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Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on keeping both volumes active on your Les Paul. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your guitar journey, it’s crucial to master this technique to fully unlock the sonic potential of your instrument.
In this extensive article, we’ll delve into various methods, technical nuances, and practical tips to help you achieve that elusive "both volumes on" tone and explore the wide range of possibilities it offers. So, grab your Les Paul, tune up, and let’s dive right in!
Section 1: Understanding the Wiring and Components
The Pickup Selector Switch
The most fundamental element for achieving both volumes active is the pickup selector switch. In a standard Les Paul wiring configuration, the switch has three positions:
- Neck Pickup: Only the neck pickup is active, with the volume controlled by the neck volume knob.
- Middle Position: Both pickups are active, with the bridge volume knob controlling the bridge pickup and the neck volume knob controlling the neck pickup.
- Bridge Pickup: Only the bridge pickup is active, with the volume controlled by the bridge volume knob.
The Volume and Tone Knobs
The volume and tone knobs play a vital role in fine-tuning the output of each pickup. The volume knob allows you to adjust the overall volume of the pickup, while the tone knob alters the frequency response, affecting the brightness and warmth of the sound.
Section 2: Modifying the Wiring
The "50s Wiring" Technique
One common modification for keeping both volumes active is the "50s wiring" technique. This involves connecting the pickups to the volume pots in parallel, rather than the original series wiring. This modification results in a brighter, more open sound, with less bass roll-off when both pickups are active.
The "Blender Mod"
Another popular modification is the "blender mod," also known as the "interchangeable volume" mod. This involves installing a potentiometer that blends the signals from both pickups, allowing you to control the balance between them. This mod provides a more versatile range of tones, from a balanced blend to a full-on neck or bridge pickup sound.
Section 3: Using External Pedals
The Volume Boost Pedal
If you prefer to keep the wiring of your Les Paul intact, an external volume boost pedal can be a convenient solution. This pedal provides an additional volume boost to the guitar signal, allowing you to compensate for the volume drop when using both pickups.
The Blender Pedal
Blender pedals, similar to the "blender mod" mentioned earlier, allow you to blend the signals from both pickups externally. This gives you more flexibility and control over the mix, without having to modify your guitar’s wiring.
Table Breakdown: Wiring Options
| Wiring Option | Features |
|---|---|
| Standard Wiring | Simplest configuration, volume drop when both pickups active |
| 50s Wiring | Brighter, more open sound, less bass roll-off |
| Blender Mod | Interchangeable volume control, highly versatile |
| Volume Boost Pedal | Boosts overall signal volume |
| Blender Pedal | Blends pickup signals externally |
Conclusion
Congratulations, readers! By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to keep both volumes active on your Les Paul. Experiment with different wiring configurations, external pedals, and pickup combinations to find the perfect setup for your playing style.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any further questions or want to explore other guitar-related topics, be sure to check out our other articles. Keep rocking, and keep your guitar’s volumes both active!
FAQ about Keeping Both Volumes Active on a Les Paul
1. Why do I want to keep both volumes active?
- To allow for more tonal variation and control over the neck and bridge pickup separately.
2. How do I wire the guitar?
- Use a 500k linear taper potentiometer for each volume control.
- Connect the hot lead of the neck pickup to the center lug of the neck volume pot.
- Connect the hot lead of the bridge pickup to the center lug of the bridge volume pot.
- Connect the ground lead of each pickup to the back of the respective volume pot.
3. What is the grounding scheme?
- Star grounding: Connect the ground wire of each component (bridge, strings, pots) to a central ground point.
- Tree grounding: Connect the ground wires of each component to the ground wire of the bridge pickup, which is then grounded to the bridge.
4. What are treble bleed resistors?
- Resistors placed in parallel with the volume pots to prevent high frequencies from being rolled off as the volume is lowered.
5. What value of treble bleed resistors should I use?
- Typically 100kΩ to 500kΩ. Experiment with different values to find the best sound for your guitar.
6. How do I install treble bleed resistors?
- Solder one end of the resistor to the input lug of the volume pot.
- Solder the other end to the output lug.
7. Can I use master volume and tone controls?
- Yes, but it’s important to wire the guitar correctly to avoid feedback and other issues.
8. What are the pros and cons of using a parallel wiring scheme?
- Pros: Brighter tone, less volume loss when both pickups are active.
- Cons: Potential for noise and hum.
9. What are the pros and cons of using a series wiring scheme?
- Pros: Less noise and hum, darker tone.
- Cons: More volume loss when both pickups are active.
10. Which wiring scheme is better?
- It depends on your personal preferences and the sound you’re trying to achieve. Experiment with different schemes to find what works best for you.
