I don't like the Gibson-style 2-pickup 4-knob control layout

Tom Karol · #1 11-13-2011, 09:19 AM

I'm relatively sure I won't bother to try this on my oft-mentioned 335 clone, because I generally just use the neck pickup and roll its volume up and down as required, which with some practice is reasonably fast and precise, but ...

Why couldn't you change the wiring and install an additional 2-way toggle switch so that one pair of volume and tone controls could be set for lead and the other pair could be set for rhythm? I know this is basically the original Fender Jazzmaster concept which never was particularly popular, but it seems like it might be a better way to configure 4 knobs even with only a neck pickup installed.

Thoughts?

cjm · #2 11-13-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

I'm relatively sure I won't bother to try this on my oft-mentioned 335 clone, because I generally just use the neck pickup and roll its volume up and down as required, which with some practice is reasonably fast and precise, but ...

Why couldn't you change the wiring and install an additional 2-way toggle switch so that one pair of volume and tone controls could be set for lead and the other pair could be set for rhythm? I know this is basically the original Fender Jazzmaster concept which never was particularly popular, but it seems like it might be a better way to configure 4 knobs even with only a neck pickup installed.

Thoughts?

Thinking in terms of single pickup guitar, I'd rather do without any tone control, and if a toggle switch was added, its purpose would be to switch the volume control in and out of the circuit. I would want a three position switch.

With the switch thrown to one end, the volume pot would be out of the circuit, and volume would be adjusted at the amp for playing lead. I would handle all dynamics with my picking hand.

In the switch center position, the volume pot would be in the circuit, and usually pre-adjusted for a slightly lower level for rhythm.

With the switch thrown to the other end, the pickup would be disconnected and the guitar "turned off." This would allow thumbing through a fake book without a bunch of clangors from hitting strings and it would permit setting the guitar in a stand next to the amp without worrying about feedback.

Wouldn't work for every one, and it wouldn't work for all styles. But I think it would work pretty well in most straight ahead jazz situations where you're called upon to play rhythm as well as take solos...and if you have to take a quick break to whizz.

woyvel · #3 11-13-2011, 11:23 AM

I see the point in it. I like the idea of the Epi Riviera too, where there are 3 volumes, one for each pickup, and one master tone. I'd like a second tone for each neck and bridge, but then I don't want it to be an Airline either.

SamBooka · #4 11-13-2011, 05:35 PM

Because then you couldnt roll the volume of the neck pickup completely and use the pickup selector to get that TAKATAKAKAKAKAA! Sound ala Norman Greenbaum/EddieVH.

I am trying to sell my jazzmaster and mentioned in the ad that I had disconnected the rythm circuit since I never liked/used it and anyone who has answered has wanted it with the circuit connected so I put it back in.