| Theory and Tone
If you remember your basic physics:
-
Series - Both coils are connected one
after the other (e.g., 7k + 7k = 14 kOhms), so their inductance is added
together and the output is higher. This the characteristic sound
of a typical humbucker
-
Tapped - One of the two coils is dropped,
so the inductance is half what it was in standard (i.e., series) humbucking
mode (e.g., 14k - 7k = 7k kOhms).
-
Parallel - Signals are combined at
the output of both coils, which means the inductance is the reciprocal
of the sum of the coils (e.g., 1/(1/7k + 1/7k) = 3.5 kOhms), which works
out to a smooth, glassier tone completely the opposite of the solid presence
of a typical humbucker. Note: Parallel connections are also humbucking.
How
it's done
 Of
course, you will need an On/On/On DPDT switch for this mod. And it's
all wired together as shown. As usual, the colors of the wires depend
on those of pickup manufacturer. Consult the paperwork that came
with your guitar, the manufacturer's website, or see this
page. In this diagram, the red wire is the output from the pickup.
*For more exposition on the various types
of switches (including the different DPDTs), see the appropriate section
on the switches page.
Note: If you want to change the phase of
a coil in the humbucker, place a phase switch between the coil and this
switch.
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