Humbuckers, Push Pulls, and a Piezo

[nickray]

I am trying to decide on a wiring design for my first project. Warmoth SG with 2 humbuckers. I am overwhelmed with all of the information and options available. My wiring knowledge is limited to installing an EMG set into an Epiphone Les Paul. (Took me three times to get it right) For this project I am going to let a friend do the soldering for me. He basically solders for a living, so I feel comfortable giving him a complex diagram.

I want the guitar to be very versatile and would like to install the Jimmy Page style wiring. I purchased a kit from guitarelectronics.com. I also purchased a Graphtech Ghost Piezo system which uses up one of the pots. So, my questions are:

Is there still a way to create the Jimmy Page wiring with only three pots? If so, where can I see the diagram? I am not interested in mini toggle switches. (The guitar will already have one for the piezo) Though I would consider a Seymour Duncan Triple Shot if that is possible. If the Jimmy Page wiring is NOT possible in this situation, then I need another idea...

 

[iamdavidmorris]

Are you willing to go give up the Mid/Dark Push-Pull for your piezo, or did you want to include that as well?

 

[nickray]

Are you willing to go give up the Mid/Dark Push-Pull for your piezo, or did you want to include that as well?

If I was able to keep the piezo volume I would probably be willing to give up the Mid/Dark Push Pull.

But, if there is a way to give up one or more of the lesser used sounds that come with Jimmy Page wiring I might like that more.

 

[iamdavidmorris]

What would you consider giving up?  Anything in his plan you probably won't use?

 

[nickray]

I would like as much of the Jimmy Page wiring as possible with three pots. But I am not sure what I want to give up.
If anyone has advise that would be much appreciated.

 

[iamdavidmorris]

Well, here's something:

It may or may not be correct.  I'm really new at this, and know little to nothing about phase settings, but I think that would work.  Someone with more experience needs to look it over.  Also, it would be helpful if you could decide exactly what you'd like out of a wiring scheme.  Jimmy Page has a treble bleed too.  That's easy enough.  Read, read, read.  YouTube is a good help too.

 

[Firebird211]

That diagram is very accurate, but it is leaving out some features of the original circuit.  Nickray, you probably have done a search for the diagram already and have seen dozens of variations, just like I have seen trying to find you what you would need.  You are going to need to look at the full blown four push-pull diagram, and all of it's features and only take from it what you really want(only looking at the features first).  You will also have to take into consideration which three control knobs you want to use, for example, two volumes and one tone control (the fourth is the piezo, right?).  If you are doing the two volumes and one tone, I have done a similar circuit in my Schecter.  The phase switch, coil tap, treble bleed, would be a given for you, and that's only two push-pulls being used.  You could use the triple-shot rings if you run out of switches, but I think you could just get by with three. The triple shot could do the series/split/parallel for you for each pickup and leave the three push-pulls open for whatever else you want to do. Keep in mind how you will want it to operate as you play it.  You are going to be hard pressed to find a circuit the exact way you want to implement, but will have to piece it together according to what you want and what features you want to leave out for a compromise.  With the triple shot you could have all the Jimmy and then some (may even simplify it's operation for you since each ring is two switches), but it depends on if you want little switches to use while you are playing.  Take into consideration how the piezo system will hook up to the rest of the guitar without limiting its features. You are going to have one heck of a guitar when you are done.   :rock-on:

Update:
Just thinking through the circuit after a while, if you used the triple shots, covering series/coil select/parallel, one push-pull would be a phase swich, the other could be the mid/dark cap selector, and the third push-pull could be the switch that integrates the piezo, whether it is the combination, the magnetic, or the piezo without adding the extra toggle switch from the ghost system, unless that switch is a three position anyways(and it probably is). You could also leave two knobs non-push-pulls.  Third push pull could also be anything else you want to integrate... full volume/tone bypass, killswitch (but push-pulls are slower to use for the effect)... :sign13:

 

[nickray]

I appreciate the help guys.

Because I can choose anything and everything in a Warmoth build; initially I thought I would add as many options as possible. But for now I've decided to go with iamdavidmorris' suggestion. I can always modify the electronics later if there is something I would like to try. I think I will have plenty of options to choose from with that diagram and the piezo. Much more than I am qualified to use for sure! :toothy10:

Thanks again!

 

[iamdavidmorris]

You might just stick a treble bleed in there for kicks.  This thing is pretty cool:

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/PMT-VTREB/V-Treb-Variable-Treble-Bleed-Circuit-For-Guitar-Bass.html

It's a treble bleed you can turn off if you don't like it.  I definitely understand wanting to put every possible wiring option on a guitar.