The Gibson Les Paul is one of the most iconic guitars in the world, and the 1959 model is widely considered to be the holy grail of Les Pauls. This guitar is famous for its beautiful tone, sustain, and playability, but it’s also known for its complex wiring diagram. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram, including its history, components, and how to wire it properly. Whether you’re a guitar enthusiast or a technician, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand and work with this classic wiring diagram.
History of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram
The Gibson Les Paul was first introduced in 1952, and throughout the 1950s, the wiring diagram went through several changes. In 1959, Gibson altered the wiring diagram once again, and this version became the standard for all Les Pauls produced during that year. This wiring diagram featured a three-way toggle switch, two volume controls, and two tone controls, along with a unique “out of phase” switch that allowed the guitar to produce a distinctive “honky” sound.
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram was used on some of the most iconic guitars in rock and roll history, including the Gibson Les Paul Standard, the Gibson SG, and the Gibson Flying V. These guitars were played by legendary guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, and their sound and tone continue to inspire musicians to this day.
Components of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of wiring the 1959 Gibson Les Paul, let’s take a look at the components that make up this wiring diagram.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Three-way toggle switch | This switch is used to select between the neck and bridge pickups, or both. |
| Volume controls | There are two volume controls, one for each pickup. |
| Tone controls | There are two tone controls, one for each pickup. |
| Capacitors | These are used to filter out certain frequencies and shape the tone of the guitar. |
| Out of phase switch | This switch allows the pickups to be wired in a way that produces a unique “honky” sound. |
Understanding these components is crucial to understanding how the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram works, so let’s take a closer look at each one.
Three-way toggle switch
The three-way toggle switch is the most basic component of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram. This switch is used to select between the neck and bridge pickups, or both. In the middle position, both pickups are selected, while the other two positions select either the neck or bridge pickup. The toggle switch is a simple switch that connects or disconnects the pickups from the circuit. It’s important to wire this switch properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Volume controls
The volume controls on the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram are used to adjust the output level of each pickup. There are two volume controls, one for the neck pickup and one for the bridge pickup. These controls are simple potentiometers that allow the user to adjust the resistance and, therefore, the output level of each pickup. It’s important to wire these controls properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Tone controls
The tone controls on the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram are used to adjust the tone of each pickup. There are two tone controls, one for the neck pickup and one for the bridge pickup. These controls are also simple potentiometers that allow the user to adjust the resistance and, therefore, the tone of each pickup. It’s important to wire these controls properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Capacitors
The capacitors on the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram are used to filter out certain frequencies and shape the tone of the guitar. There are two capacitors, one for each tone control. These capacitors are usually ceramic or mylar capacitors, and they have a specific capacitance value that determines which frequencies are filtered out. It’s important to choose the right capacitors for your guitar and wire them properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Out of phase switch
The out of phase switch on the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is a unique component that allows the pickups to be wired in a way that produces a distinctive “honky” sound. This switch is used to reverse the phase of one of the pickups, causing it to be out of phase with the other pickup. This produces a sound that is thinner and sharper than the normal sound of the guitar. It’s important to wire this switch properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
How to Wire the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram
Wiring the 1959 Gibson Les Paul can be a complex process, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to wiring the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram:
Step 1: Gather your materials
Before you start wiring your 1959 Gibson Les Paul, you’ll need to gather some materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Wire cutters
- Wire stripper
- Guitar wiring kit
- 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram
Make sure you have all of these materials before you start wiring your guitar.
Step 2: Remove the old wiring
If you’re rewiring your guitar, you’ll need to remove the old wiring first. This involves removing the pickups, pots, and switch from the guitar, and then carefully cutting the wires that connect them. Make sure you label each wire as you remove it, so you know where to reconnect it later.
Step 3: Install the new components
Once you’ve removed the old wiring, you can install the new components. This involves installing the new pickups, pots, and switch, and then connecting them with new wires. Make sure you follow the wiring diagram carefully, and double-check your work as you go. It’s important to wire the components properly, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Step 4: Solder the connections
Once you’ve connected all of the components with new wires, you’ll need to solder the connections. This involves heating up the wires with a soldering iron and then applying solder to them, creating a strong and permanent connection. Make sure you use a high-quality solder and apply it carefully, as any mistakes can result in a loss of signal or an unwanted hum.
Step 5: Test the guitar
Once you’ve soldered all of the connections, it’s time to test your guitar. Plug it in to an amplifier and test each pickup, switch, and control to make sure it’s working properly. If you hear any unwanted noise or hum, double-check your wiring and make sure everything is connected properly.
FAQ
What is the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram?
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is a complex wiring diagram that features a three-way toggle switch, two volume controls, two tone controls, and a unique “out of phase” switch. This wiring diagram was used on some of the most iconic guitars in rock and roll history, and it’s still sought after by guitar enthusiasts and technicians today.
What makes the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram so special?
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is special because it produces a unique and desirable tone that’s hard to replicate. The “out of phase” switch, in particular, produces a distinctive “honky” sound that’s been used on countless classic recordings. Additionally, the wiring diagram is known for its complexity, which makes it a challenge for guitar technicians and enthusiasts to work with.
Can I wire my own 1959 Gibson Les Paul?
Yes, it’s possible to wire your own 1959 Gibson Les Paul, but it’s a complex process that requires some knowledge of electronics and soldering. If you’re not comfortable working with electronics or soldering, it’s best to have a professional technician do the wiring for you. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of resources available online that can walk you through the process step-by-step.
What are some common mistakes when wiring a 1959 Gibson Les Paul?
Some common mistakes when wiring a 1959 Gibson Les Paul include using the wrong components or values, wiring the components incorrectly, and failing to properly ground the guitar. It’s important to double-check your work as you go, and to follow the wiring diagram carefully to avoid any mistakes.
What tools do I need to wire a 1959 Gibson Les Paul?
You’ll need a few tools to wire a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, including a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, wire stripper, and a guitar wiring kit. You’ll also need the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram, which you can find online or in guitar wiring books.
Is the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram worth the effort?
Many guitar enthusiasts and technicians believe that the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is worth the effort, as it produces a unique and desirable tone that’s hard to replicate. Additionally, working with this wiring diagram can be a fun and rewarding challenge for those who are interested in guitar electronics and wiring.
In conclusion, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is a complex but rewarding wiring diagram that’s been used on some of the most iconic guitars in rock and roll history. Whether you’re a guitar enthusiast or a technician, this wiring diagram is worth taking the time to understand and work with. By following the instructions in this guide and using the right tools and components, you can wire your own 1959 Gibson Les Paul and achieve the classic tone and sound that made this guitar so famous.
