wiring with three M pickups

[spitalny]

If TA made a cobra with three M pickups, then, is the 5-way switch going to work like a TA classic 5-way? That is, neck, neck-middle, middle, middle-bridge, bridge for positiosn 1,2,3,4 and 5? And, are the pickups in dual coil mode in al the 5 settings?
Also, of the M's, how to get them to sound as single coil-"ish" as possible. Would it best to use M1- ??

Thanks,
Paul

[tom]

yes, yes, and yes. there is usually a mini switch to split the bridge pickup.
the new optio is the kickback, which can work on all pickups giving a better single coil tone while still being humcancelling.

[spitalny]

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the speedy answer. Of course, your answer generated another question about the kickback wiring, What is that exactly? All pickups still using both coils to buck the hum, but, why then would it sound more single coil-ish?

And, why would an M1- sound more single coilish-"ish" compared to regular M1's., is it because the magnet poles are closer together?

Thanks Tom

By the way, I am loving my TA classic that I bought 1yr or so ago. Love it!

Keep up the good work!
Paul

[tom]

the kickback fiters out some of the middle in a very musical way.
m1-'s are weaker versions of the m1, same size. the weaker version has less bottom so it does sound more single coily, not as far as the m1 with the kickback though. to me the kickback gives me two really usable tones.

[dannopelli]

the kickback fiters out some of the middle in a very musical way.
m1-'s are weaker versions of the m1, same size. the weaker version has less bottom so it does sound more single coily, not as far as the m1 with the kickback though. to me the kickback gives me two really usable tones.
What is this "kickback" thing and can I get Dave at Richmond Music to install one for me? I have two triple M equipped geetars, a Cobra S and HDTC.

[tom]

it's a little magic black box with some fairly exotic wiring. we're still working on fine tuning it. not ready for release as a part yet.

[dannopelli]

it's a little magic black box with some fairly exotic wiring. we're still working on fine tuning it. not ready for release as a part yet.

Sounds cool! Looking forward to it.

[spitalny]

Tom- what would you say would give the most convincing single coil sound in a cobra: Three M's with a 5 position switch (wired as N, N-M, M, M-B,B) or two humbuckers in split coil mode in neck only, and bridge only? Then, contrast that with the kickback circuit (with three M's) you mentioned earlier? Also, I have never seen a single coil pickup in a Cobra, even in the middle pickup position. Was wondering why?

I am getting reafy to (hopefully) order another TA and so, all these questions!

[tom]

the age old struggle has been that while split humbuckers are true single coils, they are thin sounding single coils when compared to the full humbucker, making it harder to make them work live. for me the m's with the kickback do a better job. i'm not a fan of the neck and middle m combo, that's why we left it off the atom. it's a fairly dark sound to me.

[dannopelli]

the age old struggle has been that while split humbuckers are true single coils, they are thin sounding single coils when compared to the full humbucker, making it harder to make them work live. for me the m's with the kickback do a better job. i'm not a fan of the neck and middle m combo, that's why we left it off the atom. it's a fairly dark sound to me.

Hey Tom,

I played and came INCHES from buying a Cobra with three P90's. Just could not swing it at the time. Would that do a psuedo strat quack? I know that the shorter scale and wood type make it difficult to get a snappy sound, but just wondering.

[tom]

those are always fun to play. they do a great stratish quack, but it is bigger and darker sounding. mush more fluid sounding, with a softer attack than a strat. hum is always the issue with p90 style guitars. they are loud single coils, so they have louder hum to go with it. i think with those i like the combination sounds better than the single pickup tones that they make. it wouldn't be a guitar i would try to cover lots of bases with, but a fun one none the less. i believe our lone star friend has one of those he's pretty fond of.
a 3 m cobra is closer the the strat thing, fatter of course, but still retains more attack and high end. with the kick back added it gets even closer.

[GaryMcT]

Has anyone tried the fralin P92's which are humcancelling (side by side singles where one is RWRP like a Fender Precision bass pickup)?

[dannopelli]

Tom, you keep TEASING me with this Kickback thing! UGH!

[mbrown3]

In about a week or so I'll be able to give you a tone report (if you're interested in my opinion!) on the kick back, and maybe even some sound samples...my solidbody walnut topped Atom is on the way. I'm anxious to hear the kick back too, so I'll post once it arrives.

[spitalny]

Hi,
Yes (!), I'd be interested in hearing all about your experience with the new Anderson. I would be interested in your opinion about the single-coil sounds, and actually, all around what you think of the sounds. Good luck with your new guitar, hope you love it!

Paul

[mbrown3]

Should arrive on Thursday, I'll post back Thursday night...

[mbrown3]

See post at http://andersonforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=3336.

[spitalny]

Thanks for putting those clips online. I enjoyed listening to them and appreciate the effort you took to post them. I really like the position 4 sounds (middle and bridge)..Of course, actually, I like all the other tones too! The kickback sounds really good.

You must be excited about your new Anderson. I bought my first Anderson in summer of 2005. A TA Classic, solid Alder, VA pickups. I love the guitar and find that I am still discovering multiple and deeper facets about it that are even better than I thought!

I hope you have fun with your great new guitar!

Paul

[mbrown3]

Yeah, nothing spectacular with the playing, just enough to give an idea of how each position sounds (related, of course, to one another, since it's all subject to my amp and its settings too). I love the 4th position. It's like a strat pos 4 but with more. Great, great tone.