Push/Pull Pot or 4 way switch (I need some clarity)

[The O.K.]

My Tele seems to need a set up. Since I will take it in to my guitar guy, I think there is a mod I have been putting off that I will have done, and that is to get my Keystones to sound like humbuckers or just a fat sound. Is that running them in a series or parallel? I forget. Is there any difference between the push/pull pot and the four way switch or do they basically do the same thing?

[mijstrat72]

I believe its in "series". I like having the 4 way way switch myself, it's easier to get to, and on some teles the body route may not be deep enough for the push/pull.

I use a 4 way because I'm just not a "layered" sound guy, I like everything there where I can see it.

And watch out when you get that mod done...it's lethal!

[The O.K.]

I am leaning more towards the 4 way switch. But they, the switch and the push/pull pot do the same thing, right? One thing that I do, quite often when I am playing, is hit the switch with my hand while strumming and switch pick ups on accident. In this case, the push/pull might be better for me.

[sjtalon]

p/p switch wired properly or the 4 way switch puts the pickups in series which is what you are looking for. (can do the same thing)

I would go with the p/p too if you find you hit the switch a lot.

[PeteMac]

If you're hitting the switch by mistake, have you thought about swapping the control plate around (backwards) so the switch is at the back ?

I did the 4 way switch and love it. . . . and as was stated by mijstrat above, I like to be able to see exactly what position I'm in, even if I can hear it anyway.

[The O.K.]

Originally Posted by PeteMac

If you're hitting the switch by mistake, have you thought about swapping the control plate around (backwards) so the switch is at the back ?

I did the 4 way switch and love it. . . . and as was stated by mijstrat above, I like to be able to see exactly what position I'm in, even if I can hear it anyway.

And do you agree it is a lethal, kicking mod? I have heard great things about this simple mod, and especially with Keystones. The guitar player I play with at the moment plays with Les Pauls, one with HB's and the other with P90's (some times he pulls out his Epiphone Tele, which I like). I find my PUPs keep up fine and cut through, can't beat those Keystones, but it would be nice to have the humbucker-like option when I want, too.

[sjtalon]

>And do you agree it is a lethal, kicking mod?<

Well I wouldn't call it lethal.

It will make your tone a little fatter, give higher output and will drive the amp with a little more power (series most notiocable with some overdrive).

It is pretty nice and adds some kick but don't expect that you plugged into a Marshall stack all of a sudden !


I'm not trying to down play the mod though. It is worth it by all means.

[Amby]

I would go for the 4-way switch. It's fatter and noticeably louder than the other positions and I love it.

[kman900]

I got a 4 way switch with the series position in no 4. Quite an interesting sound, but i like the neck-pickup-alone sound better and use it far more often; but position 3 is not quite easy to find.
So what i'm gonna do is to swap positions 4 and 3, so i have the single pickups on 1 and 4 and the the twin pickup-sounds on 2 and 3.

[The O.K.]

Currently, I live on the neck PUP with my Keystones. I use the bridge for leads, but have been going there from time to time to play some blues and country. The neck sounds so good, to my ears. I like a darker, warmer tone. I am excited to see how they sound with the new wiring and 4 ways switch. I dropped my Tele off today at my tech's shop. I went with the 4 way switch instead of the P/P pot. To be continued...