Prototype Specs(?)

[django49]

A recent posting for a WTB for a Proto with hardtail got me to thinking whether I should let loose. So, how better to ponder than to play a couple and compare?

So, there are two hereabouts, both with the single coil in the neck as well as the 3 coils in the bridge.

1 A 1982 hardtail with 1 volume and 1 tone. The second switch is THREE way, allowing 3 different combinations of the rear pup. Sustainblock, doncha know.

2 A 1984 with Kahler locking setup. But it has TWO volumes and one tone. The second mini-switch is TWO way, giving a bit less flexibility with the rear pups.

Does anyone with more experience than me know if there was this much variation? As best I can tell, neither has any appearance of modification.

Bad news, I suppose, in that the renewal of the relationship with the hardtail sorta covered up thoughts of selling. (Well, maybe I will reconsider if/when I pass along the 6 or 8 others that are of less longer term interest to me.......)

Anyway, the usual sharing of knowledge would be much appreciated.

TIA!

[velorush]

Too bad neither is an '83 - those were the best, I hear? (sorry, couldn't resist)

'Bout everything I know came from here and here and here, but you've probably already explored that.

Alternately, Andrew's site has this along with some additional info.

[mathman]

I'm far from the expert but my 84 with kahler has one volume, one tone, and a three way switch for bridge, mixed, and neck, and a two way switch that changes from the single in the bridge to the humbucker in the bridge. So I can mix and match any combination except for the three coils on the bridge together. I've always wondered how that would sound combined.... ;-)

[hamerhead]

A 1982 hardtail with 1 volume and 1 tone. The second switch is THREE way, allowing 3 different combinations of the rear pup. Sustainblock, doncha know.

If ever a guitar needed a new home, it's that one.

I'll wait patiently.

[bubs_42]

No Touchy Touchy.

[Andrew]

The weirdest thing about the original Prototype (not the II) is that the switch is wired in reverse to the pickups - down is the single coil and up for the humbucker nearer the bridge.

The Prototype II has standard Phantom wiring and is really a Phantom in disguise. The description above is right, so you can't actually mix the bridge humbucker and mid-position single coil. This switching was kept for the Steve Stevens but the new-fangled Chaparral had three mini-switches that allowed any combination, coil-tapping on the humbucker and phase reversal for the singles.

[bubs_42]

Andrew, I figured since it was designed for Andy Summers who used a Tele mostly and then some SG it totally makes since. Its like having an instant lead boost.

[bubs_42]

This is sort of what I am going for on my current build. I have it all laid out in my head that it will work. Jay is going to have to tell me different if it isn't going to work. Really can't wait for this one to get done.

I still want that 82

A 1982 hardtail with 1 volume and 1 tone. The second switch is THREE way, allowing 3 different combinations of the rear pup. Sustainblock, doncha know.

[sixesandsevens]

Too bad neither is an '83 - those were the best, I hear? (sorry, couldn't resist)

Well played. I say that mostly because I came here to post the same thing.

Isn't there a book? Hammer: The Untamed Story, I think...

[bubs_42]

Mandatory Reading I understand. It sits next to my Rick N. , Billy Gibbons books.