HSH auto-split: 3-pickup guitar pattern
If you are looking for a hsh auto split wiring Clear and practical, you're in the right place. Here you'll find the diagram, explanations of the connections, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.
Introduction
This diagram for three-pickup guitars features a humbucker at the bridge, one at the neck, and a central single-coil.47 It uses a standard 5-way two-stage selector to automatically split the humbuckers in the intermediate positions (2 and 4), combining them in parallel with the central pickup to obtain crystalline, hum-free sounds.47
Wiring diagram
Download the SVG diagram and use it as a reference while soldering. The star ground is the central point: all ground wires must converge there.
How to read the diagram
The setup includes two 4-conductor humbuckers, a central single-coil (RWRP), a logarithmic master volume potentiometer of , a linear master tone potentiometer of , a capacitor of , and a standard 5-way lever switch.3 The hot conductors of the three pickups connect respectively to terminals 1, 2, and 3 of Stage 1 of the selector.10 The red and white series junction conductors of each humbucker's coils connect respectively to the terminals of Stage 2 of the switch.50 In positions 2 and 4 of Stage 2, the sliding contact diverts the split signal to the common ground.45
Practical steps
- Prepare the components and check the values of potentiometers and capacitors.
- I soldered the hot wires following the diagram, avoiding unnecessary jumpers.
- Connect all the masses to the indicated star point.
- Check the continuity between the bridge, jack and potentiometer covers with a multimeter.
- Test the instrument and fix any buzzing.
Tips to avoid buzzing
Avoid the ground loopIf the potentiometers are on a common metal shield, do not solder ground wires between their caps. Use an open "C" or "horseshoe" path and connect each ground to the star center. For more information on modifications, see also guitar modification guide.
FAQ
Which potentiometers should I use?
It depends on the pickup: single-coil generally 250k, humbucker 500k, active 25k.
Can I use a different capacitor?
Yes, but the value changes the cutoff frequency of the tone. Higher = darker sound.
See also
Wiring diagrams library
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