How To Wire A Les Paul Type Wiring Harness

[@christopheryoung6117]

YES! Thank you so much. I bought a wiring harness from a dealer in the US and could not figure it out. I unsoldered everything and watched your video, step-by-step, and did it at the same time. SO HELPFUL!

[@shawnhalls2431]

By far the best video I've seen so far. I understand the logical wiring but a diagram wasn't answering the questions I had. Seeing this super clean and straightforward and hands-on demonstration got my guitar making noise! ❤

[@outbackguitars3272]

Glad it helped mate!

[@perrruzzy]

si hablas español y andas buscando un tutorial efectivo la verdad este es el bueno. no busques mas este es el mejor que he encontrado. me ayudo mucho a entender porque mi lespaul hondo traía colocados los capacitores de esa forma.

[@jordigarcia4592]

hola man, ¿ y porque tu Hondo Lp traía los capacitores de esa forma ? no me queda claro que tipo de conexión es esta que muestra el gringo no es ni vintage 50 ni modern , es mas tengo una Sg que trae esta conexión y suena de maravillas ,saludos locura ....

[@DLock-jw8me]

Thank you. Exactly what i needed to know in one compact video.

[@Crosshatch1212]

U too 😂

[@Crown_Point_Ranch]

Hi Will, Greetings from the hills of Northern California. After looking at a few others, your video was exactly what I was looking for! Someone really hacked their mod on my 1982 Ibanez AM-50 when adding a 6 position Gibson style rotary tone switch, and wiring the guitar for stereo. While that would be a cool mod if it had been done well, this is a hot mess! I plan to scrap the rotary switch and go back to stock re-using all the original pots as they appear to be high quality. Anyway, I really appreciate your very clear and easy to follow video!

[@SOKLEAPMUSIC]

Thank you So much Brother For saving my 10 years old Guitar...

[@outbackguitars3272]

Always a pleasure

[@wenchaoli3188]

You are a lifesaver mate, all the diagrams (in Seymour Duncan's Official Diagrams) on the internet with the Switchcraft 3-way toggle sent me goose chasing for the loud hum no sound issue. came to a complete understanding after watching your video and solved the problem, thank you so much!

[@heiro9611]

Idk much about electronics per se but you probably don’t need all 4 pots connected to ground like you did. They don’t all need to be connected to each other. The 4th pot doesn’t need to connect back to the first pot because it’s already connected through the other ones

[@user-fe3ok8ms8w]

wow this helps alot for us...
i love to see more on this wiring
not too complex like others..
next vids strat and ivanez 5 way switch..
and humbukers 5 wires..
u earned my sub..thanks. very impormative content...

[@motorhead41]

Great tutorial. Very thorough and easy to follow. Also, excellent background music. 👌

[@outbackguitars3272]

Thanks mate more videos in the works hopefully soon

[@Crown_Point_Ranch]

After watching your video, I just got done pulling my new harness into a semi hollow body Ibanez. If you have ever done this, you know how tedious it is as you cant gey hands in side so have to pull each pot/switch/jack to its mount hoe with a pull string or wire. I realized that I did not need the ground wire you put across the tone pots as each is allready grounded via the ground wire from each Volume pot. So I cut that one out (the less wires the better) before fishing the wires into the guitar through the bridge pup hole. That was not fun BUT IT WORKS NOW!! YAY!!!

[@outbackguitars3272]

I have never worked on a semi hollow body but I have watched enough videos to know it’s going to be a pain when I get my hands on one 😂

[@SpringBonnie1983]

Thank you so much, I'm trying to wire up some pickups for my Les Paul style Epiphone, and it's difficult to determine what goes where on some wiring diagrams.

[@SureshKumar-ez1ew]

Very well-explained. Much appreciate your sharing this knowledge.

[@DB-ib2lw]

A is audio taper- best used for volume.
B is linear taper- best used for tone.
You also are not using caps…check out a few 50s snd 60s wiring diagrams.
A little more info will help you make more informed vids.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Thanks for the feedback

[@hadageeuamlakey]

I want some help my bro can you show us how do you make Eritrean krar if you search in Youtub you can find it (it's looks like guitar ) please 😢

[@johnnygreenway3579]

Do you have a video wiring one volume push pull potentiometer and one tone push pull potentiometer separately with a three way switch?

[@Diegorva]

Wow, The best video of all youtube :) thank you for sharing your knowledge greetings from Mexico

[@chrispatrick5715]

I love the sound of the magpies in the background 🇦🇺

[@outbackguitars3272]

Man it’s legit all I ever hear as they don’t shut up lol😂

[@petek4337]

Very helpful and clear clear clear video.

[@dingdang3845]

Helpful, thank you!

[@johngalantini6910]

Enjoyed this! Am now looking to see if you've done a Strat style one :D

[@jannoolinomalquisto1232]

Thank You For the Guide bro 👌 really gOod help on my project

[@outbackguitars3272]

All good

[@scarey2me]

Nice vid, but you have created a ground loop by connecting all 4 pots together. You will create a nasty buzz if you are not touching the bridge or strings which you found out. Not what you want with a 100W Marshall.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Bold of you to assume my line 6 is a 100w Marshall 😂

[@ss-wh3sx]

whats a better way of grounding them..? just eliminate a wire form 1 of the vol pots to 1 of the tone pots??? so its not a loop?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Hey man shoot me an email to send some pictures cos it’s a bit hard to know what’s going on without seeing the actual wiring

[@ioodyssey3740]

Yes, h e adds oone extra-nneceessary ground wire,, but... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "GROUND LOOP" INSIDE A GUITAR!!! Ground loops only occur between powered components like amps, equalisers, pre-amps, etc...Redundant extra grounding inside the guitar does absolutely nothing - no noise, interference or anything... If you have sheilding in the cavity its all grounded. And yess... I do have a degree in electronics, and I've been playing/wiring guitars since the 70s. Have a good time with your guitars and don't worry about imaginary issues you hear about on the "mis-infformation highway"

[@lukespread]

@@ioodyssey3740 Thank you, I get tired of that myth. Amongst many others.

[@mantistobogon9534]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the value of those Caps?

[@sadzidsmajkic6181]

Great video man! Those capacitors are huge :D

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yeah that’s all we had at the time cos china takes forever to ship to australia

[@tonyalcantar8378]

Thanks! You make it seem so simple and easy! And more importantly you make it easy to understand!! How would a three humbucker lp wiring would be if I where to connect the middle pickup to a push pull pot for on and off and volume? TIA

[@DougHinVA]

it is easy IF you already understand what to do and why ...

[@tonyalcantar8378]

@@DougHinVA we got a comedian here!

[@mikestroud9969]

Great video buddy. Thanks 😎👍👌🎸🎸

[@gagolfanddrones487]

Why not test the middle position and the blend between pickups?
I am having issues with that, In the mid position if I turn one volume all the way down it turns off both pickups.

[@Tonhomones]

Dude!
Awesome video.
Thanks!

[@johngault5214]

Hello Will, your video is very good and so easy to follow, I have a Epiphone Les Paul Standard and I think that someone has altered the wiring so I'm now going to attempt to rewire following you instruction. Just one wee thing? when you tested the pickups, you used the selector switch in two positions but not the middle position. Can I assume that the middle position on the toggle switch will put the two pick-up's on ?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yes that is correct the middle will have both the pickups on

[@johngault5214]

Thank you @@outbackguitars3272

[@user-fp5nv8lh6c]

Very helpful thank you so much 🥳

[@deshonosgar1]

Hi can I change two volume two tone to one volume and one tone and wire to a squier mustang ? I have this type of wire harness . Thanks

[@martin-1965]

Nice one - hated upvoting as you were at 666 mwahahahaaa - but did anyway. Nice fast and clear explanation. Anyone wondering, recommend tinning wires with solder that are not pre-tinned (I believe these wires would be pre-tinned, apart from pickup wires) but this will make your soldering life a happier and faster one :) Other than that, while you'll see different techniques shown on other videos, this is pretty bang on and will do the job nicely. Those caps were bloody huge though mate 😂😎

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yeah the caps I just used as the smaller ones were still being delivered from china lol

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

I have a question. I have an Ibanez with 2 Humbuckers and i want to rotate the neck pickup because i want the White coil to be closest to the neck because I think it looks better. The thing is that when I choose position 4 on the 5 way switch now the outer coil of the neck pickup is active together with the bridge pickup. I still want the inner coils to be the active ones in position 4. I found a forum that said: "The correct wiring should be replacing the North START with South END and North END with South START." So that will change which coil that will be active? but they will be out of phase so i need to change the phase of the bridge pickup?

[@scottlinegar5474]

No sheilded wire, at the very least for the switch run?

[@outbackguitars3272]

I don’t own shielded wires I just use stuff I have on hand rather than buying new stuff. I like to make do with what I have rather than spending money on stuff I don’t need

[@szabolcsmezei4088]

1. Thanks, hope this vid will help solve a wiring issue with an SG. 2. wouldn't it make the end result a bit neater to bend wires and fasten all the leg/loop connections in place before soldering?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Nah I just video the whole process of me doing it by hand and then edit the footage afterward as I don’t plan out my videos

[@1012dougie]

On my guitar - the wiring is as per this video - but - all those signal wires (red) in this vid should have an outer shield and the shields should be grounded to the back of the pots - other wise you're probably going to pick up a lot of hum. By shielded I mean that there is a wire in the center surrounded by a braid whch should be grounded.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Sounds like your wiring p-90 pickups. That braid is the same as in the video with the black wires it’s just the negative conductor of the pickup

[@klasewiberg]

The grounding wire on the far left between the volume pots, is that necessery? They all have ground already, right? And they point in the wrond direction, if you point the solder joints down it can not fit some guitars. I would not recommend this video, sorry.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Each to their own mate but I appreciate you watching

[@klasewiberg]

@@outbackguitars3272 a respectful answer. I like it!

[@GuntherSnaps]

what if you only have 1 volume and 1 tone. I can't find a video on that.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Try search up a wiring diagram for a 1 volume 1 tone on google images

[@whittlad]

Might seem a silly question but as a complete novice in the dark art of guitar wiring schematics, what guage wire do you use?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Whatever I have that’s laying around as long as it’s similar to what’s already in most guitars

[@dressedtosmellgood]

22 awg

[@kevinbrown1833]

22 gauge

[@BluntInnit]

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VOLUME AND TONE POT, LIKE IF THEY ARE THE SAME RESISTANCE, IS ONE STANDARD VARIABLES RESISTOR AND ONE EXPONENTIAL, OR IS IT WIRED THE OTHER WAY, IS THERE ANY REASON NOT TO USE A TONE FOR A VOLUME, AS I HAVE PUSH PULL 25K TONE POTS AND 25K VOLUME KNOB, SO WANT TO KNOW IF CAN USE TONE PUSH/PULL ON VOLUME

[@marksalvador2547]

great vid. how about a video about a 1 volume, 1 tone and 3-way switch active bass pickup? thanks!

[@perrruzzy]

what kind of wire conection is this? clasical 50's?? modern??

[@MrCodyist]

I am rewiring a TELE with a humbucker NECK p/u and single coil BRIDGE p/u and am confused on what type pots to use. Can they both be 500s, 250s, or do I need one of EACH? What about the TONE pots? Any help will be appreciated... ;) THANKS!

[@outbackguitars3272]

They can be whatever you want the ohm rating affects tone a little bit but honestly you can use whatever you have it will still work

[@SqualidsargeStudios]

So the pickup wires go on the volume pods?

[@davidheuser2119]

I was following all the way to the humbucker being added and now I am confused

[@garlimaster6770]

Thank you very good job.

[@HemiMedic]

Your video helped a lot for me as well! If utilizing 2 volume and one tone, you would link both volume pots to the one tone (Middle leg)? Thank you.

[@JHKNVY02]

What gauge wire were you using? Great work! Terrific video

[@outbackguitars3272]

I have no idea I just use whatever wire I have lying around it’s only extra low voltage so it’s doesn’t really matter

[@biggie_T]

Very nice....but what about the middle switch position that is supposed to play both pickups?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yes. That’s how the middle position works

[@thomasmckeon1718]

@@outbackguitars3272 Thanks for quick response.....does that middle position work the way you wired it in the video?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yes

[@biggie_T]

@@outbackguitars3272 Thank you

[@devans873]

what is the difference between a and b pots and can a be used for b successfully

[@outbackguitars3272]

No not really volume pots turn linearly (a straight line) while tone pots turn non linearly (on a curve) so you need to use the right ones

[@krieger67333]

Whats the point of the red wire from the first lug of the volume pots to the second lug of the tone pots? Also, dont you have to ground that lug on the back of the switch too?

[@outbackguitars3272]

I can’t remember what the red wire does it’s just part of the circuit and it’s been a while since I’ve read the schematic. And no you don’t need to ground the switch

[@krieger67333]

im struggling. Ive seen the capacitors in the 2nd lug of the tone pots and the grounded to the back of the pot. Ive also seen them from lug 2 of the tone pot into lug 1 of the volume pots along with the wires from the switch....Im sooo confused lol 😂.

[@outbackguitars3272]

If you are struggling I’d suggest getting alligator connectors and trying different wiring combinations. It’s a lot quicker and better than soldering when you just want to troubleshoot.

[@sidbenedictdelapena3253]

what kind of toggle switch do you used??
can you share the specs please...
thanks,.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Just any sort of 3 way selector switch. Pretty sure I bought this one on aliexpress

[@ranranrandani2121]

i am indonesia...Great video

[@outbackguitars3272]

Thanks, we’re from Australia

[@toddshort6190]

hey, great video . can you do one on active pickups.. like emg but hand soldered. thanx

[@daniellaudman8580]

It helps when you turn the pots so the lugs are facing each other.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yes but this is a tutorial so it’s easier to show on video this way

[@kenk7049]

Good Job!

[@jarobugaring1259]

sir can you create a video of wiring s/s/h thanks

[@user-wq5kk6rg4w]

If you compare this video to how LP Guitars are wired in the USA and what USA suppliers are reputable parts suppliers (like Switchcraft and CTS), there are many differences in wring approach and parts used. So much so that the completed wiring approach does not look like any LP I have ever seen. Maybe they make LPs different in the Outback.
The drawing from GuitarElectronics shown in the video is incorrect, it is neither LP Modern or LP Vintage. It may by for a different guitar but not for a LP. LPs wired Modern or Vintage have 4 identical pots 500K Ohm 10% Audio Taper from CTS. So perhaps the video is using a custom wiring design, because it is definately not LP factory wiring of any era I have seen. Well, don't take my word for it. Just go to The Trogly's Guitar Show on TH-cam, who collects many different era and types of LPs, where he will open the guitar rear pot cover so you can see inside the electronics bay and you can see for yourself how they are wired and soldered.
The Gibson 500K pots 10% Audio taper, can be a bit tricky to measure on the bench, due to the fact that the tolerance is +/- 20%. If you buy some TAOT CTS 500K pots with a tolerance of +/- 5% they will track much more closely with the CTS 450G data sheet taper graphs.
All Gibson and verified custom suppliers of CTS guitar pots (like TAOT and RS, etc.) based on the CTS 450G series gutar pots all have Brass mounting shafts and brass split shafts. The pots in the video have neither. Purchased from China?
Cross connect the pickup feeds volume pots with a ground connection and not the tone pots. Do not form a loop, either cross connect the volumes or the tones but not both. When you form a loop you make an antennea. It is best to cross connect the volume pots because these pots are first in line from the pickups.
Also, in the USA wiring either Modern or Vintage LPs, with factory pickups without coil tapping or splitting or any other switch push-pull pot special modifications, the pickups will use Gavitt Style push back wiring and not the pickup wiring shown in the video. The Gavitt wiring will have the ground as the outer tin plated braid around the pickup output center insulated center conductor. The the most challenging connection to solder is the Gavitt push back wire to the pot rear cover, where you may have many different Gavitt wires soldered along with some bus wire grounds. Some Gibson guitars use Humbuckers that bring out all four wires, but usually for the purpose of coil tapping.
The selector switch is best wired with three Gavitt (braid + center conductor) wire, two as the signal sources from the volume pots and a third which goes to the output jack. The selector switch housing must be connected to ground, technically to chassis ground, but on an LP the chassis and signal grounds are tied together. At the switch the connection is made between all three of the Gavitt braids and the pot chassis ground using tinned bus wire, usually 20 AWG. In the video the switch chassis ground was not connected.
The LP owners that I deal with want a factory look to the wiring. I would suggest that you try and emulate the factory techniques.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Bro this is a comment section not a high school essay

[@metalrat1724]

Thank you, sir!

[@evanmcconnell3389]

Are the 2 volume switchers 1 for each pickup?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Yes

[@michaelmckern4917]

Is there anyway of getting a link to the schematic that

[@outbackguitars3272]

encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbjUAtVA79i1bmjZ8329GRvJleQO1jFUvxaA&usqp=CAU

[@charrua4108]

You have a ground loop there bud.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Cool

[@galileulowblues]

Nice... Thanks 🤘🏼

[@Hagstrom4ever]

Never connect 4 ground wires, never, because you create a ground loop, neck vol to neck tone, to bridge tone, to bridge volume.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Never eat soggy wheetbix

[@MTG776]

Hey cool Video... How much for a Epiphone Les Paul pre wired harness?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Would depend on shipping

[@MTG776]

@@outbackguitars3272 To Sydney NSW?

[@outbackguitars3272]

@@MTG776 send me an email at [e-mail] and I can send you one

[@allanreeling1067]

I'm told that you should NOT make a full circle with all four pots. If you do it acts like an antenna for for emf hence hum!!

[@outbackguitars3272]

Sick as I’ll hook it up to my tv and get back to you on that one

[@nicksundby]

No shielded cables?

[@outbackguitars3272]

Can use em if you want this was just what I had on hand

[@renniejosephgovender4056]

Hi buddy,i really enjoyed watching your video.Can please do a video on a guitar with 3 humbucker pickups and a 3 way tokkle selector switch. Like a Epiphone Les Paul black beauty custom

[@outbackguitars3272]

sure i can do that. can i ask what sort of pot configuration you want? are you after a 3 volume 1 tone configuration or are you after 2 volume 2 tone with push pull pots?

[@pietroi6277]

Thanks! 👍🏻

[@sweegster]

What kind of solder and how many watts is the soldering iron? Thank you!

[@outbackguitars3272]

The wattage of the soldering iron and the type of solder don’t matter although the thinner kind of solder is a lot easier to work with

[@klasewiberg]

Buy a soldering iron with at least 60 w of power and one that you can turn up or down. Weller makes great products. You need that to solder unto the pots.

[@louiseclementmario3943]

Can i send u a photo of my guitar wireless

[@Elvis-dw7ux]

My 3 way toggle switch for cherry red Epiphone DOT 3.....in the centre position, the Neck pickup goes off if the Bridge pickup Volume is Zero? Is this normal? I thought in the Centre position, the Bridge and Neck pickups Volumes were independent?

[@bitcollector6285]

Yes, this is normal. That's how the circuit works.

[@nico1234abcd]

thanks I tested my potentiometers and they have no resistance xd

[@ldcreed0]

Great video. Thank you so much.

[@outbackguitars3272]

My pleasure

[@rokinrandy]

A for volume if you're a keagey fan.

[@outbackguitars3272]

Bruh I’m never sure about the difference but mine always seem to be the way I’ve got them wired

[@rokoloko2418]

Gracias

[@kasimhj7818]

absolutely helpful. thanks mate

[@outbackguitars3272]

All good👌🏻

[@Bernard-Shakey]

Why pre-wire the toggle switch? You can't get it back into that guitar that way!

[@outbackguitars3272]

It’s for a tutorial man. Also it’s not hard to unsolder and then re solder

[@outbackguitars3272]

It’s for a tutorial man. Also it’s not hard to unsolder and then re solder

[@Bernard-Shakey]

@@outbackguitars3272 OK, my bad, I thought you were selling these like this

[@outbackguitars3272]

All good

[@2460speedy]

You didnt identify the tone pots from the volume pots.

[@duanevigue1603]

Tone pots get the capacitor.

[@jimmiewhelan2602]

How to a dpdt switch instead of a les Paul style switch for Dule humbucker

[@outbackguitars3272]

May I ask what the use of the double pole is used for first? As I haven’t come across the use of these switches in guitars yet but understand how they work as I’m an electrician

[@jimmiewhelan2602]

Neck pick up n+B pickup Bridge pick up

[@nilseite]

You forgot everything.

[@outbackguitars3272]

How so?

[@timhallas4275]

There is a ground lug on the switch.....use it. Also, don't use giant capacitors. They are for 250 volt circuits. Guitar pickups make about .5 volts max.

[@outbackguitars3272]

I said in the video I’m using em temporarily cos the small ones were on back order

[@timhallas4275]

@@outbackguitars3272 Back order? Capacitors? Really? Chins makes 7 billion of them per day. How can they be hard to get?

[@thawingshrimp6418]

@@timhallas4275 you’ll be alright, bud

[@timhallas4275]

@@thawingshrimp6418 You won't.

[@thawingshrimp6418]

@@timhallas4275 I guess not

[@perrruzzy]

yes you help me very much

[@sir_Edguhh]

Omg I hate how you say solder lol thanks for the help tho 👍

[@outbackguitars3272]

Mate it’s called an Aussie accent

[@sir_Edguhh]

@@outbackguitars3272 sorry, I meant no disrespect. Thank you for the video, it helped a lot

[@outbackguitars3272]

I’m kidding bruh I do the same thing to other people😂

[@hybridblindmachine69]

Chido homs
Ya sonó este pedo🎉

[@DougHinVA]

he is going too fast for some fellows to understand how to wire in the switch connections...

[@someguyyouknow6420]

A and B??? I’ve seen some stuff where it’s flipped on American, where A is Vol and B is Tone… Wtf super confused here. I’m in Canada using WD parts, is A=Vol & B=Tone, OR, B=Vol & A=Tone???

[@outbackguitars3272]

If you are unsure I’d grab a tester out to check how much ohms there is when you twist the pot. The volume one should be consistent while the tone should be sensitive at the start and then at the end

[@someguyyouknow6420]

@@outbackguitars3272 what do you think about using Logarithmic Pots for both vol and tone? I saw a couple of things on forums swearing that logarithmic is the way to go.

[@outbackguitars3272]

I’ve never actually heard anyone do that before but from the way I understand logarithmic and linear pots I can see why it might be a good thing

[@rokinrandy]

I like fast volumes swells so A is what I use for volume.. But really it all will work. Most people flip volume and tone on 10 and don't worry with what algorithm it is.. You don't even need the caps in that case. solder that shit and be done and jam. You'll figure it out

[@marshallohio5512]

Stopped watching as soon as he sand scuffed pot bottoms !! Don't need to do this !!

[@outbackguitars3272]

Mate it helps the solder stick as I’m lazy

[@marshallohio5512]

@@outbackguitars3272 Hey Sport !! I'm a Amp / Guitar Tech of 40+ years !! Apply iron heat + solder to pots case and all will work fine !! Helps in Stick is a Myth !! Sorry !! Each his / hers own !! Enjoy Life !!

[@outbackguitars3272]

Well it ain’t a myth cos I’m able to get it to stick firat go every time when I scuff the pota

[@nhuy-helen4005]

You mu sic guita o k

[@hmhroup6214]

I would not buy that !

[@outbackguitars3272]

Good for you 👍