in-phase, out-of-phase, series, parallel. What does it mean?

[nelcatjar]

I see the terms in-phase, out-of-phase, series, parallel in pickup wiring diagrams.

Does in-phase mean series or parallel?
Does out-of-phase mean series or parallel?
Or am I even asking the right question?

[ArtieToo]

Anytime that you have two coils, as in a humbucker, or two Strat singles, you can hook them in two ways:



In series, the coils are connected end-to-end which doubles the voltage output. In parallel, you double the current output, however, since an amplifier is a voltage-driven device, the extra current is more-or-less, lost. So, a parallel connection is about the same output level as a single coil connection, (split).

To reverse-phase, (technically: reverse polarity), you simple reverse the plus and minus of one coil with respect to the other. The two voltages oppose each other and you get a weak, tinny sound. The bass and midrange frequencies tend to cancel, leaving just the high-end.

[Aceman]

It means you are thinking too much. Turn it on, turn it up, and rock out!
(of course I'm referring to the use of a humbucker wired in series, preferably with slightly mismatched coils...)

[PFDarkside]

Just to clarify for the original poster (I was in the exact same position 10 years ago ):

Two coils can either be: Series or Parallel
AND
In Phase or Out of Phase.

Series, In Phase is how most normal humbuckers are wired. That powerful, slightly more mid and bass heavy tone.

Parallel, In Phase is how stock Strat coils are connected in position 2 and 4 of the switch. A little less bass and more treble.

You can make either out of phase. Series, Out of Phase is a nasally tone, think some of Brian May's lead sounds. Parallel, Out of Phase can be quite weak and trebly.

That leaves basically 4 different ways to connect 2 coils, right?

To complicate things you can wire some coils in series (HB) then in parallel, etc.

A Les Paul style guitar in the middle position has two sets of coils in series (each individual pickup, 2 coils), wired together in parallel.

(Well, maybe I didn't clarify things as much as give you more to think about. )

[blueman335]

What this all means is that you can get different sounds from a guitar without using pedals. Some players have no need for it, others live on it, and many like to have it available for certain situations & songs.

For a miminum investment (soldering iron, solder, and a couple minor things), and no prior skill required, you can do alternative wiring yourself. It's simple & easy. We're here to help.