rewiring jaguar with split and parallel humbucker

[siam]

I'll put new pus in my jaguar: bridge hum bucker, neck p90 style single coil. I want to use all the jaguar switches and pots to make it very vesatile.

stock switches are, lower plate:
on/ off neck
on/ off bridge
on/ off low cut
volume pot (1Meg)
tone pot (1Meg)

upper plate
on/ off rhythm circuit (enables neck pu with an alternative circuit I don't quite understand)
volume pot (1Meg)
tone pot (500k)

First I want to change main volume to a 500k, use tone as master tone. I want to use the upper tone pot to variably tap the humbucker. I think I don't need the rhythm circuit at all (sounds the same like normal neck pu with a bit more bass). So the switch could be used to have the humbucker in parallel mode.

My questions are: does a pot to tap the humbucker affect the sound when it is open? I have the other upper pot that could be used as volume pot for the neck pu. What do you think is the smartest thing to do? I think I can figure out the wiring myself but would appreciate help and tips. Does anyone did this before?

[ArtieToo]

upper plate:
tone pot (500k)

The Jag schematic I have, (and Duncan has) shows that upper tone pot as being 50k, which would be terrible for a spin-a-split. The simple solution is to use the 1-meg volume pot instead.

First I want to change main volume to a 500k, use tone as master tone. I want to use the upper tone pot to variably tap the humbucker. I think I don't need the rhythm circuit at all (sounds the same like normal neck pu with a bit more bass). So the switch could be used to have the humbucker in parallel mode.

My questions are: does a pot to tap the humbucker affect the sound when it is open? I have the other upper pot that could be used as volume pot for the neck pu. What do you think is the smartest thing to do? I think I can figure out the wiring myself but would appreciate help and tips. Does anyone did this before?

The pot to tap the humbucker shouldn't affect the tone in any appreciable way if you use a 1-meg pot, as stated above.
I wouldn't use the upper pot for neck volume. It'll just open a new can-'o-worms. Other than that, I think your ideas are great. Should turn out nice.

I'll mod that diagram for you if you aren't in a big rush. I've got several in front of you.

Artie

[siam]

The Jag schematic I have, (and Duncan has) shows that upper tone pot as being 50k, which would be terrible for a spin-a-split. The simple solution is to use the 1-meg volume pot instead.



The pot to tap the humbucker shouldn't affect the tone in any appreciable way if you use a 1-meg pot, as stated above.
I wouldn't use the upper pot for neck volume. It'll just open a new can-'o-worms. Other than that, I think your ideas are great. Should turn out nice.

I'll mod that diagram for you if you aren't in a big rush. I've got several in front of you.

Artie

Oh, yes you are right, it's a 50k. So I just use the volume with 1Meg. No I am not in a hurry and will be away for two weeks and very happy for the help. I got the original diagram from fender. This might help too.

[siam]

here it is:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mlffeqh6ao...H_025-9200.pdf

[Funkfingers]

In my opinion, 1Meg pots are crucial to the vintage Jaguar sound. I detest these pots (even top quality MIA examples.) I especially detest the behaviour of the resistance taper

but

with any other pot value, the sound is ruined.

[marcello252]

with any other pot value, the sound is ruined.

This is absolutely true with original pickups, but Siam said he has a HB and a P90, so I don't think he's aiming to the original Jag sound

[Funkfingers]

In which case, why buy a Fender Jaguar? IMO, that unique sound is the instrument's only redeeming feature.

[siam]

In which case, why buy a Fender Jaguar? IMO, that unique sound is the instrument's only redeeming feature.

I don't need it to be authentic, I want it to be a good instrument. It wasn't a "real" jaguar from begin with but it has a nice sonic texture when played acoustic and I hope this will mix well the sound of the pus and electric.

[Funkfingers]

I want it to be a good instrument.

IMO, the Fender Jaguar has always been a terrible instrument. I always forgive it its shortcomings because some of its sounds are truly unique.

[siam]

I put the new pick ups in today. Without changing wiring it is a big improvement.
Neck is a p33 made by David Barfuss. That is a split single coil P90 style and it sounds awesome. Clear full warm with some bite and because of the split architecture without hum.

The bridge humbucker sounds very clear and open but with the 1Meg too thin.

I changed now to a 500k pot and I think the p33 lost a little bit of sparkle and magic but the humbucker sounds great. Still it could be a little hotter with more definition in bass but sounds great, clean and distorted. These are great pickups.

Now I wonder if I do should the other 1Meg pot as volume for the neck pu.