
4.Always a compromise except you will have 2 volume pots to adjust levels.
5.Yes, possible. No not complicated!
6.The series bridge will be fatter and a bit dark sounding. However, it's clear & very tasty. Overall the pickups have a hint of modern flavor but the mojo is all vintagey without sounding 100% exactly like any existing pickups (except P-90's of course).

I'm surprised how few reviews there are up til now. But man, gorgeous pickups! I really doubt you will regret it. You might not use all 4 sounds much but I'm certain you'll dig a couple.

 

[ibis]

Re: P-Rails in Hamer

Thanks Natman!