Why Coil-Split Humbuckers Aren’t True Single-Coils

Guitarists often use push-pull pots, push-push pots, or mini-toggle switches to split humbuckers and get a single-coil sound. While the result can be close, it doesn’t quite match the clear, bell-like tone of a true single-coil pickup. So why is that? Let’s look at the reasons why coil-split humbuckers sound different.

Magnetic Fields and String Vibration

Humbuckers have two coils placed very close to each other. Even when using a coil split, the magnetic field from both coils remains present. This overlapping but slightly unsynchronised magnetic influence alters how the strings vibrate, compared to a true single-coil. As a result, some high-frequency tones are lost, making the sound less crisp.

Inductance and Capacitance Differences

Humbuckers naturally have higher inductance and capacitance than single-coils because of their dual-coil design. Even when split, this additional load affects the tone, making it less like that of a genuine single-coil pickup.

More Wire Windings on Humbuckers

Humbucker coils generally have more wire windings than single-coils, which shifts the resonant frequency. This change results in a sound that doesn’t have the same sharpness and sparkle that single-coils are known for.

These factors combine to make a coil-split humbucker distinct from a true single-coil, offering a unique tone of its own.