Wiring Diagram for HSS Strat with auto-parallel in position 2

[bassface732]

Hey all! I'm trying my Strat with the Lil' Screamin' Demon in the bridge, and Lollar Blondes in the neck and middle. I'd like to get the Strat-iest tone possible in position 2 out of this configuration, and I think wiring the Demon to automatically switch to parallel in position 2 (and series in position 1) might be the way to do it... I'm not crazy about losing 50% of the bridge pup's output if I wire it to auto-split, especially if I have the height of the Lil' Screamin' Demon set low enough to not totally overpower the single coils. I think auto-parallel might be the answer: good quack in position 2 without losing too much output. Is my logic sound?

My problem is I'm having trouble finding a wiring diagram for auto-parallel in position 2 (auto-split seems to be the default). Does anyone know where I might be able to find one?

I'm also planning to do a treble-bleed mod so I can tame that bridge pup without losing tone when needed, so IDEALLY the wiring diagram would address that as well--I'm a noobie, can you tell?

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Artie]

To do auto-parallel, you must use a Superswitch. I can do a diagram later tomorrow, if someone else doesn't do one first.

 

[bassface732]

I didn’t realize that, thanks for pointing that out. Am I better off just sticking with an auto split in Position 2? As I mentioned before, my concern was that the output drop when coil splitting would cause position 2 to sound noticeably quieter than positions 3-5 (especially if I have the Lil’ Screamin’ Demon set a little low for better balance with the Lollars)… but maybe my assumption is incorrect?

 

[Mincer]

I have not really liked a split little humbucker with a single coil. To my ears, the sound of the single coil overrides the tiny coil of the bridge.

 

[Teleplayer]

Auto split in pos 2 can work well with HSS pickups. However it really depends on the specific pickups chosen, the pickup heights, and pot values etc.

Also, I agree with Mincer that ‘Lil” series pickups normally don’t sound great with Auto-split, so I would only use it with a full size humbucker.

 

[hamerfan]

The key to avoid the volume loss is to use a 500k volume pot, that is wired with 470k resistor for the other positions.
The auto- split can be done with standard switch if the tone pots are hardwired to the pickups.
Just wire it and test the combos you like and then decide whether you need a super switch or/and a 500k pot.

 

[bassface732]

Thanks all for weighing in! Sounds like given the concerns about coil-splitting with the "Lil'" pickup that maybe sticking with the auto-parallel in pos. 2 is the way to go? I can get a super switch... Does anyone have a diagram for that?

 

[Artie]

Just to be clear, a Superswitch is a 5-way. Do you want:

5. Neck
4. Neck & Middle
3. Middle
2. Middle and Bridge (parallel onto itself) or bridge parallel (by itself)
1. Bridge series

That #2 position is the question. But then again, you can do anything with the Superswitch.

 

[Mincer]

Thanks all for weighing in! Sounds like given the concerns about coil-splitting with the "Lil'" pickup that maybe sticking with the auto-parallel in pos. 2 is the way to go? I can get a super switch... Does anyone have a diagram for that?

Yeah, I think parallel in position 2 is a better idea.

 

[bassface732]

Just to be clear, a Superswitch is a 5-way. Do you want:

5. Neck
4. Neck & Middle
3. Middle
2. Middle and Bridge (parallel onto itself) or bridge parallel (by itself)
1. Bridge series

That #2 position is the question. But then again, you can do anything with the Superswitch.

I’d like position 2 to be middle and bridge, with the bridge being in parallel rather than series. Does that make sense? Everything else looks right as you have it!

 

[bassface732]

Just to make sure: this will work for the super switch?

https://www.stewmac.com/electronics...152&gbraid=0AAAAADcBv9i4KlY4RxD7Lz1WwIoHVMnTe

thanks a lot everyone!

 

[Mincer]

Yes, that will work. Keep in mind that sometimes you have to alter either the switch or the body to get it to fit- on my Strat, a Superswitch didn't quite 'click' into position 1. I dremeled the edge of the switch just a tiny bit and all is good.

 

[Artie]

2. Middle and Bridge (parallel onto itself)

Yuppers. We can do that. As soon as I get back from my Dr appointment.

 

[bassface732]

Awesome, thank you so much! Best of luck at the Dr. appointment!

 

[bassface732]

Not trying to rush, just checking in on this :1:

 

[bassface732]

Hate to pester, just wondering if anyone can help me with this wiring diagram? I’ve got the super switch and am hoping to take a crack at it this weekend—thought it might make for a fun father/son project while my dad’s in town

 

[Artie]

Hate to pester, just wondering if anyone can help me with this wiring diagram? I’ve got the super switch and am hoping to take a crack at it this weekend—thought it might make for a fun father/son project while my dad’s in town

Sorry. These days, I feel like I live in Dr's offices. I'll try to get 'er done today.

 

[Artie]

Doing this now, but have one quick question: Do you want the traditional tone setup with one for the neck, one for the middle, and none for the bridge. Or would you prefer, (and it's what I'd do), is one tone for N/M and the other for the bridge?

The way you wire the Superswitch is different depending on that answer. Master Vol / Tone is ideal, but many people like keeping the Stratocaster dual tones.

 

[bassface732]

Hate to pester, just wondering if anyone can help me with this wiring diagram? I’ve got the super switch and am hoping to take a crack at it this weekend—thought it might make for a fun father/son project while my dad’s in town…

Also, not sure if it factors in, but planning to do a treble bleed mod as well

 

[Artie]

Did you see my two posts above? I have it done. I just need to know how you want to implement the tone controls.

Treble bleed is independent and doesn't impact the wiring scheme.