software

I just rewired my 2 humbucker 2 volume 1 tone Hamer to add a 500k push-pull pot on the bridge JB pickup for coil splitting.
Problem:
The two volume controls are functioning as tone controls, and in one switch position, so is the tone control. In the other bridge position, the tone is functioning as a tone (go figure!) control.

Any ideas on what's going on here? All was working properly just before I did this.
Thanks!

This is the wiring diagram I'm following (to the letter):
from : localhost//website...way-w-spl.html

Something crossed over,that's all.It could be as simple as wires touching when they are in the cavity.
Try dropping the pots out of the cavity,(still wired up),and see if everything functions as it should.
Failing that you'll have to re-check all of the wires on the side that is causeing a problem.
Just one question though-is the switch that you are using exactly identical to the one in the schematic?

Thanks, John. Actually, with the pots physically out of the cavity, it still functions the same way. The pickup switch is not identical to the one in the diagram, but the principle is the same -- center terminals connected to the tone pot, and each outer terminal connected to each volume pot (center terminals). I've been working on this (well, the re-wiring leading up to this) for hours, and hopefully a fresh view after work tomorrow will help me get this right..it's a bit frustrating.
Thanks againOriginally Posted by JohnJohnSomething crossed over,that's all.It could be as simple as wires touching when they are in the cavity.
Try dropping the pots out of the cavity,(still wired up),and see if everything functions as it should.
Failing that you'll have to re-check all of the wires on the side that is causeing a problem.
Just one question though-is the switch that you are using exactly identical to the one in the schematic?
Okay,if the switch isn't identical then the pins may have slightly different functions.
A couple of things that you can do-1:replace the switch-2:source out what all the pins function is.
I would also suggest that you use alligator clips for testing until you get it right.
To much soldering/unsoldering can kill the parts and make an unholy mess.

Well, I had figured out the switch recently, when I was installing these 2 Duncans (JB and 59) a few weeks ago, and all was copacetic. I'm pretty confident that's not the problem this time around (due to the trial and error from the last go-round). I like your suggestion of using alligator clips..hopefully I have some to use, and each time I solder these pots I think I'm going to burn them out!Originally Posted by JohnJohnOkay,if the switch isn't identical then the pins may have slightly different functions.
A couple of things that you can do-1:replace the switch-2:source out what all the pins function is.
I would also suggest that you use alligator clips for testing until you get it right.
To much soldering/unsoldering can kill the parts and make an unholy mess.
Did you remember to ground the 3rd lug on the pots?

I have this same problem on mine and asked this question a while back with no success in an answer. I think Deadskin may have answered my question.

Just stop soldering when stoned or drunk, that'll fix the problem

Just kidding, my tip is to always check with a multimeter when wiring. Everybody should have one!

-Erlend

Initially, I forgot, but then corrected that... still not working properly. Re: multimeter...I do have an old one although I admit to not really knowing how to use it properly.

Originally Posted by DeadSkinSlayer3Did you remember to ground the 3rd lug on the pots?
Part of the problem may be that you've discovered another SD diagram with a mistake in it. They have the tone control wired backwards, so that the tone is all the way down when the pot is on quot;10quot;.

Compare that drawing to the tone control in this diagram:

from : localhost//website...vol_1tone.html

You need to move the connection from the right-hand lug, to the left-hand lug.

See if that helps.

Ugh...I'm still struggling with this....
I disconnected almost every connection and resoldered. The controls are still mixed up.

This isn't fun anymore ;-o

Does anyone have any thoughts of anything else that I may be missing here (besides the handfuls of hair I've yanked out in frustration)? I'm afraid of eventually ruining some of the components, like JohnJohn suggested.

I really appreciate all of the input that's been given.

I hate to say this,but maybe it's time to take it to a reputable shop.

Ugh... let me ask a really stupid question... tone and volume pots are physically the same, right? In other words, it can't be that the two pots are in their opposite positions in the circuit?Originally Posted by JohnJohnI hate to say this,but maybe it's time to take it to a reputable shop.
Not a stupid question at all.
Yes,they are the same.
Two things make them respond differently:
1-The tone has a capacitor that acts as a filter
2-The volume has one of the lugs grounded off to complete the 'circuit',(unsolder your volume pot ground and it'll never shut off-reverse the ground and 'In' lug and it'll reverse the shut-off direction)

What if you just wired up the volume for now and left the tone pot unconnected?That way you could play with the splitting options until you felt a little less frazzled from all this?

Finally.... I got it back up to speed. I'm not sure what the problem was, though I suspect it was a poor ground or two. The wiring in the cavity is sort of a mess, unfortunately. I bought cloth-covered wire particularly so I could clean up the wiring and now, oh well...

The coil split is pretty cool -- first time I've had one, though it is somewhat subtle IMO.

Thanks again for the helpful input!


Originally Posted by PickngrinThe coil split is pretty cool -- first time I've had one, though it is somewhat subtle IMO.

Thats interesting. Unless its a sc-sized 'bucker, I've always found coil splitting to be a fairly dramatic change.