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Single-coil pickups and dual-coil pickups
(humbuckers) convert your guitar’s string vibrations
into an electronic signal that is processed by your
amplier.
Selector switches are used to quickly change
between pickups or combinations of pickups.
Typically switches are -way slotted, -way slotted
or -way toggled. Series selections, typically
found on humbucker models, combine two coils of
full output. Parallel selections combine two coils
to simulate a single coil while acting as a hum-
canceling humbucker. Some guitars feature a push-
pull volume control in place of a switch that allows
for single pickup selections.
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To create a specic tone, some instruments feature a balance control that determines the mix of pickup
signals being sent to the amplier. In the center (detented) position, both pickups send the same
volume. Turning the knob counterclockwise selects more bridge pickup signal, while turning it clockwise
sends more neck pickup signal.
When engaged, this switch, usually located on a Volume Control or Tone Control, allows one coil from
a dual pickup to be turned off, effectively cutting the output in half. Note that as the humbucker is now
functioning as a single coil, it will exhibit more hum or noise.
Pickups & Pickup Selector Switch
Balance Control & Push-Pull or Push-Push Coil Tap