Pickups wiring MOD to parallel/single coil

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

We have some 3-way switches that just came in from my Distributor in Japan to install on one of his Basses. He asked us to wire it up from the start for him so he doesn't have to modify it there. He offers this option locally in Japan now from what I have heard. I will test the single coil mode option within the next month or so and report back.

Ken, anything to report at this time?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Ken, anything to report at this time?

I completed and shipped a bass last week with these 3-way switches. I didn't notice all that much in the SC mode. It was a little dry and weaker as compared to out normal Parallel wiring.

I spent years on the development of this pickup we have. The object was to have two coils in each pickup, each coil like a jazz bass but hooked together for a sweeter sound with humbucking as opposed to the standard Series HB wiring.

It almost seems like going backwards. Making a pickup to sound almost single coil in series humbucking and then cutting off one coil. These coils have less wire turns than a Fender J PU does and we use ceramic magnets as opposed to Alnico like in the Fenders.

Every time I listen to someone and try making a Bass to sound like a Fender I feel like someone is telling me to make my Fillet Mignon taste like a Happy Meal..

I don't think this 3-way is something we will be adding anytime soon. For me, the bass is fine without any switches at all. The Series gives you a bit more low end power and equally less highs. For now, its 2-way or no-way..

[Jonathan Esquivel]

Hi!!! I recently bought a pair of Smith pickups to upgrade my Yamaha Nathan East, and I love the sound!!! I read about the parallel/serie/sc switch posted by Rainer, and I want to try it... Anyone do this? How it sounds??
Another issue with the pups: I have to rewire them to install the switch, but I don't know the polarity of the coils.. what can I do to know wich pickup coils it's the positive/negative??

Thanks!! And sorry for the questions...


Jonathan.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Esquivel

....I read about the parallel/serie/sc switch posted by Rainer, and I want to try it....

FYI: Actually it was Roberto Z. that initiated and posted this information. If you go back to the beginning of the thread and follow it through, I'm sure you will see this.

[Anton Hasias]

Hi All,
I think this is a very interesting thread and I really appreciate the explorer's ways concerning sound shaping.
I know Roberto, Rainer and of course Tim are tech whizz among other musical high skills but I just want to tell you a little story of a non tech, rewireing scared old conservative guy (like me and I belive others).
After reading this spectacular way of trying to obtain a "Jazz Bass like" sound from a Smith, I observed that my non technical hands were shacking when only I thought I should try this new wireing by myself.
Then, a little multicoloured bird came from nowhere and began speaking to my ear with a human voice.
She said:" Listen dummy if you want a Fender Jazz sound, go get yourself a Fender Jazz and as you have no clue of electronics, don't you ever think about trying to ruin your 7k Smith bass!"
As by chance I already had a US Fender Jazz long ago forgoten somewhere in my house, I took it, played some notes and then "The Miracle". It sounded like a Fender Jazz and since all this time I left it alone somewhere in my house it didn't lost that Jazz Bass sound.

My conclusion; Beware the multicoloured little birds with human voice, they are odd.

Best regards

[Ken Smith]

Here's a few points of Smith Bass history that will shed some light on this subject.

I have tried just about everything to simulate a Fender sound over the years with various Smith basses. The real dilemma is not in the pickups or wiring, it is in the actual construction of the bass. The Fender design has a naturally thinner signal from its woods and construction, period. Mod-up a Fender and you still have a Fender. Mod-up a Smith Bass and you still have a Smith Bass.

We have made our Basses with HB Jazz, 2 PUs, P/J combo and even wired the SBs as single coil once to hear the sound. It was just 'less' guts amplified by the SC PU BUT, it was the sound of the Bass.

We now have a 3-way switch that can be used as a S\SC\P instead of just S/P, but they are not yet in stock. We had a few sets and tested them and most went to Japan where they themselves started putting the 3-ways in on their own.

Still, the SC setting is a Smith bass in SC, NOT the sound of a slab fender, painted production body with a looser neck fit than my shoes.

A Smith is a Smith. When the 3-Way's are available for Mod's or production orders, I will announce it. Until then, just remember it will be a Smith sounding Bass in all 3 positions.

The old Gibson basses has these big humbuckers wired in Series. Does the Smith in Series sound like a Gibson? Ever? .. I think you get the idea now..

[Jonathan Esquivel]

I don't want to make the bass sound like a J-bass... I just want to get versatility and multiple sounds, and I think this option can provide both.
I always been loved the KS sound, and that's why I choose the Smith pups to upgrade my bass, instead of any other brand... Ultil I have the money to get my loved Black Tiger 5st, this is the only way to capture some of the essence, sound and power of a KS bass!!!
I think the parallel/series/sc switch will give me the tonal options I want, but I don't want a jbass clone or something like that... when you want to sound like a fender, I go and pick up your fenders!!!
Thanks to everyone for any help you can give me...!!!!!

PD: Sorry Roberto Z... I saw the diagram posted by Rainer, and assume it... sorry about that!!!!

Anyone with an answer about coils polarity??

[Scott Pope]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

I have tried just about everything to simulate a Fender sound over the years with various Smith basses. The real dilemma is not in the pickups or wiring, it is in the actual construction of the bass. The Fender design has a naturally thinner signal from its woods and construction, period. Mod-up a Fender and you still have a Fender. Mod-up a Smith Bass and you still have a Smith Bass.

This is so underrated. Pickups and electronics are the last link in the chain. I've modded so many basses over the years for friends, and the inherent characteristics of the bass can be brought out or suppressed by the electronics, but you can't change the basic tone of any electric bass.
I routinely get the question: "If I put X manufacturer pickups in Y bass, will it sound like X?" The answer is invariably, "No. It will sound like Y with a Z influence on tone."

BTW: I do not care for going back to single coil due to noise. How are these mods to get a single coil tone from the bass work from an increased noise, either hum or electrostatic noise, perspective?