Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

[DreX]

I recently bought a Fender Cabronita Telecaster. It's a nice looking and great sounding guitar, the only drawback IMO is the single volume knob and no tone control. Before you mention concentric pots; I like the look of the single, solid Tele knob. I've installed concentric pots on two other Teles and I'm not a fan, both in terms of look and feel. There's something especially satisfying about the stock chrome cylindrical knob, it looks as solid as the Tele itself.

So for those of a similar mind, I want to share this diagram for a push/pull master tone/master volume. If you are the type who use the volume or the tone, but usually not both at the same time, you might like this mod:

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

I am a Roy Buchanan freak. Sometimes, I work both controls at once in the Speedy West manner.

I face the same dilemma on my PRS SE One. Several years ago, I assembled a push-pull preset Treble cut network. I have never been entirely happy with the all-or-nothing nature of this mod. I am about to try a dual concentric Mighty Mite V/T.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

The two issues I see with the diagram is that as soon as you push/pull the switch, your tone is suddenly set to whatever your volume was set to (and vice versa), and you only get either volume or tone but not both. Still, could be useful if you are stuck with a single knob guitar, want simplicity and can't deal with concentrics.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

Part of the idea behind the Fender LCT is to emulate the Gretsch approach. On several classic Gretsch models, the tone control circuitry amounted to a toggle switch, some caps and resistors. Subtler tonal variations have to come from your playing technique.

The pickups and materials in MIA LCT models make this possible. I cannot vouch for MIM or Squier versions.

 

[DreX]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

I face the same dilemma on my PRS SE One. Several years ago, I assembled a push-pull preset Treble cut network. I have never been entirely happy with the all-or-nothing nature of this mod. I am about to try a dual concentric Mighty Mite V/T.

Just to be clear about this particular diagram, when pulled up, the tone contol is fully variable like a normal one knob, and not all or nothing.

 

[GideonvdHorst]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

When the knob is down, does it function like the tone is fully open?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

Enticing the guy above you to return is not the best way to get into this forum

I believe it would behave as if there is no tone when down.

 

[Artie]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

Yup. When down, no tone. When up, no volume. (I mean no volume pot.) Cool and simple.

 

[Downrazor11]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

So for those of a similar mind, I want to share this diagram for a push/pull master tone/master volume. If you are the type who use the volume or the tone, but usually not both at the same time, you might like this mod:

Looks interesting! Are you using 500k or 250k for the pot?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

^ Very thankfully, this guy is no longer with us.

Pick a value to suit the pickups.

 

[Downrazor11]

Re: Push Volume / Pull Tone for Single Knob Guitars

Sorry about that, didn't mean to awaken/feed any trolls..