What is phase switching on a guitar?

Phase switches are usually marketed as a feedback-controlling device, but they accomplish more than just that. Phase determines at what point in time a sound wave has its peak or trough. Out of phase guitar sound reproduction also suffers, to a degree, from phase cancellations.

What does an out of phase humbucker sound like?

Thus, having the neck and bridge pickups wired out-of-phase is the best choice for this type of sound. So, for the uninitiated, what does it sound like? Basically, it’s a thin, inside-out, squawky kind of sound, and the two pickups that normally sound full and rich turn into a thin and shrill sounding couple.

What happens when reversing the phase of a humbucker?

When reversing the phase of a standard humbucker, the hum canceling will not be affected (still hum canceling). Click diagram image to open full size version. Ready to get started?

Can a push / pull switch be used to reverse phase on a guitar?

If a mini switch can not be used, a standard push/pull switch can also be used. Note: reversing the phase of the pickup will only have an effect on the sound if another pickup is also on.

What happens when you turn out the phase on a guitar?

If a mini switch can not be used, a standard push/pull switch can also be used. Note: reversing the phase of the pickup will only have an effect on the sound if another pickup is also on. When combining the out of phase pickup with a second pickup, the sound will be hollow and scooped out with reduced bass.

How does coil splitting work on a humbucker?

You can use Coil Splitting to turn a Humbucker into a Single Coil by sending one of its coils to ground. For illustration, we drew this out for you below. We used both sides of the switch to illustrate two points: It shows how to wire up 3-Conductor and 4-Conductor, and