Gigging...Classic Rock Guitarist and Humbuckers

[guitarman1956]

I'm an old Strat guy and know how to get around on its pickup selection switch. Thinking about using a guitar with dual humbuckers and a 3 position switch. My question: How do you use the switch? Do you stay in the bridge position most of the time for leads and rhythms? I would assume it depends on the song, but a little guidance on your experience would be appreciated.

thanks

[Marcfordsfuzz513]

I use the neck for lead, the bridge for some lead and rhythm.

[Mattbedrock]

I use all three settings for both lead and rhythm at different times, but I often use the three way like a channel switching amp - i.e. set one pickup volume for rhythm and have the other wide open for lead. That way you can quickly switch from rhythm to lead and back, like Duane Allman used to do. Usually bridge for rhythm and neck for lead.

[dougk]

You should probably use it however your ears tell you best.

[lamenlovinit]

Originally Posted by dougk

You should probably use it however your ears tell you best.

Yeah this. Pick one up, and you'll figure out what's what for you in short order. The only difference for me, is that with strats, I do a little more "what do I feel like tonight?" in terms of pickup selection between neck, middle, and bridge. I kind of use them like tone knob almost. Going "up" or "down" according to how I'm feeling in the moment. The 2 and 4 I do only use for certain things. But with HBs I do tend to use them the same way everytime.

[custom53]

Originally Posted by dougk

You should probably use it however your ears tell you best.

yep....

[Marble]

Originally Posted by Mattbedrock

I use all three settings for both lead and rhythm at different times, but I often use the three way like a channel switching amp - i.e. set one pickup volume for rhythm and have the other wide open for lead. That way you can quickly switch from rhythm to lead and back, like Duane Allman used to do. Usually bridge for rhythm and neck for lead.

This^

Neck down low for rhythm and bridge screaming for leads. Of course a Neck lead is always good, and sometimes a mix of the two with some treble for a brighter or more clear rhythm is good too. Its all up to you, but that way as stated is like channel switching for people who don't mess with channel switching amps.

[wholetone]

Originally Posted by dougk

You should probably use it however your ears tell you best.

x1000 (minus the winky). That's actually quite good advice.

[1973Marshall]

If you are willing, I would go to a great tech and get the Jimmy Page wiring. It is wonderful and gives you so many options.

My fave? Pull the Series/Parallel and run the neck in Parallel, leave the bridge in full series mode. Then go back and forth from the middle position for rhythm to the bridge for leads - you get quacky stratty thick rhythms and LP leads.

You can also pull the bridge Series Parallel at will to brighten and thin the bridge out. If you want to go Peter Green/Jimmy page, pull the Phase switch and you are there on your middle position in an instant. If you want some real jagnly fun, go for the single coi splitter (which will be on both pickups), one pull and you are there!

[ericjohnschwab]

I use all bridge pickup on crunch sounds and neck or middle position for clean stuff. I like to play lots of leads on the neck pickup though. I'd say I'm 60/40 percent on bridge/neck pickup for solos.

[Tone_Terrific]

Gibson?
Read the label.
Neck for rhythm.
Bridge for treble.
That's how Les wanted it.

[T.L.]

Neck pickup works best for Clean rhythms, and overdriven leads.

Bridge pickup works best for overdriven rhythms AND leads...