If you’re a guitar enthusiast, you must be familiar with the Gibson ES 335. This semi-hollow electric guitar has been a popular choice among musicians, thanks to its unique sound and versatile playing style. However, like any other musical instrument, the ES 335 requires proper maintenance and occasional upgrades to remain in top condition. One such upgrade is rewiring the guitar’s electronics. In this article, we’ll discuss the ES 335 wiring diagram, including its components, types, and installation process.
What is the ES 335 Wiring Diagram?
The ES 335 wiring diagram is a schematic representation of the guitar’s electronic components and their connections. It shows how the pickups, pots, capacitors, and switches are wired together to create the guitar’s sound. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can use this diagram to wire your ES 335 guitar from scratch or modify its existing wiring to suit your preferences.
Components of the ES 335 Wiring Diagram
The ES 335 wiring diagram consists of the following components:
- Pickups: These are the magnetic coils that capture the guitar’s string vibrations and convert them into electrical signals. The ES 335 typically has two humbucking pickups mounted on the front and rear of the guitar’s body.
- Pots: These are the potentiometers or variable resistors that control the volume and tone of each pickup. The ES 335 usually has four pots: two for volume and two for tone.
- Capacitors: These are the electronic components that shape the guitar’s frequencies and filter unwanted noise. The ES 335 has two capacitors: one for treble and one for bass.
- Switches: These are the toggle or rocker switches that select the pickups and control their phase and wiring options. The ES 335 has a three-way toggle switch for pickup selection and a varitone switch for tone shaping.
- Wire and Grounding: These are the connecting wires that link the pickups, pots, capacitors, and switches together and ground them to the guitar’s metal bridge and tailpiece.
Types of ES 335 Wiring Diagram
There are several types of ES 335 wiring diagrams, depending on the guitar’s configuration and the player’s preferences. Some of the common types are:
- 50s Vintage Wiring: This type of wiring mimics the original wiring used in the ES 335 guitars of the 1950s. It uses lower value pots and capacitors, which result in a warmer and darker tone.
- Modern Wiring: This type of wiring uses higher value pots and capacitors, which result in a brighter and clearer tone. It also allows for more tonal options and easier switching between pickups.
- Coil Splitting Wiring: This type of wiring allows the player to split the humbucking pickups into single-coil mode by pulling up on the volume knob. It provides a thinner and more twangy tone.
- Reverse Phase Wiring: This type of wiring reverses the phase of one pickup to cancel out the hum and produce a thicker and fatter tone. It is usually used in the middle position of the pickup selector switch.
Installation Process of ES 335 Wiring Diagram
The installation process of the ES 335 wiring diagram depends on your level of expertise and the type of wiring you choose. However, here are some general steps to follow:
- Remove the strings, pickguard, and control cavity cover of the guitar.
- Disconnect the existing wiring from the pickups, pots, capacitors, and switches, and keep track of where they were connected.
- Wire the new components according to the ES 335 wiring diagram of your choice, using the appropriate wires and soldering technique.
- Test the wiring by plugging the guitar into an amplifier and checking the sound and functionality of each component.
- Reassemble the guitar and enjoy your new tone!
FAQ About ES 335 Wiring Diagram
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What tools do I need to wire my ES 335 guitar? | You’ll need a soldering iron, solder wire, wire stripper, pliers, screwdrivers, and a multimeter. |
| Can I wire my ES 335 guitar without a diagram? | It’s not recommended, as you might damage the components or get a faulty wiring. Always use a reliable and verified diagram. |
| Can I use different brands of pickups and components in my ES 335 guitar? | Yes, but make sure they are compatible with each other and the guitar’s cavity size and shape. |
| Can I reverse the phase of both pickups in my ES 335 guitar? | Yes, but you’ll need to modify the wiring and add a series/parallel switch to toggle between the two options. |
| Can I wire my ES 335 guitar for stereo output? | Yes, but you’ll need to add an extra jack and wiring for each pickup, and use a stereo cable to connect to a stereo amplifier or audio interface. |
Now that you’re familiar with the ES 335 wiring diagram, you can explore different options and configurations to personalize your guitar’s sound and performance. Whether you’re a blues, jazz, rock, or metal player, the ES 335 can be your faithful companion for years to come.
