Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

[Blille]

IMHO the P-rails series mode (in the bridge in particular) is too hot (and that too similar to the P-90). While I haven't conducted a scientific poll, I've also read that on numerous posts in the past.

What if the P-90 was tapped for half load when it was in series with the rail?

It feels like it would help on both accounts.

Anybody tried this? What do you think?

 

[Artie]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to "tap" an existing pickup coil. You'd really need to order a Custom Shop unit, and that would be very expensive.

 

[Blille]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to "tap" an existing pickup coil. You'd really need to order a Custom Shop unit, and that would be very expensive.

Yes, definitely a CS unit.

 

[TVFV]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

I always wondered what the result would be if the output of the P90 coil was underwound. Or maybe make one wth Alnico rod magnets.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

The main complaints about the P-rails series mode are that it's too hot and that it's too similar to the P-90.

What if the P-90 was tapped for half load when it was in series with the rail?

It feels like it would help on both accounts.

Anybody tried this? What do you think?

With the information we have, there is no way to know for sure what the main complaint is. In other words, your first sentence should be struck, and restated in a way that does not present it as a cold-hard fact.

Based on reading this forum for years, I would *guess* that the number one "complaint" about P-Rails would be that the rail coil alone is too weak. I don't know if I've really heard much complaint that the pickup is too hot in series mode, or that it sounds too similar to the P-90.

That said, I do indeed find the bridge model to be too hot over all, so I use two neck models in my set of P-Rails. I primarily use the P-90 coil. I engage the rail coil when I am having hum issues, or when I want a slightly smoother, fatter sound – not to get a dramatically different tone or output level.

You could order the pickup you are envisioning. It sure would have a bunch of leads, but I'm sure they could do it for you if you were willing to pay for it. You'd have to some ciphering' to figure out how to wire it up so that the P-90 coil is tapped as the rail coil is engaged, using only one switch movement. Probably a useful pickup if you like to be able to go from low to high output at the flick of a switch. Probably not much of a reasonable solution for the problem you are trying to solve, though.

 

[Blille]

Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

@itsabass thanks for taking the time to write a long post

With the information we have, there is no way to know for sure what the main complaint is. In other words, your first sentence should be struck, and restated in a way that does not present it as a cold-hard fact.

I've ammended my post. I'll make sure I bring my lawyer next time I post on an internet forum to make sure I have irrefutable evidence or a well crafted disclaimer. [emoji4]

Based on reading this forum for years, I would *guess* that the number one "complaint" about P-Rails would be that the rail coil alone is too weak. I don't know if I've really heard much complaint that the pickup is too hot in series mode, or that it sounds too similar to the P-90.

I guess we just disagree on this.

That said, I do indeed find the bridge model to be too hot over all, so I use two neck models in my set of P-Rails. I primarily use the P-90 coil. I engage the rail coil when I am having hum issues, or when I want a slightly smoother, fatter sound – not to get a dramatically different tone or output level.

I guess your personal experience is actually pretty close to the argument I made initially after all [emoji4]

You could order the pickup you are envisioning. It sure would have a bunch of leads,

Just one more than the normal Prails.

You'd have to some ciphering' to figure out how to wire it up so that the P-90 coil is tapped as the rail coil is engaged, using only one switch movement.

Definitely a challenge.

Probably a useful pickup if you like to be able to go from low to high output at the flick of a switch.

More of a thought excercise than something practical. I was very happy with the results of using a tapped middle pickup in series with the bridge in my tele. I felt the sound was more usable than the classic 4th position of neck+bridge in series.

Probably not much of a reasonable solution for the problem you are trying to solve, though.

Let's just say we also disagree on this

 

[Mincer]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

Interesting idea. I would be interested to know if you do order something like this from the CS, what they would charge.

 

[zionstrat]

Re: Tapped P90 coil for better Prails series?

In my experience, taps are the most underrated pup mods and it is amazing to me that the demand is relatively low..

Of course taps increase cost and complexity... They also are hard to predict ( I did a bunch of 2 taps once to try to find the sweet spot) and switchings somewhat complex..

On the otherhand, its one of the best ways to split and balance a humbucker and vox has a brilliant design that provides an overwound and underwound in an always noiseless pup http://www.planetz.com/vox-coaxe-interview-with-vox-rd/

I think there could be a big market If a big designer like SD offered tapped pups and harnesses and comarketed with Yags or Fender to get acceptance...

Good luck on this one...interested in outcome!

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