parallel, split...what?

[korovamilkdud]

Does this sound right to you guys? I always thought that splitting a humbucker is like cutting the output in half, while parallel is like cutting the output by around 30%. That's not what it says in the FAQ! :saeek:

"What are the differences between coil splitting and parallel wiring?
While coil splitting and parallel wiring sound very similar to most players, there are some differences. One difference is output. Splitting a 16k ohm DC resistance humbucker results in an 8k ohm single coil and that translates into a -3 db lowering in output. Wiring a 16k ohm DC resistance humbucker in parallel results in a 4k ohm DC resistance and a -6 db lowering in output."

Now here's the glossary definition for parallel:

Parallel - The electrical linking of two coils in a parallel or side by side fashion. The sonic effect compared to a series configuration is approximately 30% lower output but with additional brilliance and clarity on the high end. (See "Series").

Am I misunderstanding what I'm reading or is this a real contradiction? And which explanation is correct???

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: parallel, split...what?

and I bump me

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: parallel, split...what?

i'd fill you in if i knew anything about the topic, but i'd try posting this in the pickup lounge, if you haven't already

 

[rspst14]

Re: parallel, split...what?

two things

1. Remember that resistance and output are not directly related. Still, going from 16k to 4k should be a lot more than a 30% drop, I'd also be interested in knowing where that figure came from.

2. Remember that resistances in series add up, while the forumla for resistances in parallel is (R1*R2) / (R1+R2). This works out such that a pickups's resistance when wired in parallel will always be 1/4 of what it is when wired in series.

Ryan

 

[poopsmith921]

Re: parallel, split...what?

i might get a push pull pot for my hotrails in my tele to go from parallel to seies, ill let u know how much of a difference it makes when/if i get it

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: parallel, split...what?

That'd be cool.

 

[SINGTONE]

Re: parallel, split...what?

Remember in parrallel you have TWO coils going but in split you have ONE this might make the difference in output..............

 

[Robert S.]

Re: parallel, split...what?

The -6 db thing is something I picked up from the folks at SD quite awhile back on this forum and I incorporated it into the FAQs section when Evan asked me to write some additions to the FAQs section. This isn't the first time that someone has asked about that particular piece of info.

If one of you really smart guys wants to break out the horn-rimmed glasses and pocket protectors and definitively prove or dis-prove that statement (scientific - no guessing) there may be something in it for you. I have a big drawer of slightly used SD pickups I could dig through as a reward for your efforts.

Robert