Splitting an SH-8 Invader

[June-5-1994]

Is this a good idea/possible? I am trying to be able to use the middle position between a bridge Invader and a Vintage Hot Stack. Since the Invader has such a high output im worried that even when split it still may overpower the Hot Stack. Also if anybody could fill me in on the pros and cons of splitting humbuckers thatd be great

thankyou

 

[Mincer]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

Yes this is possible. And on some humbuckers it sounds good, others not so much. It isn't universally agreed on the one ones that sound good, either, so it is up to what you like personally. The benefits are a brighter, weaker sound, which is good for approximating or blending with a single coil. There are really no downsides, unless you don't like the way it sounds. There are several ways to do it- with a push/pull, a small switch, or auto-splitting, which uses the pickup switch to automatically split the pickup in certain positions.

 

[June-5-1994]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

thanks for the info Mincer. just 1 last question, so if i end up splitting the Invader would it end up matching the Vintage Hot Stack well enough when split to a point where the 2 of them sound really good together? also what is the difference between the different types of splits. thanks again

 

[Artie]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

While I've never split one, an Invader in parallel is one of my favorite pickup sounds. Parallel is like split, but noiseless.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

Yes, parallel is an option, as well. If the Invader is either split or parallel, it is a much better match with the Vintage Hot Stack. Parallel keeps the hum-cancelling aspects of the Invader. Here is a quick article on splitting vs parallel.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

A few decades back, I had the bridge Invader in my Strat on a series/parallel/split toggle. Double pole, double throw I belive is what they call the toggle switch. Most of my playing was on the series setting, but having parallel and split as available options was fantastic. Mincer touched on the tonal differences, I'll just say it's a good idea if you need a more versatile platform.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Splitting an SH-8 Invader

I think an Invader, more than probably most pickups, benefits from either a split or parallel option on your guitar. There are times where you just don't want that sort of power, and cutting down the output helps a lot, especially on clean settings.