Author Topic: Tried wiring guitar... ain't happening (Read 3728 times)

Chris_G · « **on:** March 09, 2008, 08:55:38 PM »

Following on from my previous post, I've now tried wiring my mules a couple of times to no avail. Its too damn fiddly! I think my soldering is ok but I'm having a major problem grounding the wires on the volume pot - nomatter how long I heat it (didn't go over about 8 seconds) I can't get the solder to flow properly.

This was also the case on every other joint, though it looks solid.

I'm about ready to give up here but there are no techs I can take the guitar to unless I get a day off work which, at the moment, is impossible. :x

As it stands I get no sound whatsoever. Please help a complete luddite!

P.S. I'm using a 30watt soldering iron.

WezV · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2008, 11:19:45 PM »

scr@pe the plating off a small area on the back of the pot

Tellboy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:55:23 AM »

Sounds as if your soldering iron is not up to the job. I believe a 30 - 40watt rating is recommended. Lower rated ones are OK for PCBs etc but when soldering pickups especially grounding on to pots you have a fair bit of metal/solder you want to heat up quickly.

Chris_G · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:30:27 PM »

I'm going to try what WezV suggested as the iron is rated at 30watts and does the job fine normally. I think I just need a bit of practice to be honest.

Does anyone know where I can get one of those clamps? I think it was called a little helper or something - this would definitely come in handy!

kellar · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:47:58 PM »

I have always used a 30 watt iron without problems. If the solder is not sticking to the surface, take a wire brush and scr@pe/clean the back of the pot. If there is dirt or oil or anything else on the back of the pot then the solder won't stick.
Also, I hate to state the obvious and I am by know means insulting your intelligence, but let the iron heat up for a bit before using it. Obviously, if the solder is not melting properly than the soldering iron is not hot enough.
But you should have no problems with a 30 watt iron.
Good luck.

Chris_G · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2008, 04:46:23 PM »

Cheers for the advice chaps. No offence taken - really, if anyone has a suggestion nomatter how trivial/obvious I'd be glad of the help as I'm quite new to this aspect of guitar maintainance!

I'm going to give it another go tonight so I will report back tomorrow. That should give me sufficient enough time to recover from banging my head against the wall...

kellar · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2008, 04:57:52 PM »

Just a little piece of literature that could be of help.
www.singlecoil.com/docs/paula.pdf.

If the link doesn't work, just google "vintage tone of a 59 burst" and click on the first link.
:D

Will · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2008, 04:58:26 PM »

DISCLAIMER: I am a complete idiot, no need to take notice

In your position, I would start at the basics, and try and see whats going wrong, presuming Wez's suggestion of scratching off the volume pot makes grounding easier, start by wiring one pickup straight to jack, then volume, then do it with other pickup, seperately, then try and sort out the switch afterwards. That way atleast you know it is possible that everything can work, and may isolate a dud component, or maybe a pot that has been overheated.
Think I would wire the tones up last.

To restore confidence... I heard VH only put a vol in his frankenstrat as he didn't have the complete knowledge of tone wiring :P

Jonesy76 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2008, 05:08:45 PM »

I use an 18watt soldering iron with no issues what-so-ever :D

Make sure you've got some bloody good flux. Good flux will help your solder flow like mercury under your soldering iron......cr@p flux will just make your solder sticky

Chris_G · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2008, 05:50:06 PM »

That's great cheers lads!

Will: Join the club! I spend most of my time talking about guitars and amps and have a decent amount of knowledge on their inner-workings. Problem is, I'm as useless as tits on a boar when it comes to the practical side - which is a source of much amusement for my flatmate who irritatingly bodges everything with no problems :x

Anyway, I just ordered one of those magnifier clamp things which should help with the fiddly aspect of it. Just got to hammer away at it now I reckon!