Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring

Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is a technique used to equip a guitar pickup with two distinct voicings, accessible by pushing and pulling the tone knob. By default, the pickup operates in its standard mode. Pulling the knob activates an alternative voicing, which can offer a different tonal characteristic, such as a brighter or more distorted sound.

This wiring method provides guitarists with expanded sonic versatility from a single pickup. It allows for quick and effortless switching between different sounds, enabling them to adapt to various musical styles or achieve specific tones within a single performance.

The transition to this article will delve into the specifics of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, exploring its technical aspects, wiring diagrams, and potential applications in different guitar pickup configurations. We will also discuss the history and evolution of this technique and its impact on contemporary guitar playing.

Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is a versatile technique that offers guitarists a wide range of tonal possibilities. Understanding its key aspects is crucial for harnessing its full potential. Here are 8 essential elements of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring:

Coil Splitting: Allows humbucking pickups to operate as single-coil pickups, providing brighter and more articulate tones.
Phase Switching: Inverts the polarity of one pickup coil, resulting in different tonal interactions and reduced noise when combined with other pickups.
Parallel/Series Wiring: Alternates between parallel and series wiring configurations, affecting the pickup’s output level, impedance, and tonal characteristics.
Taps: Accesses different sections of the pickup coil, providing variations in inductance and output.
Variable Inductance: Allows for fine-tuning of the pickup’s inductance, influencing its resonant frequency and overall tone.
Preamp Bypass: Bypasses the pickup’s preamp, providing a more direct and unprocessed signal.
Active/Passive Switching: Switches between active and passive pickup modes, altering the output level and tonal response.
Piezo Integration: Combines traditional magnetic pickups with piezo pickups, expanding the tonal range and enabling acoustic-like sounds.

These aspects work together to provide guitarists with unprecedented control over their instrument’s sound. By understanding and manipulating these elements, players can tailor their guitars to suit their individual playing styles and musical preferences.

Coil Splitting

Coil splitting is a critical component of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring. It enables humbucking pickups, which typically have a thicker and fuller sound, to operate as single-coil pickups. Single-coil pickups are known for their brighter and more articulate tones, making them ideal for genres such as blues, country, and funk. By splitting the coils of a humbucker, guitarists can access a wider range of sounds from a single pickup.

One real-life example of coil splitting in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is the “59 Neck Model” humbucker. When the push/pull pot is engaged, the pickup’s coils are split, resulting in a brighter and more twangy sound, reminiscent of vintage single-coil pickups. This versatility allows guitarists to seamlessly switch between humbucking and single-coil tones, adapting to different musical styles and achieving specific sonic textures.

Understanding the connection between coil splitting and Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring empowers guitarists to harness the full potential of their instruments. By utilizing coil splitting, they can unlock a wider sonic palette, experiment with different pickup configurations, and tailor their guitars to suit their individual playing styles and musical needs.

Phase Switching

Phase switching is a fundamental aspect of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring that allows guitarists to control the polarity of one pickup coil, resulting in a wide range of tonal variations and reduced noise when combined with other pickups. By inverting the polarity of one coil, phase switching alters the way in which the pickup’s magnetic fields interact, affecting the overall sound and response.

One critical application of phase switching in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is in humbucking pickups. Humbuckers consist of two coils connected in series with opposite polarity, which cancels out any electrical noise or hum that would otherwise be produced. However, when one coil’s polarity is inverted using phase switching, the hum-canceling effect is diminished, resulting in a brighter and more aggressive tone. This technique is commonly used to add clarity and articulation to humbucking pickups, making them suitable for genres such as rock and metal.

Another important use of phase switching is to fine-tune the interaction between different pickups. When two pickups with the same polarity are combined, they tend to produce a thicker and fuller sound. Conversely, when the polarity of one pickup is inverted, the resulting sound becomes thinner and brighter. This allows guitarists to create unique and nuanced tonal combinations by experimenting with different pickup configurations and phase switching.

In summary, phase switching in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring provides guitarists with a powerful tool to shape their sound. By controlling the polarity of one pickup coil, they can access a wide range of tonal possibilities, reduce noise, and fine-tune the interaction between different pickups. Understanding the connection between phase switching and Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring empowers guitarists to unlock the full potential of their instruments and achieve their desired sonic goals.

Parallel/Series Wiring

Parallel/series wiring is a fundamental aspect of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, allowing guitarists to switch between different wiring configurations and unlock a wide range of tonal possibilities. By altering the way in which the pickup coils are connected, parallel/series wiring affects the pickup’s output level, impedance, and overall sound.

Output Level: In parallel wiring, the pickup coils are connected in parallel, resulting in a lower output level compared to series wiring. This is because the signal from each coil is effectively split, reducing the overall output. Conversely, series wiring connects the coils in series, resulting in a higher output level due to the cumulative effect of the coils.
Impedance: The impedance of a pickup is an important factor that affects its interaction with other components in the guitar’s circuit, such as the volume and tone controls. Parallel wiring typically results in a lower impedance compared to series wiring. This is because the parallel connection provides an easier path for the signal to flow, reducing the overall resistance. A lower impedance pickup is less susceptible to high-frequency loss, resulting in a brighter and more articulate tone.
Tonal Characteristics: Parallel wiring generally produces a brighter and more defined tone compared to series wiring. This is because the parallel connection allows for a wider frequency response, preserving the high-end frequencies. In contrast, series wiring tends to produce a warmer and thicker tone due to the reduced high-end response and increased inductance.
Real-Life Example: The Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB humbucker is a popular pickup that utilizes parallel/series wiring. When the push/pull pot is engaged, the pickup switches from series to parallel wiring, resulting in a brighter and more articulate tone. This versatility allows guitarists to access a wider range of sounds from a single pickup.

Understanding the connection between parallel/series wiring and Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring empowers guitarists to tailor their sound and experiment with different pickup configurations. By manipulating the wiring, they can fine-tune the output level, impedance, and tonal characteristics of their pickups, achieving their desired sonic goals and adapting to various musical styles.

Taps

In the realm of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, “taps” refer to a technique that allows guitarists to access different sections of the pickup coil, thereby modifying the inductance and output of the pickup. By selectively engaging or bypassing certain coil sections, guitarists can unlock a wide range of tonal possibilities and fine-tune their sound to suit their playing style and musical preferences.

Coil Section Selection: Push Pull Wiring enables guitarists to choose between different sections of the pickup coil, each with its own unique tonal characteristics. For instance, tapping the center of the coil can result in a brighter and more articulate tone, while tapping closer to the edges produces a warmer and fatter sound.
Inductance Control: The inductance of a pickup coil affects its resonant frequency and overall tone. By tapping different sections of the coil, guitarists can adjust the inductance, altering the pickup’s response to different frequencies. Lower inductance typically yields a brighter and more chimey tone, while higher inductance results in a warmer and more powerful sound.
Output Level Variation: Tapping different coil sections also affects the pickup’s output level. Engaging more coil sections generally increases the output, while tapping fewer sections reduces it. This allows guitarists to match the pickup’s output to their desired level, ensuring optimal performance with different amplifiers and effects pedals.
Real-Life Example: The Seymour Duncan SH-5 Custom Custom humbucker is a popular pickup that utilizes coil tapping. When the push/pull pot is engaged, the pickup is tapped near the center, resulting in a brighter and more articulate tone that is ideal for clean and overdriven sounds.

In conclusion, the “taps” aspect of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring provides guitarists with an unparalleled level of control over their pickup’s sound. By accessing different sections of the coil, they can modify the inductance, output level, and tonal characteristics of their pickups, enabling them to create a wide range of sounds and adapt to various musical styles. This versatility makes Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring a powerful tool for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette and achieve their desired tone.

Variable Inductance

Within the versatile realm of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, the concept of “Variable Inductance” emerges as a powerful tool for shaping a pickup’s sonic characteristics. By adjusting the inductance of the pickup coil, guitarists can exert precise control over the pickup’s resonant frequency and overall tonal response, unlocking a universe of sonic possibilities.

Adjustable Coil Parameters: Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring often incorporates adjustable coils, enabling guitarists to modify the number of turns within the coil or the distance between the coils. These adjustments directly affect the inductance of the pickup, allowing for fine-tuning of its resonant frequency and overall tone.
Real-Life Example: The Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz humbucker features a push/pull pot that adjusts the inductance of the pickup. When engaged, the inductance is lowered, resulting in a brighter and more articulate tone that is ideal for jazz and fusion styles.
Impedance Matching: Variable inductance plays a crucial role in impedance matching between the pickup and other components in the guitar’s circuit. By adjusting the inductance, guitarists can optimize the pickup’s interaction with amplifiers and effects pedals, ensuring optimal signal transfer and tonal fidelity.
Customized Resonance: The ability to vary inductance empowers guitarists to customize the pickup’s resonant frequency, which determines its peak response to certain frequencies. This customization allows for tailoring the pickup’s response to specific musical genres or playing styles, enhancing the overall sonic experience.

In conclusion, the “Variable Inductance” aspect of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring provides guitarists with an unprecedented level of control over their pickup’s sound. Through adjustable coil parameters, real-time adjustments, impedance matching, and customized resonance, guitarists can sculpt their tone with precision, adapt to diverse musical contexts, and unleash their creativity without limits.

Preamp Bypass

Within the realm of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, the “Preamp Bypass” function stands as a crucial component, empowering guitarists with unparalleled control over their sound. By bypassing the pickup’s preamp, this wiring technique delivers a more direct and unprocessed signal, unlocking a wider sonic palette and enhanced tonal transparency.

The preamp, typically found in active pickups, serves to amplify and shape the pickup’s signal before it enters the guitar’s electronics. While this can be beneficial for certain applications, it may also introduce coloration and alter the pickup’s natural character. By bypassing the preamp, guitarists can bypass these effects, preserving the pickup’s inherent tone and dynamics.

A prime example of Preamp Bypass in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is the “Hot Rodded Humbucker” pickup set. When the push/pull pot is engaged, the preamp is bypassed, resulting in a more transparent and articulate sound. This allows the pickup’s true character to shine through, providing a more natural and responsive playing experience.

The practical applications of understanding the connection between Preamp Bypass and Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring are far-reaching. Guitarists can tailor their sound to suit various musical styles and genres. For instance, bypassing the preamp can yield a more vintage-inspired tone, ideal for classic rock and blues. Conversely, engaging the preamp can provide a more modern and aggressive sound, suitable for high-gain and metal applications.

In conclusion, the “Preamp Bypass” function in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring empowers guitarists with exceptional tonal flexibility. By bypassing the pickup’s preamp, they can unlock a more direct and unprocessed signal, preserving the pickup’s natural character and dynamics. This understanding allows guitarists to adapt their sound to diverse musical contexts, experiment with different pickup configurations, and achieve their desired sonic goals.

Active/Passive Switching

Within the realm of Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring, “Active/Passive Switching” stands as a groundbreaking concept that empowers guitarists with unparalleled versatility and tonal control. By seamlessly transitioning between active and passive pickup modes, this wiring technique unlocks a wider sonic palette, allowing guitarists to adapt their sound to suit various musical styles and playing techniques.

Coil Configuration: Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring often incorporates a blend of active and passive coils within the same pickup. The active coils utilize an onboard preamp to boost the signal and shape its tonal characteristics, while the passive coils deliver a more traditional and unprocessed sound.
Real-Life Example: The Seymour Duncan “Black Winter” humbucker is a prime example of Active/Passive Switching. When the push/pull pot is engaged, the pickup switches to active mode, providing a higher output level and a more aggressive and modern tone. Conversely, disengaging the pot switches the pickup to passive mode, resulting in a vintage-inspired sound with greater clarity and dynamics.
Tonal Flexibility: Active/Passive Switching allows guitarists to effortlessly switch between high-output and low-output modes, making it an ideal choice for players who require versatility in their sound. The active mode can provide a thick and powerful tone, suitable for heavy rock and metal, while the passive mode offers a more nuanced and articulate sound, perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock.
Impedance Matching: The active mode in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring typically features a higher output impedance compared to the passive mode. This allows for better impedance matching with modern high-gain amplifiers and effects pedals, resulting in a more consistent and balanced sound.

In summary, Active/Passive Switching in Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring provides guitarists with an unparalleled level of control over their sound. By combining the strengths of both active and passive pickup modes, guitarists can unlock a wider sonic palette, adapt to diverse musical styles, and achieve their desired tonal goals. This versatility makes Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring a powerful tool for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic horizons and elevate their playing experience.

Piezo Integration

Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring finds a formidable ally in piezo integration, a technique that seamlessly merges traditional magnetic pickups with piezo pickups. Piezo pickups, unlike their magnetic counterparts, translate mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, unlocking a realm of acoustic-like sounds and unparalleled tonal diversity.

The significance of piezo integration within Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring lies in its ability to transcend the limitations of traditional pickups. By harnessing the unique properties of piezo pickups, guitarists gain the power to emulate the warm, resonant tones of an acoustic guitar, while retaining the versatility and power of magnetic pickups. This extraordinary fusion opens up a world of sonic possibilities, empowering guitarists to explore uncharted sonic territories.

A prime example of piezo integration within Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring is the Seymour Duncan “Woody” pickup. When activated via the push/pull pot, the “Woody” engages the piezo pickup, transforming the electric guitar into a veritable acoustic powerhouse. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette and push the boundaries of their instrument.

The practical applications of understanding the connection between piezo integration and Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring are far-reaching. Guitarists can now effortlessly switch between magnetic and piezo modes, adapting their sound to suit various musical styles and performance settings. This versatility makes piezo integration an invaluable tool for gigging musicians, studio professionals, and anyone seeking to expand their sonic arsenal.

In summary, Seymour Duncan Push Pull Wiring and piezo integration form a synergistic alliance, empowering guitarists with an unprecedented level of tonal control and sonic diversity. By combining the strengths of both technologies, guitarists can unlock a world of acoustic-like sounds while retaining the versatility and power of traditional magnetic pickups. This understanding empowers guitarists to transcend genre boundaries and forge their own unique sonic identities.