How to Read a Gibson Coil Split Wiring Diagram

Coil splits are used to increase the range of sound available from electric guitar pickups. By splitting the coils in the pickup, a guitarist can access additional tones and timbres previously unavailable. In order to accomplish this feat without needing to be a master luthier, electric players must understand wiring diagrams for their specific guitars and pickups. Gibson guitars provide coil splits with their standard wiring diagram; however, knowledge of how to read them is still required in order to modify guitars for different tonal options. In this article, we’ll guide you through gaining an understanding of the Gibson coil split wiring diagram.

Understanding Gibson's Pickup Configurations

Before breaking down the Gibson coil split wiring diagram, it is important to understand the different pickup configurations Gibson offers. Single-coil pickups generally have one spool of wire wound around a single magnet pole and offer bright tone with plenty of clarity, dynamic range, and responsiveness. Humbucker pickups, on the other hand, are double coils that are wrapped around two opposing poles of a magnet, resulting in a warmer and beefier sound than single-coils with less background noise. Each of these pickup types can be found in guitar models from all manufacturers, and each produces a wide variety of tones based on their own wiring diagrams.

What Is Bullseye Coil Splitting?

Gibson’s patented Bullseye Coil Split technology makes it possible for guitarists to access both single- and humbucker-type tones simply by operating a single switch. With Bullseye Coil Splitting and the Gibson coil split wiring diagram, the two coils of the humbucking pickup are wired in series, so that when one coil is cut off the other continues to generate signal alone but in reverse polarity. The result is a warm and vibrant tone similar to that of a single-coil pickup.

Interpreting the Gibson Coil Split Wiring Diagram

The Gibson coil split wiring diagram makes it possible for players to access the Bullseye Coil Splitting technology with an easy-to-understand wiring setup. The diagram explains the relationship between various components such as the pickups, pickguard, and switches. It consists of four main parts — the toggle switch, the switch terminal, the hot wire, and the ground wire. The diagram also includes information on pre-wired harnesses and which pickups they are suitable for.

Switch Terminal Connections

The switch terminal connection is arguably the most important part of the Gibson coil split wiring diagram. This connection controls the polarity of the pickup signals and the position of the pickup toggle switch. The diagram indicates the direction of current flow (forward or reversed) through the pickup and the switch's function (for on or off). Connecting the toggle switch to the switch terminal controls the polarity of the signal and allows "on/off" switching of the pickup.

Installing a Gibson Coil Split Wiring Setup

Installing a Gibson coil split wiring setup requires more than just skill: it requires a thorough understanding of how to read and interpret the Gibson coil split wiring diagram. Once the diagram is understood, it's important to make sure all the components are connected correctly and securely. Careful attention should be paid to preventing any shorts or incorrect connections. After wiring everything up, the last step is to test the coil split wiring setup to make sure the desired tones are being produced.

In conclusion, Gibson's coil split wiring diagram provides players with an easy way to access both single-coil and humbucker sounds. By understanding the diagram and making sure to connect all components securely, players can successfully install their own coil split wiring setups and begin to enjoy the added tonal possibilities.

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