Installing coil split on a Les Paul with push-pull pots

How to Install Coil Split on a Les Paul with Push-Pull Pots: 6 Easy Steps

Transform your Les Paul guitar by installing coil splitting using push-pull pots. This modification opens up a world of tonal possibilities, allowing you to switch between robust humbucker tones and crisp single-coil sounds with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist looking to enhance your instrument or a beginner eager to explore new sounds, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the process of installing coil splits on your Les Paul with push-pull pots, step-by-step.

1. Understanding Coil Splitting and Push-Pull Pots

Before diving into installation, it’s crucial to understand what coil splitting is and how push-pull pots work:

Coil Splitting: This modification allows a humbucker pickup to function like a single-coil pickup, effectively offering two distinct sounds from the same pickup. When a humbucker is coil-split, one of the two coils is turned off, providing a brighter and thinner tone similar to that of single-coil pickups.
Push-Pull Pots: These are specialized potentiometers used as tone or volume controls, featuring a switch mechanism that is activated by pulling or pushing the knob. This switching function is what enables the coil split feature.

2. Choosing the Right Components

To install coil splitting on your Les Paul, you’ll need some specific components:

Push-Pull Pots: Ensure they match the impedance of your guitar’s current pots, usually 500k for humbuckers.
4-Conductor Wiring: Your humbucker pickups need 4-conductor wiring to implement coil splitting.
Soldering Tools: A soldering iron, solder wire, and possibly a desoldering pump will be required.
Wire Strippers: For preparing and handling the pickup wires.

3. Preparing Your Les Paul for Installation

Start by dismantling the components that could obstruct your work:

Remove the Back Plate: Unscrew the backplate to access the guitar’s internal wiring.
Detune and Remove Strings: For easier access to the electronics, removing the strings can be beneficial though it’s not strictly necessary.

Now your guitar is ready for the installation process.

4. Wiring the Push-Pull Pots

Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps to wire your push-pull pots correctly:

Replacing Pots: Remove the existing tone or volume pots from your guitar by carefully desoldering the connections. Install the new push-pull pots in their place.

Wiring Configuration: Connect the coil tap wires of the humbuckers to the switch terminals on the push-pull pots. Typically, this involves the series link wires of the pickup being connected to the switch.

Ground and Output Connections: Ensure all ground wires are properly connected to avoid hum. Connect the output and input wires according to the wiring diagram specific to your pickup model.

5. Testing and Final Adjustments

Now that the hardware is installed, it’s time to test it:

Reattach Strings and Tune: If you removed the strings, place them back and tune your guitar to standard tuning.
Test the Coil Split: Plug your guitar into an amplifier and activate the push-pull pots to switch between humbucker and single-coil sounds. Ensure both settings produce sound without unwanted noise.
Check Pot Functionality: Ensure the pot’s twist action functions correctly for volume or tone adjustments.

If everything works smoothly, congratulations, you’ve successfully installed a coil split on your Les Paul!

FAQs about Installing Coil Split on Les Paul with Push-Pull Pots

Can any Les Paul have a coil split modification?

Most Les Pauls can be modified for coil splitting as long as they have humbucker pickups with 4-conductor wiring. Some Les Pauls come pre-wired for this modification, making the process easier.

Do I need to replace both volume and tone pots with push-pull pots?

No, you only need to replace one with a push-pull pot. Usually, the volume pot for each pickup is replaced with a push-pull pot for coil splitting, but you can choose which control you prefer.

Is professional installation recommended?

If you’re comfortable with soldering and have a basic understanding of guitar electronics, you can perform the installation yourself. However, if you’re uncertain, it’s advisable to seek a professional luthier’s help.

Will coil splitting affect the guitar’s tone?

Coil splitting will allow for increased tonal versatility by providing bright, single-coil sounds from your humbuckers. However, it doesn’t inherently change the guitar’s inherent tone when the full humbucker is engaged.

Are there alternatives to push-pull pots for coil splitting?

Yes, alternatives include push-push pots or toggle switches, both serving a similar function to activate coil splitting.

What are potential downsides of coil splitting?

The coil-split single-coil sound may not perfectly replicate traditional single-coil pickups and might introduce noise or hum common with single-coils, though the tonal variety generally outweighs these downsides.

Conclusion

Installing coil splitting with push-pull pots on your Les Paul significantly expands your guitar’s tonal range, adding a new dimension to your sound for styles like rock, blues, and country. This mod is an accessible option for all levels of guitarists, thanks to clear step-by-step guidance. Remember, patience and careful soldering will ensure a successful installation. For more detailed guides on guitar electronics upgrades, check credible sources like the Fender website.