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Topic: By-Passing Tone Control, etc on PP? |
Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 13 Sep 2009 9:51 pm |
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I never use the tone control on my Emmons Push-Pull, and I never expect that I will. I suspect I am not alone. I always engage the bypass switch to defeat the tone control, because I believe I get the best tone going straight out to the VP.
Is there any benefit to bypassing all of that unnecessary circuitry? Does engaging the bypass switch (to defeat the tone control) really give the full unadulterated signal to the next step in the signal chain?
If you believe there is a benefit to eliminating this circuitry, what exactly is the benefit, how is the modification done?
I am not contemplating the removal of the tone control and bypass switch from the cabinet. I want to preserve the original appearance of the guitar and retain the option to re-connect the circuitry in the unlikely event that I ever sell the guitar. I imagine that in some fashion I would need to re-wire the leads from the pick-ups directly to the pick-up selector switch. But perhaps there are other methods, or options or issues I have not considered.
Any thoughts? |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 13 Sep 2009 11:00 pm
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No audible gain in wiring around the existing circuitry. The by-pass switch does the job perfectly.
Only good reason I can think of for wiring in a permanent by-pass, is that a switch can get dirty and need cleaning once every 5 to 15 years. Not good enough reason to eliminate it, IMO. |
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Rob Rohde-Szudy
From:
Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 4:32 am
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What Georg said.
--Rob |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 6:31 am
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| I have seen some with the switch/knob removed and a small plaque with the owners name put in place of the cover plate. |
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Bobbe Seymour
From:
Hendersonville TN USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 7:46 am
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A shame you had to see that Pete, some things just don't warrent looking at. 
Bobbe |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 9:58 am
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Yeah, The site pretty much burned the eyes right out of my head.  |
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Bobbe Seymour
From:
Hendersonville TN USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 10:04 am
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Pete, I miss your visits, Move to Nashville!
Bobbster |
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Steve English
From:
Baja, Arizona
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 10:13 am
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Use a jumper with alligator clips to bypass the switch/tone controls and see if you detect any difference.
I use my tone switch and pot to reduce the highs while using a distortion effect. Best use for the circuit that I can come up with, otherwise I'd be bypassing mine too.
_________________
Always remember you're unique..... Just like everyone else |
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john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 10:40 am Bypass
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I bypass everything except the neck selector switch. Of course everything stays where it belongs on the guitar, so a re conversion to original spec is quick and easy.
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 11:29 am
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John
It was your mention of this modification to the PP that you are currently selling (a very beautiful guitar I might add) that prompted this thread. What are you hearing that inspires you to mess with the original circuitry?
If the old tone control/bypass has problems then I can see just eliminating it. But if those controls work properly, as they do on my guitar, is there any benefit to eliminating them? That's my question.
Thanks. Paul |
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john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 1:57 pm tone pot
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Dear Paul,
I can hear the tone pot in a circuit. Can I hear it when bypassed? Not sure, but it is a mechanical connection and additional solder joint, and thereby subject to contamination and possible ( but unlikely) failure. I don't use the tone pot (ever) so prefer to have as straight a signal path as possible.
The bypass is no big deal and does not modify the guitar in a irreversible way, and may make for a cleaner signal (or not), so I just do it, and its one less thing to think about.
I have done this to my 67-68 cuttail too, and none of my Zums have tone pots and bypass switches, so I guess I'm a creature of habit.
Thanks for your nice comment about the blondie, and very best wishes to you and all.
JW
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 14 Sep 2009 4:33 pm
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I believe I will just leave well enough alone. If the tone control/bypass circuity ever fails (which seems unlikely since I never engage it), then I would strongly consider wiring the pick-ups directly to the selector switch.
Thanks to all for your input. Paul |
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