Gibson Les Paul is a classic electric guitar that has been loved by musicians all over the world for decades. The 1959 Gibson Les Paul is a particular model that is highly sought after by guitar enthusiasts. The wiring diagram for this guitar is an essential component of understanding how it works and how to modify it to suit your needs.
What is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram?
A wiring diagram is a schematic representation of an electric circuit. The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram shows the electrical path that signals travel from the pickups to the output jack. The diagram represents the wiring of a Les Paul made in 1959, which is different from the wiring used in Les Pauls made in other years.
The diagram is essential for anyone who wants to understand how their guitar works or make modifications to it. When you understand the wiring diagram, you can experiment with different components and configurations to alter the guitar’s sound.
Understanding the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Wiring Diagram
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is somewhat different from the wiring diagrams used in contemporary guitars. In 1959, the pickups on the Les Paul were wired in a way that created a unique sound. The wiring was also more straightforward than in contemporary guitars, which had more components and often used printed circuit boards.
The wiring diagram for a 1959 Gibson Les Paul consists of two pickup leads, two volume pots, two tone pots, and a three-way selector switch. One of the volume pots is for the neck pickup, and the other is for the bridge pickup. The tone pots are connected to their respective volume pots and the output jack. The selector switch controls which pickups are active.
Pickup Leads
The pickup leads are the wires that connect the pickups to the rest of the circuit. In a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, there are two pickup leads: one for the neck pickup and one for the bridge pickup. The leads are color-coded to make it easier to identify which is which.
In most cases, the neck pickup lead is black, and the bridge pickup lead is white. However, Gibson did not always follow this convention, so it’s best to check your guitar’s wiring diagram to be sure.
Volume Pots
The volume pots control the level of the signal from each pickup. In a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, there are two volume pots: one for the neck pickup and one for the bridge pickup. The pots are connected to their respective pickup leads and to the selector switch.
The pots are wired in a standard configuration, with the input on one side and the output on the other. The output is connected to the selector switch, which determines whether that pickup is active or not.
Tone Pots
The tone pots are responsible for shaping the guitar’s sound. In a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, there are two tone pots: one for the neck pickup and one for the bridge pickup. The pots are connected to their respective volume pots and to the output jack.
The tone pots are wired in a standard configuration, with the input on one side and the output on the other. The output is connected to the output jack, which sends the signal to the amplifier.
Selector Switch
The selector switch is used to choose which pickups are active. In a 1959 Gibson Les Paul, the switch has three positions: neck, both, and bridge. When the switch is in the neck position, only the neck pickup is active. When it’s in the bridge position, only the bridge pickup is active. When it’s in the both position, both pickups are active.
The selector switch is connected to the volume and tone pots of each pickup. When a pickup is selected, its potentiometers become active, and the signal is routed through them before going to the output jack.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I modify the wiring diagram? | Yes, you can modify the wiring diagram to suit your needs. Just make sure you understand what you’re doing before you make any changes. |
| What tools do I need to modify the wiring? | You’ll need a soldering iron, wire cutters, wire strippers, and a multimeter to make any modifications to the wiring. |
| What does the tone pot do? | The tone pot controls the amount of high frequencies in the guitar’s signal. By turning the knob, you can make the guitar sound brighter or darker. |
| What does the volume pot do? | The volume pot controls the level of the guitar’s signal. By turning the knob, you can make the guitar louder or quieter. |
| Is the 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram different from other Les Paul wiring diagrams? | Yes, the wiring used in the 1959 Gibson Les Paul is different from the wiring used in other Les Paul models. The 1959 wiring is more straightforward and creates a unique sound that many guitarists love. |
Final Thoughts
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul wiring diagram is an essential tool for anyone who owns this iconic guitar. By understanding the diagram, you can modify the wiring to suit your needs and create your unique sound. If you’re unsure about making any changes to your guitar’s wiring, it’s always best to consult with a professional.
Remember to take your time and be careful when making any modifications. A small mistake can have a significant impact on the guitar’s sound and functionality. With a little practice and patience, you can become familiar with the wiring and make modifications that will take your playing to the next level.
