Hello, I have a 2016 Cutlass configured as SSS which I dearly love but hankering for a HSS configuration. I have a spare Seymour Duncan JB pick-up and I'm wondering whether it's an easy job OR NOT (routing.. active circuitry..) to convert my Cutlass and then also if it didn't work out to reverse the conversion back to its former state.. has anybody done this before and with what success?
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Convert SSS Cutlass to HSS, doable or AVOID?
- Thread starter Chalkdust
- Start date
Jim Jim Jeree
Member
Depends on the pcb. Take a look and see if it has open spots on it. That would be the easiest scenario.
beej
Moderator
The actual wiring isn't complicated, but I don't think that year Cutlass is routed for a humbucker in the bridge, so unfortunately that would mean surgery to make it fit. Beyond that (and the pickguard), the board is going to have 250k pots, so you'd want to pick a humbucker that works with that.
Easier would be finding a single-coil sized humbucker that works well with 250k pots. I've had good experiences with the Dimarzio Chopper ... obviously there are a ton of options out there.
Easier would be finding a single-coil sized humbucker that works well with 250k pots. I've had good experiences with the Dimarzio Chopper ... obviously there are a ton of options out there.
Ok that’s interesting, and are you able to tap your chopper (excuse the language) and if so how switched ?
beej
Moderator
You can split it, but to do so you'd need a different (multi-pole) switch
Personally I found it too anemic when split, either on it's own or when combined with the middle single coil. It doesn't have enough output - more of a beefy single coil character.
Personally I found it too anemic when split, either on it's own or when combined with the middle single coil. It doesn't have enough output - more of a beefy single coil character.
Aha.. i did wonder!.. in fact i’m sure I’ve put a mini HB into an old Strat before and found the same issue. I had a look yesterday and my guitar is not routed to accept large humbler size, so I think I shall probably just keep it as it is.. after all, I do enjoy it for what it is. Thanks for your help.
beej
Moderator
Anytime.
Fwiw, it's worth exploring some of the mini humbuckers if you want more oomph- they're easy to wire up in that guitar so makes for a fun project.
Fwiw, it's worth exploring some of the mini humbuckers if you want more oomph- they're easy to wire up in that guitar so makes for a fun project.
