Question Series and Parallel question.

[JayDawg]

So I am looking at buying 2 Big Al's as soon as I sell off some other non EBMM gear. Originally I was going to go with the 3 single coil pickups but started looking also at the single humbucker set up too. I noticed though that the single humbucker only offers 2 button instead of 4. The one button is for the option of Series or Parallel. Since I am unfamiliar with Music Man basses but am wanting to learn, can someone explain the difference to me. The other brands of basses that I have used in the past did not have this set up.

Also, On the Big Al's with the 3 single coils, 3 of the top button are for selecting each pickup. What happens if you have all of them off? Are none selected then and is the bass muted?

I know these are stupid question but I was curious.

 

[sitonmybass]

On the SSS model Big Al basses when all the buttons are up (off) it defaults to the bridge and middle pickups in series mode.

The push buttons on each pickup configuration of the Al basses are:

SSS: Three on/off pickup buttons for the three single coil pickups

One active/passive button

Single H: One series/parallel button

One active/passive button

 

[Aussie Mark]

On the SSS model Big Al basses when all the buttons are up (off) it defaults to the bridge and middle pickups in series mode.

and active

 

[oli@bass]

If you really want two Big AL right away, then I'd go with one SSS and one single H. Then you have all the options.

Regarding series/parallel: You have the same options on your Sterling with the blade switch (plus there is one setting for only one coil).

 

[JayDawg]

What is the difference between Series and Parallel though? That is what I am not understanding?

Also, thanks for explaining the Big Al question. What I think I will do is go down and play both configurations first and then decide which one to order.

 

[GGK]

The faqs section on the musicman site has a brief explanation. Without being too technical, the series position yields a little brighter tone and is a wee bit louder, or so I think so. I notice this more at moderate to louder volume levels

 

[melvin7822]

Series will give you more low mids with a slightly hotter output and parallel has more of a scoop and a little less output with there being more lows and highs. I believe the single H Stingrays have been traditionally wired in parallel.

 

[Duarte]

What is the difference between Series and Parallel though? That is what I am not understanding?

Just think P and J basses for a minute.

P bass is wired in series, J bass in parallel. I think this is a good explanation...

 

[JayDawg]

Ah okay. Now I think I understand it. Thanks.