I still don't quite undertsand the switch

[Powman]

I have the Sterling with one humbucker. But I still don't quite understand the switch.

I know for sure the mid position is single coil with a phantom coil to get rid of humming. It works great and I definitely hear the difference. This is a great position to use when soloing or playing in the upper register and other stuff.

The other two positions, one pointing towards the neck and the other pointing towards the bridge are both supposed to be humbuckers. To me the difference seems more subtle...

So what is the difference between these two positions and when should you use them

 

[slucas]

Postiion #1 is paralell and #3 is series. When do you use them? When it feels good

 

[phatduckk]

ya series will get a more aggressive sound over parallel

 

[GGK]

Parallel seems a little warmer, series seems a little brasher if that makes any sense. I seem to notice it more at higher volumes. When I run through my VT pedal it seems to be more noticable. I usually end up cutting treble (20%) and a little bass boost (10%) with this set up.

 

[steve f]

Position 1 is theoretically closer to the sound of a stingray as it's in parallel but the different magnets and different specs make it an entirely different beast.

 

[Powman]

Parallel seems a little warmer, series seems a little brasher if that makes any sense. I seem to notice it more at higher volumes. When I run through my VT pedal it seems to be more noticable. I usually end up cutting treble (20%) and a little bass boost (10%) with this set up.

Ok, but which is which again? Parallel (warmer)..is that near the bridge or the neck?

 

[Ba$$]

Warmer towards the neck

 

[mynan]

Ok, but which is which again? Parallel (warmer)..is that near the bridge or the neck?

Go HERE and print it out.

 

[Powman]

Go HERE and print it out.

Thanks. This was missing from my stuff. when I bought my bass..

Ok, so towards the neck is series. Towards the bridge is parallel.

Now I find the position towards the neck (series) to be harsher sounding than the position towards the bridge (parallel). Mid of course is a clearer single coil sound.

I am using the bridge position (parallel) for a smoother sound. Am I imagining things??

 

[patpark]

series will always be louder than parallel. parallel is a little cleaner slightly less output than series.

 

[CElton]

Thanks. This was missing from my stuff. when I bought my bass..

Ok, so towards the neck is series. Towards the bridge is parallel.

Now I find the position towards the neck (series) to be harsher sounding than the position towards the bridge (parallel). Mid of course is a clearer single coil sound.

I am using the bridge position (parallel) for a smoother sound. Am I imagining things??

You're not imagining things. Parallel is generally considered smoother. I usually set it in parallel as I prefer the more "traditional" sound. Series comes in handy for dense mixes or something that might require a more aggressive edge. All IMO and YMMV...

 

[steve f]

Thanks. This was missing from my stuff. when I bought my bass..

Ok, so towards the neck is series. Towards the bridge is parallel.

Now I find the position towards the neck (series) to be harsher sounding than the position towards the bridge (parallel). Mid of course is a clearer single coil sound.

I am using the bridge position (parallel) for a smoother sound. Am I imagining things??

Nope, you're not imaging things. That's exactly what would be expected.
Parallel/bridge is a little warmer/smoother. Series/neck a little bolder/edgier.

Maybe you're getting distracted by thinking bridge vs neck. Remember the pickup is not moving. Just because the switch is toward the neck, don't expect a "neck pickup" sound and visa versa with the bridge. It's just one pickup in different phases causing different tone.

 

[Powman]

Ok, I get it now...Thanks guys for clearing that up for me. Cheers!!