Big Dogs c--k.

[MrBump]

I hate DIY.

OK, so I have Mules.  I bought all the kit to install them into my lovely little Yam SG 200 - set myself a couple of hours this afternoon to sort it all out...

But I got the wrong bloody switchcraft switch.  It's too deep, for an LP rather than a shallower SG.

Damn all guitars and their wretched ministries to Hades.

So anyway, cussing aside, it's actually made me think a little about the wiring of the damn thing.  I have a DiMarzio angled switch on way, so should be here for the weekend.  And I've just been browsing around and there does seem to be quite a wealth of 2HB/2Vol/2Tone/3 way selector options.

What kind of wiring do you guys use?  I've gone for single hookup wires with the Mules, as I'm after something more traditional.

All ideas welcome...

Mark.

[Stevepage]

The title of this thread made me laugh quite a bit  :lol:

I tend to use 4 conductor wiring as it's a little less fiddly than a single conductor personally. Gives me the option of a coil tap too if I wanted that in the future.

[WezV]

even if its designed to fit..... it will never fit.   

that should be the mantra of anyone modding guitars!!

traditional would be straight to the vols with a hookup to the tone pots, then from vols to switch and switch to output.  i like single conductor because its easy... but i tend to order most HB's with 4 to give the options

[kellar]

I have wired my last few LP's traditionally, using braided wire. It is easier and seems to give the guitar a bit more of a vintage vibe (at least in my mind).
Although, I'm planning on doing a Warmoth LP and it has me wanting to do something a bit different for once. I might try 4 conductor wiring for coil tapping.

[MrBump]

I've seen diagrams where the cap goes from the middle lug of the tone pot to the earth of the same pot, and some where the cap spans from the tone pot to the volume pot... any ideas why?

[Philly Q]

I've seen diagrams where the cap goes from the middle lug of the tone pot to the earth of the same pot, and some where the cap spans from the tone pot to the volume pot... any ideas why?

Search for threads about "vintage" vs "modern" wiring - there's loads of discussion about it, far too much to try to sum up here!

[MrBump]

Damn, I'm really struggling with this, so I'm taking a break.

I'm following the SD wiring diagram, and it just doesn't seem to be working.  I've already de-soldered it all and taken it all apart - just redone the wiring and it STILL doesn't work!



I know it's an obvious thing to say, but the wiring all LOOKS good...

I think that it might the DiMarzio 3 way selector switch; I think that I might be wiring that up badly.  Maybe I'm not understanding it?  I assumed that you connect the lug that connects to the outside bit to earth, the two lugs either side to the hot wire from the pickups, then join the two remaining lugs together and feed them to the hot jack...  isn't that right?

Gonna have a cup of tea and another crack at it.  I'm sure I'll get there...

Mark.

[Philly Q]

I assumed that you connect the lug that connects to the outside bit to earth, the two lugs either side to the hot wire from the pickups, then join the two remaining lugs together and feed them to the hot jack...  isn't that right?

That all sounds OK (I'm assuming the "lug that connects to the outside bit" is the thicker one that's part of the main metal body of the switch).

Are you getting any sound/noise/buzzing at all, or total silence? 

If it's the latter, make sure the hot lug of the jack isn't touching any ground wire, shielding paint etc - I've made that mistake before and it kills the signal stone dead.

[MrBump]

Tea is a wonderful thing.

Had a cup, sat back and assessed what I was doing, realised that I hadn't linked up a couple of pots (earthing the backs of them).

Sheesh!

Not sure I understand why they would need a DIRECT connection, but there you go.

Anyway, fixed that, then tested on my trusty Pignose, and all was fine.

Reassembled, got out the old polish, and a go at feeding the fingerboard, dragged everything upstairs, plugged in and...

Same problem.

Brough the whole lot back down again, and had a look - bad soldering on the earth to back of pot that I'd just done!!!

So having another cup of tea while my soldering iron heats up, then I'm gonna fix that, then everything should be A-OK.

Bloody DIY.

Mark.

[kellar]

It's a learning process isn't it! :lol:
I feel your pain, I have been through it a million times. The good thing is that every time you get it right, it makes it easier the next time around. :D

[MrBump]

All fixed.

Just plugged into the ol' Orange, and it's sounding damn fine!

Unfortunately the wife came back from the hairdressers just as I was starting to adjust the PUP height. 

 :x

Will sneak up in a bit and finish off tweaking.

Mark.