3 pickup, 4 way switching help

[steve v]

Pretty much everything is in for my Partscaster and I've been trying to figure out how I'd like to set it up. I came across this on the forum the other day which I like but can't find again

1 - neck
2 - neck and bridge
3 - mid
4 - bridge

The middle pickup would have its own volume but I was going to run a stacked concentric pot as opposed to the Brent Mason setup. Anyone have a diagram or suggestions (would this be run series or parallel, 250k or 500k, cap. value). I'm not going to wire it myself (obviously) but I'd like to present a coherent plan to the guy who will be doing it. Thanks

[cc9cii]

nvm

[cc9cii]

Is this what you want:

1 - neck w/ vol1 + tone
2 - neck and bridge w/ vol1 + tone
3 - mid w/ vol2
4 - bridge w/ vol1 + tone

Or

1 - neck + master vol & tone
2 - neck and bridge + master vol & tone
3 - mid + mid vol + master tone
4 - bridge + master vol & tone

[steve v]

I was looking at your second option but I may still go with the Brent Mason setup. This is my first nice guitar so I'm trying to get everything just right. Thanks

[cc9cii]

I'm happy enough to draw up a custom wiring as you wish (i.e. opt 2) but am currently somewhat reluctant because I don't know if that is what you really want. i.e. whether you're just thinking out loud some ideas and haven't settled yet.

e.g. are you sure you don't want to combine the middle pickup with anything else?

If you really want it then let me know and I'll have a go at it.

[steve v]

Thanks - I am still just thinking out loud, I'll probably change my mind at least three more times. I'll continue searching around the forum for info and ideas

[cc9cii]

You know tdowns have posted Brent Mason wiring - see the threads here and here

Also, why not have it wired like a Strat? (or some variations of)

[steve v]

I've been looking at the Mason - tdowns wiring for some time now. How would the wiring look without the push/pull ? I would rather run a dual stacked knob for tone/middle pickup
Would it still be 500k pots ?

I'm calling it, that is my final decision. Thanks

[cc9cii]

Ok, just to clarify then - the mid vol is the bottom knob and tone is the top knob?

Also you want 3 way switching like Brent Mason, which means you lose the series/parallel option with the lack of a push-pull switch, yes?

So, you have

1. bridge/vol1 + mid/vol2 + tone
2. bridge/neck/vol1 + mid/vol2 + tone
3. neck/vol1 + mid/vol2 + tone

Just use this diagram from tdowns here, but just join the white and red wires from the middle humbucker together then insulate it. Don't worry about the other wires going to the push-pull DPDT from the vol pot for what you're doing.

When wiring the stacked pot, the pot that is the closest to you (from behind) is the tone pot, i.e. the top knob. Use 500k/500k as per the diagram (personally I like using 250k for tone, in which case 250k/500k would be used). Make sure an audio pot is used, something like EP-4586-000 from here.

The pot that is the furthest away from you (from behind) should be wired like the middle volume pot in that diagram.

HTH

[steve v]

Perfect ! Thanks, I really appreciate all of your help