HH or Y2D configuration for Steve Morse makeover

[I like Rush]

Looking to simplify the layout of my Steve Morse model with some customization.

Debating between simple HH with 5 way switch, like an Axis Sport or going with a HSH configuration. However, because of the way the body is routed, I would have to either place the single coil next to the bridge (like Y2D) or use the "angled" slot that's closer to the neck pickup. Not sure how much I would gain from adding the single coil, as I've never played a Y2D model, or any HSH guitar, for that matter.

Any thoughts?

 

[joe web]

you have a SM already? so you can check the sound out which comes from the SC near the bridge PUP...
i would go this way...i love my Y2Ds and the sounds i'm getting from....but it has a special 5-way switch with more layers as a regular one.

the reason i like the position of the SC on the Y2D is, because on all other guitars with a middle PUP it hit the upper curve of the PUP with the pick all the time...not on the Y2D.

 

[beej]

I suppose it depends what you want to get out of it. Swapping the 3-way for a 5-way definitely makes it easier to play, and gives you lots of wiring options. You could do the Axis Sport layout and put the singles on the various toggles. Or not at all.

If you do a search here you'll find lots of wiring options people have used over the years.

Not to muddy the waters, but I re-wired mine some time ago and I've settled on a 5-way with the Y2D wiring (so positions 2 and 3 have the single coils), *but* I have the 3-way toggle selecting which single coil is on the 5-way. So I can have it just like the Y2D, or easily switch between B or N, to the single coils in parallel for a stratty sound. I wired the 'add bridge' toggle as a series/parallel switch for the bridge pickup, though I don't really use it.

You could go mad figuring all the ways to wire it up

 

[kestrou]

My thoughts are that it would be *really* worthwhile to have a single coil in the middle - for a cleaner sound at the flick of a switch.

Your Morse is currently "standard", right? So... which single coil do you like best? I know that when Steve picked one or the other, he went for the one closest to the bridge - but feel free to pick a different one because it's YOUR guitar now.

You could then use a Y2D switch and Y2D wiring with either single coil and not have to do any chin-scratching on figuring out the wiring.

Kevin

 

[I like Rush]

Looks like strong preferences for keeping at least one SC. I don't think I would keep both. I'm going to end up swapping out the pickguard complete with electronics so that I can reinstall easily if I want to sell the guitar. So it will be a completely new set of pickups as well, thus I'm not sure how much I can base my choice on the existing sounds.

Has anyone ever tried a B&B L-500L in one of these guitars? Leaning towards that in the bridge, but I also have a Suhr Aldrich set, JB and a Super Distortion lying around. Will likely go Jazz for neck. Not sure about SC...

 

[beej]

I like the L500s. Fwiw, if you like B&B, consider L90s- amazing HBs; warmer than the L500s. That's what I have in my Morse right now.

So many great pickups out there ... I guess it all depends what you play, and what you want to get out of the guitar.

 

[Samoht]

What did you end up deciding?

 

[Siddius]

The middle SC is worth more than the one in front of the bridge. Oh, and usually the mid SC + neck pup always has that great glassy chimey straty goodness. But really, a little bit of electronic customization would make it easier to navigate. I think that all of the pickups a kill all SC switch would be cool, or a direct to bridge HB switch.