Web Surf said:
My problem exactly. I like my Tele and I like my Tokai. ( They are a bit low on treble, but is that normal for a Humbuckler or are there brighter Humbucklers around ? )
But I'm trying to see how to make the Tokai more versatile and get more tones from it.
I really wonder what is more important : adhering to a vintage spec or moving ahead with technology / customer requirements.!!
I'd say the most important thing is YOUR requirements, which may or may not involve keeping to vintage spec. Personally, I always try to mix the best qualities of classic and modern design - for example, my tele has a vintage style 3-saddle bridge but a modern 22 fret neck.
If you want a brighter humbucker sound there are plenty out there, not everyone wants to nail the vintage PAF sound! Check out the Bareknuckle Black Dog, it's vintage style with a bit more output and bite.
Web Surf said:
I just understood that the EPI Elite series have 4 conductor pickups , but still no switch. Why not ?.
I'm not sure if this is true. If it is, then it just means that epi were future-proofing their product for mod lovers.
Web Surf said:
I wish I had many switch positions to try and get many tones.
wow. 22 options seem to be even more than Fender's S-1 switching !!!
Do you have a diagram of how you wired your pups and switches.
Where does one buy the push pull pots and knobs ?
Which version did you do ? The one at http://www.deaf-eddie.net/ ?
Which out of the various positions are you most happy with ?
Mine is a modified version of the Jimmy Page scheme. You can get the diagram from guitarelectronics.com and all the parts from an Allparts distributor. Your current knobs will fit push-pull pots.
I recommend the scheme that uses two CTS volume pots. Use audio taper for all the pots and if you're going to be re-doing the electronics than fit a switchcraft switch (LONG THREAD version) and jack at the same time. They'll last longer.
My favourite positions, ironically, are stock neck, middle and bridge! I like the tapped neck for jangly rhythm sounds. A split bridge pickup can sound like a tele with the outer coil on or a strat with the inner coil on. I really like splitting both pickups and putting them in series, which creates a humbucker that listens to both ends of the picking area!