C-RAM Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 So, some time ago I landed on some discussion debating modern vs '50s-style wiring, and it got me mildly interested. Since I ripped out the Craig Anderton pre-amp that had been residing in my '74 LP Standard, I just put the guitar back to what is considered a 'modern' configuration using the cheap little factory disc caps. I decided to give the '50s setup a try, so I ordered a couple of Jensen .022 microFarad can caps and figured I could do a general tidy-up of the control cavity while I was in there. I unsoldered and cleaned up the pots and gave 'em a shot of DeoxIt D5 before prepping them on a board, tying (grounding) them together and soldering on the caps. I measured my T-Tops and found the neck pickup has 250 more ohms of resistance than the bridge - huh. I'm so used to the guitar, I'm not going to change their positions... Put the pots/caps back in, re-soldered the pickups, bridge ground wire, switch selector leads and output jack, and I'm done. So - the sound? The claim was the tone would be unaltered when rolling the volumes down, and I can attest this is so. The WAY the volume decreases/increases seems different, though - not quite as linear... I realize now I have no way to A/B! All in all, the changes are pretty subtle and only involve choosing and connecting different lugs on the pots. I think I can live with it and get used to it. Not really comparable to a '50s guitar anyway, because: These are 300k pots, not 500k. T-Tops are not PAFs Still love this axe - I've had it for 40 years, now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StRanger7032 Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 I can only hope my Les Paul looks that good when its 42 years old! I have 50s style wiring in both my custom-wired SG-type guitars. Not sure how noticeable the tonal difference really is, but it works well enough for me that I see no need to change it. Your soldering job is cleaner than mine, too. Nice job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-RAM Posted May 2, 2016 Author Share Posted May 2, 2016 Thanks, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 That is a gorgeous guitar. I admire you guys that do your wiring. Does it help to be a bit of an electrician? I'd be nervous that I'd screw it up and feel bad on an expensive guitar. I've had thoughts of changing the humbuckers on my Epiphone but I think I'd have a professional do it. That's what I see many of you guys as. Professionals! Anyway, that is a beauty in great shape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-RAM Posted May 2, 2016 Author Share Posted May 2, 2016 Anyway, that is a beauty in great shape. Thanks - a close inspection would reveal plenty of imperfections, but it's all honest wear; that guitar has traveled and been around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 Oh my, that is good to see, like an old friend that Tobacco Sunburst is. rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdgm Posted May 2, 2016 Share Posted May 2, 2016 Very neat job! I've never mastered the art of neat soldering..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Wow. That's super neat work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pesh Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Nice clean job; well done! Need to spruce up my soldering skills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hall Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Great work. Beautiful Paul. A, well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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