Coil-splitting a 535?

[jraad]

Has anyone had any experience coil-splitting the standard Schaller pickups on a 535? I'm tempted to order a couple of the push/pull pots and try it out but just wanted to see if anyone can share any wisdom on the subject, as far as sound, fit/installation of the pots etc.

[kbp810]

I did this on my 535, but never much cared for the split sound I got out of them (it's still at least always fun to tinker though! - that and your mileage may vary).

 

For the fit, look for p/p pots that have a 3/8" bushing; a lot of the p/p pots seem to come in smaller 7mm or 1/4" bushings, and they're a little small for the existing holes.

[jraad]

I did this on my 535, but never much cared for the split sound I got out of them (it's still at least always fun to tinker though! - that and your mileage may vary).

 

For the fit, look for p/p pots that have a 3/8" bushing; a lot of the p/p pots seem to come in smaller 7mm or 1/4" bushings, and they're a little small for the existing holes.

 

Thanks for the info! I just can't decide if I should bite the bullet and spend the money on new pickups or try out the coil tap option first. I know from experience with other guitars that the split sound will never sound quite like a single coil but it would add some tonal variety, is my hope...

[CJTopes]

A few months back I coil split the SD Pearly Gates that I put in my Millenium DC and love the results. Tonaly I have a boadload of options and use them all the time.

[tbonesullivan]

have you tried lowering/raising the pickups? that can change the sound somewhat.

 

If you want to get some real variety in sounds, I'd recommend looking into Seymour Duncan "triple-shot" mounting rings, and maybe some P-Rails pickups. Those don't require push-pull pots, and put everything right on the pickup ring. Also with the P-Rails you can get a lot of great sounds, from a nice vintage 'mismatched" style humbucker, to P-09s, to Rail single, and other great sounds.

[tulk1]

My H535 PSPIII Custom has split HRWs. Never cared for them in split mode. Like the idea, tho'.

[gpuma]

Has anyone had any experience coil-splitting the standard Schaller pickups on a 535? I'm tempted to order a couple of the push/pull pots and try it out but just wanted to see if anyone can share any wisdom on the subject, as far as sound, fit/installation of the pots etc.

I have this configuration in my Little One and I like it a lot

[tbonesullivan]

My H535 PSPIII Custom has split HRWs. Never cared for them in split mode. Like the idea, tho'.

see, that's the thing. Humbuckers, for the most part, were not designed to be split. They were designed to work together to provide a hum cancelled sound and have a specific profile. They often sound anemic split, and I'm not particularly a fan of the sound. True single coils sound better, as they were designed as a single coil and have a higher output.

[tulk1]

see, that's the thing. Humbuckers, for the most part, were not designed to be split. They were designed to work together to provide a hum cancelled sound and have a specific profile. They often sound anemic split, and I'm not particularly a fan of the sound. True single coils sound better, as they were designed as a single coil and have a higher output.

Agreed. The HRWs tapped sound okay in the shed. But on stage the split was useless ... just disappeared in the mix.

[yoslate]

Agreed. The HRWs tapped sound okay in the shed. But on stage the split was useless ... just disappeared in the mix.

 

Couldn't agree more, Kenny. Had coil splitting in the new Nash Les Paul. Intriguing for about twenty-four hours. Just nothing there, really. Yanked it. I have a 535 with Seths that has such a beautiful, definitive sound.... If I want single coils, I'll pick up the Strat or Tele...single coils the way they're meant to be.

[kidsmoke]

Thanks for the info! I just can't decide if I should bite the bullet and spend the money on new pickups or try out the coil tap option first. I know from experience with other guitars that the split sound will never sound quite like a single coil but it would add some tonal variety, is my hope...

that's the rub....if you want to create a broader tonal range cool. It does that. If you want a tele and creamy humbucker goodness in the same case, it ain't gonna happen. I did this on a LP style guitar, that was semi hollow a la a tele thinline - they split, sounded almost single coil like, created a lot of flexibility....but it wasn't a single coil sound. Now I have a 535 and a tele.

 

And I agree that the triple shot rings may be a better option than push/pulls any way. throw a top notch harness in there and leave it alone. Do all the surgery at the pickup route, especially on a semi!

[jraad]

Thank you all very, very much for your help! Considering I already have a single-coil guitar who's tone I absolutely love, and given all the experiences you guys have shared, I'm gunna wait and buy a set of the Seths.