- Just what exactly is parallel and series wiring?
- Find out the tonal qualities of each wiring type
- Learn how to wire them yourself!
Are you a guitar enthusiast looking to upgrade your pickups and wondering whether to go for a series or parallel configuration?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between series and parallel pickups. We’ll also illustrate how to wire them to achieve the sound you’re looking for.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each configuration can help you achieve the tone you’re after.
So let’s dive in and explore the world of series and parallel pickups!
Series vs. Parallel Pickups
- Series is when one pickup feeds into the next pickups, essentially putting them in a sequence that creates the full and thick tone we associate with humbuckers.
- Parallel is when each pickup has its outputs and grounds tied together, so both pickups are sent to the output and ground rather than one leading through the other. This creates more of that single-coil characteristic we associate with Strats.
Series vs. Parallel Wiring
Series wiring combines the signals of multiple pickups at the start of the signal chain alternatively, whereas parallel wiring combines the signal at the end of the signal chain.
Both series and parallel wiring will influence the tone of your guitar/bass.
What is Series Wiring?
Series wiring signifies that each guitar pickup has been wired so that one pickup connects directly to the ground wire of the next pickup.
This combines the pickups’ signals at the start of the signal chain, sending it through the rest of the circuit, eventually reaching the output jack.
This method combines all of your guitar’s pickups into one ”mega” pickup, resulting in a noticeably louder output with enhanced midrange/low tones.
Famously utilized by Brian May of Queen, the series wired Burns single coils in his signature homemade red special guitar was the perfect ingredient for smacking the preamp and saturating his Vox AC amps. For some, a “fat bottom” makes the rocking world go round!
Series wiring is not a common means of wiring guitar pickups. Therefore, it is not often implemented from the factory.
However, Danelectro is famous for wiring a vast amount of their line in series over the decades. It has stood the test of time as a long-standing Fender Telecaster modification.
What About Parallel Wiring?
In contrast to series wiring, parallel wiring refers to a method in which both the lead and ground connections for each pickup are connected.
In parallel modes, the signal from each pickup is sent independently to the output jack, combining at the end of the signal chain instead of the start.
This is the standard procedure adhered to by numerous manufacturers. The single coils in your standard Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster models will generally be wired in parallel, as well as the humbuckers in most of your favorite Gibsons, such as the Les Paul and SG.
This results in a sweet, chimey, & clear guitar sound.
Parallel wiring dismisses the high cut that occurs as a result of wiring guitar pickups in series, so more top end is retained.
Ok, So How About Humbuckers?
So far, we have mainly been focused on series-parallel wiring in the context of single-coil pickups in which two pickups are being utilized at the same time, i.e. 2 and 4 on a Stratocaster or the middle of a Telecaster.
But in the world of humbucker wiring, these same concepts can still be applied to achieve a plethora of new sounds.
The two coils in a humbucker are traditionally wired in series meaning the output of one coil is being thrust into the other.
Without venturing into concepts such as magnets and coil size this will simply produce the most output providing the thick, rich, and fat humbucker tone we are so accustomed to.
In a 4 conductor pickup, this is achieved via soldering both the north and south coil finish together and the south coil start and bare wire is soldered to the ground. “North coil start is hot.”
However, if you possess a humbucker with a 4 conductor wire, it is possible to wire it in parallel modes.
This alternative will produce a much cleaner and chimey tone reminiscent of a single coil as each coil works independently of the other in this arrangement.
This is achieved by soldering the north coil start and south coil finish together as the hot output and, in turn, soldering the north coil finish and south coil start together with the bare ground wire completing the circuit.
It is worth noting that upon implementing either configuration a humbucker will still remain hum-canceling.
Can I Have The Best Of Both Worlds?
To anyone pondering the decision between series vs. parallel when next wiring up their guitar pickups, I will now take the opportunity to inform you that you can indeed have your cake and eat it, too.
Yes, with the introduction of a two-position pole double pole on/off mini switch or a standardized push/pull pot, you can unlock both configurations within your pickup coils at the flick of a switch.
Albeit complex in terms of wiring, many players have implemented such modifications to their instruments for years. Manufacturers such as Fender even introduced features such as the S1 switch, which encapsulates some similar features straight out of the factory line.
Richie Kotzen is one famous user of a similar system, having implemented it in his signature Fender Telecaster guitar.
Wondering how bass pickups would sound on a guitar? Check out our article on just that!
Wrapping Up
Regardless of what guitar/bass or genre of music you play, a whole world of unique tonal characteristics can be explored by manipulating your pickups’ wiring.
I hope that this brief dive into the world of series vs. parallel guitar pickups has opened your eyes, or perhaps perked up your ears, to some new ways of exploring tone using equipment you already own!
Thank you sir! Good article!