Coil splitting is a popular modification that allows guitarists to expand the tonal possibilities of their humbucker-equipped guitars. This technique enables you to switch between the full humbucker sound and a single coil sound with a simple flick of a switch or push-pull potentiometer. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of coil splitting, how it’s done, and the impact it has on your guitar’s tone.
What is Coil Splitting?
Coil splitting involves dividing one coil of a humbucker pickup, effectively turning it off, while the other coil remains active. This modification transforms a humbucker into a single coil pickup temporarily, allowing you to achieve the brighter, more articulate tones associated with single coils. It’s an excellent way to add tonal versatility to your guitar without physically swapping out pickups.
The Anatomy of a Humbucker
To understand how coil splitting works, it’s essential to grasp the basic structure of a humbucker pickup. A standard humbucker consists of two coils of wire, wound in opposite directions and connected in series. These coils are responsible for canceling out unwanted noise and interference, resulting in a quieter and noise-free signal.
The Coil Splitting Process
Coil splitting can be achieved through various methods, but the most common approach is to use a push-pull potentiometer or a toggle switch. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to coil split a humbucker:
1. Gather the Necessary Materials:
- A humbucker-equipped guitar
- A push-pull potentiometer or toggle switch
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Screwdriver
- Wiring diagram specific to your guitar and pickup configuration
2. Prepare Your Workspace:
- Ensure you have a clean and well-lit workspace.
- Make sure your soldering iron is heated up and ready to use.
3. Remove the Guitar’s Electronics Cover:
- Most guitars have a cover on the back that provides access to the electronics cavity. Remove the cover to access the wiring.
4. Locate the Pickup Wiring:
- Identify the wires connected to your humbucker pickup. You’ll typically find two wires for each coil, along with a ground wire.
5. Connect the Push-Pull Potentiometer or Toggle Switch:
- Follow the wiring diagram to connect the push-pull potentiometer or toggle switch to the appropriate wires from your humbucker pickup.
- Ensure a secure and stable connection using solder.
6. Test the Coil Splitting Function:
- Gently pull the push-pull potentiometer or switch to engage the coil split.
- Play your guitar and listen for the change in tone as you switch between the full humbucker mode and the coil split mode.
7. Adjust Pickup Height and Pole Pieces:
- To fine-tune your tone in coil split mode, you may need to adjust the pickup height and pole pieces to achieve the desired sound.
The Tonal Impact of Coil Splitting
When you engage coil splitting, one of the humbucker’s coils is turned off, resulting in a sound that resembles a single coil pickup. Here are some tonal characteristics of coil splitting:
- Brighter Sound: Coil splitting produces a brighter and clearer tone with more emphasis on high frequencies.
- Articulation: Single coil mode offers enhanced articulation and definition, making it suitable for clean, intricate playing styles.
- Reduction in Output: Coil splitting reduces the pickup’s overall output level, which can be compensated for by adjusting your amplifier or effects pedals.
Coil splitting a humbucker is a versatile modification that allows you to explore a broader range of tones on your guitar. It’s particularly useful for players who want the option of both humbucker warmth and single coil clarity within the same instrument. With a basic understanding of wiring and the right materials, you can add this valuable feature to your guitar and unlock new sonic possibilities in your playing.
