Author Topic: Soldering My Mules - Earthing Question (Read 3749 times)

everton_fc · « **on:** December 03, 2006, 09:44:53 AM »

Hi - this has probably been coverd load, but I'm having a go at soldering the new set of Mules into my guitar myself as I really want to learn more about setting up guitars, installing pickups etc.

Anyway, a spanking new set of Mules arrived, the 2 conductor wire version as I dont require push-pull switching.

I have a couple of questions, which I would really love some feedback for - and any pics would be a bonus!

1. To solder the internal part of the wire to the volume pot "prong" do I need to pull back the braided bit, and insert part of the internal wire into the prong and solder that?

2. Earthing - do I solder a section of the whole of the braided wire to the volume pot - will this not damage the wire below? Any other tips of doing this, and maybe a photo of how yours looks would be fantastic, as I would love to see how someone has soldered theres.

Many thanks - this whole forum has been crucial in every step from enquiring about BKP, through to purchasing and now hopefully installing - Brilliant!!!

Thanks

hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2006, 11:24:22 AM »

I'm not a pro but have successfully and unsuccessfully wired pickups, so I do have SOME experience :)

1. Yes. You can unwind the surrounding braided protection and drill a second wire yourself.

2. Indeed it should go to the pot but take it easy, as too much heat applied for too long on the poti's back is no good for the quite fragile guts of the pot (I destroyed the neck tone pot of my Les Paul by too much soldering)

One thing that many do wrong: All grounds (potis) should be wired to one single point for grounding (no circular grounding as this could function as a RF antenna).

Good luck!!

CJ

everton_fc · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2006, 03:48:04 PM »

mmmm. not sure if I understood that or not. I read the instructions that cam with the Mules and I got the impression the braided outside of the wire is soldered along part of the circumference of the volume pot, and the internal part of the wire physically goes into one of the prongs, then soldered. Is this correct?

Can anyone else add to this – I’m a bit of a dumbass when it comes to this so I need basic explanation… any additional tips/photos/diagrams would be REALLY appreciated.

Many thanks

everton_fc · « **Reply #3 on:** December 04, 2006, 03:42:44 PM »

help... 8)

Fubar · « **Reply #4 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:47:31 PM »

Quote from: everton_fc

help... 8)

Not until you return Andy Johnson, Dagnammit! :x :twisted:

everton_fc · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2006, 08:23:04 PM »

Ha Ha! Am waiting for the hairless wonder to kick back into form again...

Opened up the back of the guitar today and shite myself as the wiring in there seems so much more full on that what I imagined. Reckon I'm gonna take it to a proper guitar tech - at least they know what they are doing!?! Man, the BKP diagram looks so simple compared to reality!!! So gutted, am dying to have my new Mules in!!

Fubar · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2006, 08:54:57 PM »

What sorta guitar you putting it in? For most the wiring shouldn't be too hectic?

There's a pretty good basic soldering guide here, as Hunter said, it's worth taking it easy when soldering the braid to the back of the pot. Steve Stevens (I think) is quoted as saying that he solders a piece of standard wire to the back of the pot then attaches the braid to this thus subjecting the pot to less heat. I've not tried it myself but it could be a good idea. When removing the braid it's easiest unpicking it with a needle until you have a decent lenght to work with (about an inch or so). A few people also use heat shrink tubing over any joins for added strength and protection.

Unfortunately I have no pics to post on this subject and a quick search hasn't revealed very much so i'm a bit stuck there! Hope the rest has been helpfull, not that i'm a pro or owt. :)

ToneMonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2006, 09:50:43 AM »

This place has loads of good info:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/index.php

Fubar - We're keeping Johnson, but we'll let you have Beattie instead :twisted:

everton_fc · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2006, 07:09:02 PM »

Ahh another Toffee in the midst. Damn good to see. The guitar in question is a late 1970's Yamaha SG (without Push-Pull volume Pots)

I opened the back of the guitar up and it looked much more hectic inside than what I was expecting - I was expecing a simple wire, soldered to the volume pot, maybe and earth wire and a wire/capacitor between volume and tone pots - well, all the above is there and then some!?! Dont know whether it's due to the fact they are off a production line, and being this model doesnt have push-pull like the sister model, maybe some different wiring was done to differ between a push pull set up... but without having to redesign the internal layout, cutting costs etc - I bet any experienced person would take one look and say no problem. Me, I just filled my pants... Gonna get my mate to give me his opinion, failing that will have to spend Christmas present budget on getting 'em put in by a guitar shop... just wont tell the Mrs that she's missing out by £50 or so this year... he he