Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | 50s Les Paul Bumblebee kit | Right Handed
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
The Bumblebee Series pre-wired kits are made in batches, as a result, this kit is made, in stock and ready to ship!
Bumblebee Series?
The same awesome specs found throughout my popular Signature Series kits, but made with premium Jupiter PIO Bumblebee tone capacitors. Inspired by vintage instruments, for players who are inspired by vintage instruments.
Model Description
For my Les Paul kits I wanted to be respectful of the traditional aspects of the guitar that so many people love, bringing the best out of the iconic Gibson design. After offering a variety of specs over the years, I have found that traditional 50s style wiring has proved to be the most popular and that's the kit/spec you're looking at here. 50's wiring refers to how the volume and tone pots are wired together via the tone capacitor. With traditional 50s style wiring the tone capacitor is soldered between the central output lug of the volume pot, and the 'input' lug of the tone pot, whilst the central lug of the tone pot is soldered to ground. What many players find this does is 'improve' the interaction between all the controls for a more responsive and intuitive playing experience. Ultimately of course, this is subjective and whether this is right for you is only for you to decide. This wiring style was the standard install for Les Pauls made up until around 1962, so if you're hoping to wire your guitar true to the 'golden era' specs, then this is the wiring style for you. I will note that with 50s style wiring, you will have a very minor volume drop when rolling down the tone pots, this is the nature of the circuit. But conversly, you will retain a little more top end when rolling down the volume, think of it as the circuits 'natural' treble bleed mod so to speak. These are often things that make this a very popular wiring style, but they're things to consider as to whether it's right for you. If you want predictability, no volume drop when using the tone etc, then I would perhaps instead recommend modern wiring with treble bleeds, just a note anyway.
This specific kit has been made using USA made Jupiter Bumblebee Paper In Oil 0.022uF vintage reproduction tone caps and long shaft pots (long shaft pots will fit all LP variants and can be adjusted via the additional pot nuts to sit where you need it to on the guitar).
This kit is just for the pots section of the LP harness. If you require a new pre-wired switch/jack kit, then I offer those separately, made to order. HERE
Wiring diagram and wiring info
Pre-Wired kit general fitting guide - HERE
Wiring Diagram - HERE
Soldering ground wires to pot casings - HERE
Wiring FAQs - HERE
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Les Paul, but in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Les Paul or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Can I fit this kit myself?
This ultimately comes down to whether you own the equipment needed to correctly and safely install the kit, or how comfortable you feel working on your own guitar. I do feel that installing a pre-wired guitar harness is do-able for many guitarists but only if the correct tools are used and care is taken to ensure you do not damage the kit, your guitar or yourself! There are detailed installation guides here on my website, as well as simple to follow wiring diagrams all to help make the process as easy as possible and in my experience, these have helped thousands of my customers carry out their own install. But if for any reason you have concerns about fitting the kit yourself which is entirely understandable, then I'm sure you'll agree that it is likely best to have a professional fit the kit and help ensure your purchased kit, and your beloved guitar are both looked after and worked on correctly.
If you are local to me (Stourbridge, West Midlands) I take on guitar work no problem at all so will certainly be able to help install your Signature Series harness.
Will the pots/jack/switch fit my LP body and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Epiphone or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the body to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. The CTS pots have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a body mouting hole with 0.394" / 10mm diameter. You can widen the holes in the body and I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your Les Paul body for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally if you are local of course.
The jack socket I use in the full kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount to the jack plate on Les Pauls. The Switchcraft toggle switch has a mounting thread diameter of 0.462" / 11.75mm so ideally needs a 0.472" / 12mm hole to comfortably mount.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA made Les Paul, then should be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
Centre of neck volume pot and neck tone pot - 62mm
Centre of neck tone pot and bridge tone pot - 48mm
Centre of bridge volume pot and bridge tone pot - 61mm
These measurements were taken from a Genuine USA Gibson Les Paul, but as you may well know, Gibson are well known for their transitional changes, let alone the potential differences between USA and far east built Les Pauls. So! With my Les Paul pre-wired kits I do allow for as much 'give' in the wire lengths between components as comfortably possible to allow for small differences so there is some wiggle room for installation, it's not a 'fixed' measurement by any means. If these measurements are massively different to your guitar though, just let me know the precise centre to centre measurements on yours and I will make it to suit that no problem at all.
Long shaft pots
This kit features long shaft pots which ultimately will fit all variants of Les Paul. They're made to suit thicker carved tops which were on Gibson Les Paul Standard, Faded, Classic, Studio, Traditional, 50s & 60s Tributes, Historic '68 Custom RI, 1977 to current Customs, 1977 to Deluxe & 1977 to 1982 Pro..for example! If you're not sure which model, or spec you have, feel free to send me an e-mail with a clear and detailed photo of the guitars control cavity and I should be able to identify whether you need long or short shaft pots.
If you're at all unsure of which pot spec you need, a simple way to look at it is that long shaft pots will fit all variants, short shaft will only fit specific models.
What control knobs will fit?
The kit uses CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Specs/Parts included
Pots only kit
- 4x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance long shaft pots - 500k split shaft
- 2x .022uF Jupiter USA made Bumblebee paper in oil caps
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Gavitt Braided 22AWG wire
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
RoHS Compliant components are used throughout pre-wired assemblies. All components used in this assembly are being used for their intended purposes stated in the guidelines by their relevant manufacturer. Any use outside of stated or recommended guidelines is entirely up to the customer, but sales support/warranty/refunds are then extinguished. For a run down of the manufacturers and product data sheets you can click HERE
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip but does include the pot mounting nuts and washers.
GPSR & Safety info
Manufacturer: James' Home of Tone, Laburnum Street, Stourbridge, DY8 4NX, UK.
Email: james@homeoftone.co.uk
EU Authorised Representative: Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd, Office 834, Unit 6, 100 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AG, Northern Ireland. Email: contact@globaltradedept.com
Intended user: The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harnesses are only intended to be used by an adult (over the age of 18). By a guitar repair professional, or someone with sufficient repair/modification experience.
Intended use: The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harness is a replacement and/or upgraded pre-wired harness kit that you can use to replace, retrofit or upgrade the volume, tone and pickup selection controls in an electric guitar or electric bass guitar. The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harness kit offers a quality, pre-assembled harness solution for your electric guitar or electric bass guitar model. Your existing guitar pickups can be installed to this pre-wired harness kit, to allow a factory equivalent or alternative control layout for your electric guitar or electric bass guitar as desired.
Full installation guidance can be found on each specific kits product listing, with detailed fitting notes and requirements along with links to the specific wiring diagram. Before starting any install, the full guides must be read to ensure a safe install process throughout. James' Home of Tone cannot and will not be held liable for any injury or damage caused by incorrect methods, handling and techniques whilst installing a Signature Series pre-wired kit. Professional installation only recommended.
The Signature Series Pre-Wired electric guitar harness is intended to be used for:
▪ The specific model of guitar or bass that is detailed in the product description
▪ A like-for-like replacement or upgrade retrofit for your guitar or basses existing volume, tone and pickup selection controls
▪ Adjusting the pickup selection, volume and tone where applicable on an amplified electric guitar during use
The Signature Series Pre-Wired electric guitar harness is not intended to be used:
▪ In a guitar or bass model that it is not specifically designed and advertised for
▪ where modifications to the kit, its schematic or its components are carried out
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
The Bumblebee Series pre-wired kits are made in batches, as a result, this kit is made, in stock and ready to ship!
Bumblebee Series?
The same awesome specs found throughout my popular Signature Series kits, but made with premium Jupiter PIO Bumblebee tone capacitors. Inspired by vintage instruments, for players who are inspired by vintage instruments.
Model Description
For my Les Paul kits I wanted to be respectful of the traditional aspects of the guitar that so many people love, bringing the best out of the iconic Gibson design. After offering a variety of specs over the years, I have found that traditional 50s style wiring has proved to be the most popular and that's the kit/spec you're looking at here. 50's wiring refers to how the volume and tone pots are wired together via the tone capacitor. With traditional 50s style wiring the tone capacitor is soldered between the central output lug of the volume pot, and the 'input' lug of the tone pot, whilst the central lug of the tone pot is soldered to ground. What many players find this does is 'improve' the interaction between all the controls for a more responsive and intuitive playing experience. Ultimately of course, this is subjective and whether this is right for you is only for you to decide. This wiring style was the standard install for Les Pauls made up until around 1962, so if you're hoping to wire your guitar true to the 'golden era' specs, then this is the wiring style for you. I will note that with 50s style wiring, you will have a very minor volume drop when rolling down the tone pots, this is the nature of the circuit. But conversly, you will retain a little more top end when rolling down the volume, think of it as the circuits 'natural' treble bleed mod so to speak. These are often things that make this a very popular wiring style, but they're things to consider as to whether it's right for you. If you want predictability, no volume drop when using the tone etc, then I would perhaps instead recommend modern wiring with treble bleeds, just a note anyway.
This specific kit has been made using USA made Jupiter Bumblebee Paper In Oil 0.022uF vintage reproduction tone caps and long shaft pots (long shaft pots will fit all LP variants and can be adjusted via the additional pot nuts to sit where you need it to on the guitar).
This kit is just for the pots section of the LP harness. If you require a new pre-wired switch/jack kit, then I offer those separately, made to order. HERE
Wiring diagram and wiring info
Pre-Wired kit general fitting guide - HERE
Wiring Diagram - HERE
Soldering ground wires to pot casings - HERE
Wiring FAQs - HERE
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Les Paul, but in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Les Paul or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Can I fit this kit myself?
This ultimately comes down to whether you own the equipment needed to correctly and safely install the kit, or how comfortable you feel working on your own guitar. I do feel that installing a pre-wired guitar harness is do-able for many guitarists but only if the correct tools are used and care is taken to ensure you do not damage the kit, your guitar or yourself! There are detailed installation guides here on my website, as well as simple to follow wiring diagrams all to help make the process as easy as possible and in my experience, these have helped thousands of my customers carry out their own install. But if for any reason you have concerns about fitting the kit yourself which is entirely understandable, then I'm sure you'll agree that it is likely best to have a professional fit the kit and help ensure your purchased kit, and your beloved guitar are both looked after and worked on correctly.
If you are local to me (Stourbridge, West Midlands) I take on guitar work no problem at all so will certainly be able to help install your Signature Series harness.
Will the pots/jack/switch fit my LP body and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Epiphone or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the body to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. The CTS pots have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a body mouting hole with 0.394" / 10mm diameter. You can widen the holes in the body and I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your Les Paul body for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally if you are local of course.
The jack socket I use in the full kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount to the jack plate on Les Pauls. The Switchcraft toggle switch has a mounting thread diameter of 0.462" / 11.75mm so ideally needs a 0.472" / 12mm hole to comfortably mount.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA made Les Paul, then should be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
Centre of neck volume pot and neck tone pot - 62mm
Centre of neck tone pot and bridge tone pot - 48mm
Centre of bridge volume pot and bridge tone pot - 61mm
These measurements were taken from a Genuine USA Gibson Les Paul, but as you may well know, Gibson are well known for their transitional changes, let alone the potential differences between USA and far east built Les Pauls. So! With my Les Paul pre-wired kits I do allow for as much 'give' in the wire lengths between components as comfortably possible to allow for small differences so there is some wiggle room for installation, it's not a 'fixed' measurement by any means. If these measurements are massively different to your guitar though, just let me know the precise centre to centre measurements on yours and I will make it to suit that no problem at all.
Long shaft pots
This kit features long shaft pots which ultimately will fit all variants of Les Paul. They're made to suit thicker carved tops which were on Gibson Les Paul Standard, Faded, Classic, Studio, Traditional, 50s & 60s Tributes, Historic '68 Custom RI, 1977 to current Customs, 1977 to Deluxe & 1977 to 1982 Pro..for example! If you're not sure which model, or spec you have, feel free to send me an e-mail with a clear and detailed photo of the guitars control cavity and I should be able to identify whether you need long or short shaft pots.
If you're at all unsure of which pot spec you need, a simple way to look at it is that long shaft pots will fit all variants, short shaft will only fit specific models.
What control knobs will fit?
The kit uses CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Specs/Parts included
Pots only kit
- 4x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance long shaft pots - 500k split shaft
- 2x .022uF Jupiter USA made Bumblebee paper in oil caps
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Gavitt Braided 22AWG wire
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
RoHS Compliant components are used throughout pre-wired assemblies. All components used in this assembly are being used for their intended purposes stated in the guidelines by their relevant manufacturer. Any use outside of stated or recommended guidelines is entirely up to the customer, but sales support/warranty/refunds are then extinguished. For a run down of the manufacturers and product data sheets you can click HERE
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip but does include the pot mounting nuts and washers.
GPSR & Safety info
Manufacturer: James' Home of Tone, Laburnum Street, Stourbridge, DY8 4NX, UK.
Email: james@homeoftone.co.uk
EU Authorised Representative: Global Trade Department (NI) Ltd, Office 834, Unit 6, 100 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AG, Northern Ireland. Email: contact@globaltradedept.com
Intended user: The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harnesses are only intended to be used by an adult (over the age of 18). By a guitar repair professional, or someone with sufficient repair/modification experience.
Intended use: The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harness is a replacement and/or upgraded pre-wired harness kit that you can use to replace, retrofit or upgrade the volume, tone and pickup selection controls in an electric guitar or electric bass guitar. The Signature Series pre-wired electric guitar and electric bass guitar harness kit offers a quality, pre-assembled harness solution for your electric guitar or electric bass guitar model. Your existing guitar pickups can be installed to this pre-wired harness kit, to allow a factory equivalent or alternative control layout for your electric guitar or electric bass guitar as desired.
Full installation guidance can be found on each specific kits product listing, with detailed fitting notes and requirements along with links to the specific wiring diagram. Before starting any install, the full guides must be read to ensure a safe install process throughout. James' Home of Tone cannot and will not be held liable for any injury or damage caused by incorrect methods, handling and techniques whilst installing a Signature Series pre-wired kit. Professional installation only recommended.
The Signature Series Pre-Wired electric guitar harness is intended to be used for:
▪ The specific model of guitar or bass that is detailed in the product description
▪ A like-for-like replacement or upgrade retrofit for your guitar or basses existing volume, tone and pickup selection controls
▪ Adjusting the pickup selection, volume and tone where applicable on an amplified electric guitar during use
The Signature Series Pre-Wired electric guitar harness is not intended to be used:
▪ In a guitar or bass model that it is not specifically designed and advertised for
▪ where modifications to the kit, its schematic or its components are carried out