Converting a Silo Spec HSS to HS

[DrewH]

I've decided to convert my silo spec HSS to an HS, humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the neck. I just ordered the guard and was contemplating electronics. If I am mixing singles and HBs, what pot values do I use? I know some of you have done this conversion so I figured I'd ask here

 

[DrKev]

The stock silo special has 250kΩ pots, but that is with a vintage PAF style humbucker. I have tried 500kΩ pots with single coils on other guitars in the past and hated it (too bright/harsh). But some humbuckers may be too dark with 250kΩ pots.

 

[beej]

Yep, it's going to be pickup-specific. See what people recommend for whatever pickups you decide to use.

You do have a couple of other options- you could use an in-between value by mixing 250k and 500k pots on tone and volume. Or, you could set it up so the single sees 250k while the humbucker sees 500k, by using 500k pots and switching in a 250k resistor in parallel to the single coil.

 

[DrKev]

Indeed. Re: I 250kΩ volume and 500kΩ tone did it in a strat and really liked it. FYI - You could also switch the values to 500kΩ vol and 250kΩ tone but circuit simulations I did a few months back suggests it gives the same tonal effect with increased treble loss when you turn down the volume knob, so I would put the 250kΩ pot on the volume.

 

[DrewH]

Yep, it's going to be pickup-specific. See what people recommend for whatever pickups you decide to use.

Thanks. I was under the impression that all singles worked best with 250k pots. But, looked further into it and discovered the Duncan Quarter Pounder I want to use works best with 500k pots.