Would it be possible to get a duncan sh-4 JB and a SH-2n set up with a coil tap? They're both Alnico 5, if I remember right.

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"If one has realized a truth, that truth is valueless so long as there is lacking the indomitable will to turn this realization into action!"
-A.H.

If they come with a 4-wire cable, you can hook 'em up any way you want to. You can't coil-tap unless you at least have access to the connection between the two coils (3-wire). I prefer series/parallel connections, but for that you need a proper 4-wire cable.

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Lordathestrings
Guitar Tricks Moderator
www.GuitarTricks.com - Home of Online Guitar Lessons

I though a coil tap did switch between series and parallel. Now I'm all confused

help?

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"If one has realized a truth, that truth is valueless so long as there is lacking the indomitable will to turn this realization into action!"
-A.H.

A coil tap switch simply disables one of the humbucker's coils, usually by shorting it out. This leaves just one coil working, so you get a single-coil sound, along with the usual noise problems.

Series connection of a humbucker's coils gives you the full output voltage, high impedance 'humbucker' sound.

Parallel connection of a humbucker's coils gives you half the output voltage, half the impedance, and something close to a single-coil sound, while still cancelling hum.

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Lordathestrings
Guitar Tricks Moderator
www.GuitarTricks.com - Home of Online Guitar Lessons

How close is parallel to single coil? Is it close enough to pass as single coil or is it just closer?

Also, on my guitar there is a push/pull coil tap. It's always kinda fun using it becuase everyone probably thinks my tone knob is falling off. Would it be possible to set it up to switch between series and parallel instead of doing coil tap? And would this be a complex surgical operation or is it something I could do on my own?

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"If one has realized a truth, that truth is valueless so long as there is lacking the indomitable will to turn this realization into action!"
-A.H.

Three Double-Pole-Double-Throw (DPDT) switches will handle the task. One for each pickup to select series/Parallel. One to reverse the Phase of one pickup releative to the other. The switches can be push-pull pots or separate switches.

The DiMarzio website has wiring diagrams to show how it's done. Click on 'Pickups' and then select "Installation and wiring".

If you're not familiar with soldering small wires, you should get a tech to do the installation.

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Lordathestrings
Guitar Tricks Moderator
www.GuitarTricks.com - Home of Online Guitar Lessons

what kind of guitar are you using? as long as not its not an lp like mine, you can use a varitone switch, it's a different mod but it achieves the same single coil sound while giving you a lot of tonal possibilities. Certain 335's got one of these installed- BB King has one on his Lucille. You'll also find it in Gibson Blueshawks. Try one if they have these guitars on your local music store and tell me what you think.

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