Les Paul Jr Wiring Diagram: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking for an iconic rock and roll guitar that has the perfect blend of simplicity and performance, then the Les Paul Jr guitar is the one for you. This guitar is known for its single pickup, stripped-down, vintage look, and its unique wiring setup that produces a raw and gritty tone. In this article, we’ll be discussing the Les Paul Jr wiring diagram, including its history, components, and how to wire this guitar in a step-by-step guide.

History of the Les Paul Jr

The Les Paul Jr was first introduced in 1954 by Gibson. This guitar was designed as a stripped-down version of the original Les Paul model, with only one single-coil pickup, a wraparound tailpiece, and a simple volume and tone control setup. The guitar was marketed as a budget-friendly model, which made it very popular among young musicians and beginners.

In 1958, Gibson replaced the single-coil pickup with a more powerful P-90 pickup, which became the standard for the Les Paul Jr model. The P-90 pickup produced a raw and gritty tone that was perfect for blues, rock, and punk rock music. The Les Paul Jr guitar was used by many famous musicians, including Leslie West, Johnny Thunders, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Mike Ness, among others.

Components of a Les Paul Jr Wiring Diagram

A Les Paul Jr wiring diagram consists of several components that work together to produce the guitar’s unique tone. These components include:

Component Description
Single-coil or P-90 pickup A single-coil or P-90 pickup is placed near the bridge of the guitar. This pickup is responsible for converting the strings’ vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then sent to the volume and tone controls.
Volume control The volume control regulates the guitar’s output level. The volume control is usually a potentiometer, which is a variable resistor that changes the electrical signal’s amplitude.
Tone control The tone control regulates the guitar’s high-frequency content. The tone control is usually a capacitor that filters out the high-frequency content of the guitar’s signal.
Output jack The output jack is where the guitar’s signal is sent to an amplifier or other external device. The output jack is usually a 1/4″ jack that is mounted on the guitar’s body.

Les Paul Jr Wiring Diagram Step-by-Step Guide

Wiring a Les Paul Jr guitar can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can wire a Les Paul Jr guitar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wire a Les Paul Jr guitar:

Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Components

Before you begin wiring your Les Paul Jr guitar, you’ll need to gather the required tools and components. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Soldering iron
  • Solder wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Les Paul Jr wiring diagram
  • P-90 or single-coil pickup
  • Volume potentiometer
  • Tone capacitor
  • Output jack

Step 2: Install the Pickup

The first step in wiring your Les Paul Jr guitar is to install the pickup. If you’re using a P-90 pickup, you’ll need to solder the pickup’s wires to the guitar’s electronics cavity. If you’re using a single-coil pickup, you’ll need to solder the pickup’s wires to the guitar’s pickguard.

Step 3: Install the Volume Potentiometer and Tone Capacitor

Next, install the volume potentiometer and tone capacitor. Start by soldering the volume potentiometer’s wires to the pickup’s wires. Then, solder the tone capacitor to the volume potentiometer’s middle lug and ground.

Step 4: Install the Output Jack

The final step in wiring your Les Paul Jr guitar is to install the output jack. Solder the output jack’s wires to the volume potentiometer’s hot lug and ground.

FAQ

What is the difference between a single-coil and a P-90 pickup?

A single-coil pickup is a type of magnetic pickup that uses a single coil of wire to produce its signal. A P-90 pickup is also a type of magnetic pickup, but it uses two coils of wire to produce a more powerful signal. P-90 pickups have a raw and gritty tone that is perfect for rock and blues music, while single-coil pickups have a brighter and cleaner tone that is ideal for jazz and country music.

Why is the Les Paul Jr a popular guitar?

The Les Paul Jr guitar is popular because of its simplicity, affordability, and signature tone. This guitar has a stripped-down design that makes it easy to play and maintain, and it produces a raw and gritty tone that is perfect for rock and punk rock music. Additionally, the Les Paul Jr guitar is much more affordable than other Les Paul models, making it accessible to younger musicians and beginners.

Can I modify the wiring setup of my Les Paul Jr guitar?

Yes, you can modify the wiring setup of your Les Paul Jr guitar to achieve different tones and sounds. Some common modifications include adding a second pickup, changing the capacitor value, or adding a push-pull potentiometer for coil splitting. However, make sure you have the proper knowledge and tools before attempting any modifications to your guitar’s wiring setup.

What is the best way to clean my Les Paul Jr guitar?

The best way to clean your Les Paul Jr guitar is to use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the guitar’s finish or hardware. Additionally, make sure you store your guitar in a dry, cool, and dust-free environment to prevent any damage or corrosion to the guitar’s components.

In conclusion, the Les Paul Jr guitar is an iconic instrument that has stood the test of time. Its unique wiring setup and stripped-down design make it a favorite among musicians of all genres. By following this guide, you can wire your Les Paul Jr guitar and enjoy its signature tone for years to come.