Are you a guitar enthusiast who wants to upgrade their guitar’s stock wiring? If so, then you might want to consider installing the 50’s wiring diagram. This wiring diagram is known for its vintage sound and consistency in tone control, making it a favorite among many guitar players. In this article, we will go over the basics of the 50’s wiring diagram and how it differs from the modern wiring diagram.
What is the 50’s Wiring Diagram?
The 50’s wiring diagram is a modification of the standard Gibson Les Paul guitar wiring. The modification was introduced in the late ’50s as a way to help guitar players achieve a more consistent and sweeter tone. The original wiring diagram for the Les Paul, which is the modern wiring diagram, uses a different wiring scheme that affects the tone when the volume and tone controls are turned down.
The 50’s wiring diagram was born out of the need to maintain the tone of the guitar when the volume and tone controls were turned down. The 50’s wiring diagram is known for its vintage sound as it preserves the high-end frequencies even when the controls are turned down.
How it Works
The 50’s wiring diagram works by placing the capacitors before the volume and tone controls. This way, the capacitors can maintain the high-end frequencies even when the guitar’s volume and tone are turned down. The modern wiring diagram, on the other hand, places the capacitors after the volume and tone controls. This arrangement causes the capacitors to drain the high-end frequencies when the volume and tone controls are turned down.
By using the 50’s wiring diagram, guitar players can achieve a smoother and more consistent tone whenever they adjust the volume and tone controls. The modification is easy to install and requires minimal soldering skills.
The Components of the 50’s Wiring Diagram
The 50’s wiring diagram consists of the following components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacitors | Two capacitors are used in the 50’s wiring diagram. One capacitor is used for the neck pickup, while the other is used for the bridge pickup. The capacitors are typically rated between 0.022 microfarads and 0.047 microfarads. |
| Potentiometers | Two potentiometers are used in the 50’s wiring diagram. One potentiometer is for the volume control while the other is for the tone control. The potentiometers are typically rated at 500K or 1M ohms. |
| Toggle Switch | The toggle switch is used to select between the neck and bridge pickups. The toggle switch is wired using the standard wiring diagram. |
The Benefits of Using the 50’s Wiring Diagram
The 50’s wiring diagram offers several benefits over the modern wiring diagram:
- Better tone when the volume and tone controls are turned down.
- More consistent tone control at all volume levels.
- Vintage sound that is popular among guitar players.
FAQ
What is the difference between the 50’s wiring diagram and the modern wiring diagram?
The main difference between the 50’s wiring diagram and the modern wiring diagram is the placement of the capacitors. The 50’s wiring diagram places the capacitors before the volume and tone controls, while the modern wiring diagram places the capacitors after the volume and tone controls. This difference affects the tone when the volume and tone controls are turned down.
Is the 50’s wiring diagram difficult to install?
The 50’s wiring diagram is relatively easy to install and requires minimal soldering skills. However, if you are not comfortable with soldering or wiring, it is best to seek the help of a professional guitar technician.
What kind of capacitors are used in the 50’s wiring diagram?
Typically, the 50’s wiring diagram uses capacitors that are rated between 0.022 microfarads and 0.047 microfarads.
Can the 50’s wiring diagram be used on other guitars besides the Les Paul?
Yes, the 50’s wiring diagram can be used on other guitars besides the Les Paul. However, the wiring may need to be modified depending on the guitar’s pickup configuration and components.
Will the 50’s wiring diagram work with active pickups?
No, the 50’s wiring diagram is designed for passive pickups only. It will not work with active pickups.
Do I need to replace my existing components to use the 50’s wiring diagram?
No, you do not need to replace your existing components to use the 50’s wiring diagram. However, it is recommended that you use high-quality components to achieve the best tone.
Is the 50’s wiring diagram reversible?
Yes, the 50’s wiring diagram is reversible. You can switch back to the modern wiring diagram by simply rewiring the guitar using the original wiring diagram.
In conclusion, the 50’s wiring diagram is a great modification for guitar players who want to achieve a vintage sound and consistent tone control. The modification is easy to install and offers several benefits over the modern wiring diagram. If you are thinking about upgrading your guitar’s wiring, consider using the 50’s wiring diagram.
