Wiring Modification - Master Volume and Two Rotary Tone Controls

[lathoto]

I have been thinking about this modification and would like some feedback. The circuit would have one master volume control. The two rotary tone controls would utilize the Schaller Megaswitch (5 way). Each of the tone controls would have 5 functions:

1) Off - for single pickup operation and standby (both tone controls off).
2) On - no tone cut
3) On - 0.015uF cut
4) On - 0.022uF cut
5) On - 0.047uF cut

This would allow for over 30 different combinations of pickup configurations. When I play I only use one master volume control not (I'm really a Gretsch guy) after I have dialed in the tone. The master volume would have a .001uf treble bleed. The pickups are P90's.

Please comment on the advantages and disadvantages of this proposed Telecaster circuit. Thank you.

 

[Artie]

The disadvantages are easy to list:

1. Complexity and cost for questionable functionality.
2. Size. That could be difficult to fit into a Tele control cavity. (If I understand correctly, you'd have 3 pots, and 3 lever switches in one Tele.)
3. If it's a normal 2-pup Tele, your two tone control circuits will "meld" together when both pups are selected. There's no way to isolate them. For example, you can't turn the treble down on one, while keeping the other bright if both pups are selected.

Don't get me wrong. I live for crazy wiring schemes, but this seems a little excessive, and counter productive, to even me. I could suggest a reasonable alternative that retains the spirit of what you want.

 

[Mincer]

I agree. I like crazy wiring schemes, too, but I am also for ones that are ergonomic and get the sound you want quickly. I think it is worth experimenting with different cap values, but settling on one that works for you the best. Most likely, you will find something that works for you and just use that.

 

[lathoto]

There are only three knobs (no switches), one master volume and two six way rotary tone controls.

The disadvantages are easy to list:


1. Complexity and cost for questionable functionality.
2. Size. That could be difficult to fit into a Tele control cavity. (If I understand correctly, you'd have 3 pots, and 3 lever switches in one Tele.)
3. If it's a normal 2-pup Tele, your two tone control circuits will "meld" together when both pups are selected. There's no way to isolate them. For example, you can't turn the treble down on one, while keeping the other bright if both pups are selected.

Don't get me wrong. I live for crazy wiring schemes, but this seems a little excessive, and counter productive, to even me. I could suggest a reasonable alternative that retains the spirit of what you want.

 

[beaubrummels]

Flipping from neck to bridge would be difficult to do quickly. But yeah it would be a somewhat 'advanced' Gretsch wiring, albeit with P90s. You might need an additional resistor to avoid a pop or click when switching from Off to On on the pickups. Most guitars always send some signal. Some kill switch options can pop going from dead to signal. Can't advise on that more specifically as I avoid that kind of wiring.

 

[Juanhanglo]

I dont know about all that.

I mean, once you find out what cap works the best, why switch to one that cuts down too much of the frequency spectrum?

Gibson's varitone already does this, btw.

 

[ItsaBass]

Disadvantage: You can't control the amount of treble rolloff in positions 3–5. They will be like running a tone control on 0. You will have three different, and minor, variations of the Eldred Esquire front position. The Eldred front position is cool, but having three variants of it in exchange for losing the tone pot range from 1–9 is a bad tradeoff IMO.

Bottom line, I just don't see the usefulness of this scheme. One guitar that does 30 tones is good for guitar companies, not guitarists. It allows them to make a "one size fits all" guitar. No matter who buys it...there will be at least one or two tones in there they can use. Get it into a working musical's hands in the real world, and it's rare that half a dozen of them would get routinely used. And losing normal tone controls to get it? No way, Jose.

If anything, add the "Vari-Tones" on top of a more normal wiring scheme.

FWIW, I do have a 3-way cap switch for the Eldred position on one of my Esquires. But I placed it in between the regular volume and tone pots. I would never give up my tone control to have it. The only thing it's really good for is slightly tweaking the clarity of the Eldred position, in order to suit different e.q. settings on the amp.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

I feel like I’m missing something. What advantage is there over a normal setup? I tweak volume and tone constantly on a Strat or Tele, and it’s never seemed like a big deal to dial a little more or a little less.

 

[beaubrummels]

I feel like I’m missing something. What advantage is there over a normal setup? I tweak volume and tone constantly on a Strat or Tele, and it’s never seemed like a big deal to dial a little more or a little less.

If you're a Gretsch player (as the OP stated), many Gretsches don't have a tone knob, but a tone switch with two different dark settings and straight out as options. So this would be expanding on that.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

If you're a Gretsch player (as the OP stated), many Gretsches don't have a tone knob, but a tone switch with two different dark settings and straight out as options. So this would be expanding on that.

Thanks for the clarification. I'm imagining how awful it would be if my Super Reverb only had the bright switch and no tone controls.