Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | 50s Les Paul Junior 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
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model Description
Although the Les Paul Junior may be humble in it's design, it is certainly a tonal monster! 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've now settled on 50s style wiring as standard for this kit, with high quality components and a few spec choices which I hope to help the install process that little bit easier.
Please note, website example photo(s) may differ visually from the wiring kit you receive. This could be for a number of reasons but ultimately, don't be alarmed if you do spot differences between the stock photo and your supplied kit.
Product Options
Pot specs
The earlier, original Les Paul Juniors were equipped with a 250k tone pot, whereas most reissues, (60s SG juniors onwards too) you will find 500k in both volume and tone. I have struggled to pin down the exact year things switched to 500k for both volume and tone as standard. For example, I've seen '56 examples with 250k tone pots, but likewise other '56 models with original Centralab pots in there with two 500k. It's a tricky one for me to confirm, although I must say that I have been offering this kit as standard with 500k for both volume and tone since 2016 and it has proved incredibly popular. But if you did have a specific vintage spec in mind, recreating a specific instrument, restoring etc, then I offer the option of a 250k tone pot too. To sum things up if you're not sure, 500k will provide a brighter overall response than a 250k, but ultimately you could roll the tone pot back a little to achieve the 250k value too. So if you are worried the pickup may be too dark with 250k, then opt for 500k as you'll still be able to roll the tone back and achieve the same response as the 250k pot anyway. And likewise, if you're worried the 500k will be too bright with your pickup, then you can opt for the 250k tone pot option or roll back the 500k. No right or wrong here really, it's what works for you and your tone preferences.
Bridge/vibrato claw ground wire
I have decided to make this option available, in case it helps anyone carrying out a more in depth repair, modification or restoration and will be removing the bridge stud/insert. If you are fitting this kit into your existing guitar, where the existing ground wire to the bridge stud is present, and do no wish to remove that to replace the ground wire then you will need to select 'without.
If you have had to remove the original bridge stud ground wire perhaps, or it’s for a new build altogether and would find having a ground wire pre soldered, simple select with! I supply a 1ft length of Gavitt 22awg wire. Hope this option helps with your specific project.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Gibson Les Paul Junior as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and simple to follow wiring diagrams for each wiring style. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. 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 LP junior 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 fit my 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 depending on what pots it originally had. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a body and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. If you do need to widen the holes in the body, this can be done and I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. But if you are not comfortable with doing so, please approach your local trusted luthier to carry out the task safely to ensure no damage is done to your guitar. I also offer this as a service so do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA made Les Paul Junior then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
The centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of neck volume pot and neck tone pot - 63mm
These measurements for my mounting boards/templates were taken from a USA Gibson Les Paul Junior. Yours may vary from these measurements. If it is a minimal difference, then don’t worry. I allow for some ‘wiggle’ room in the wire lengths between components to help the product fit a wide variety of models. If the measurements are drastically different to these, then please get in touch with your centre to centre measurements and I will adjust to suit your instrument more closely.
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
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper short shaft pots - 500k split shaft
- 1x .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- Gavitt USA made Braided 22AWG wire
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- For optional ground wire - Gavitt 22awg black cloth covered wire
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting screws.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
'Ground Bug' deal!
Looking forward to installing your new wiring, but a little worried about making the ground connections to the pot casings? First time soldering and hear the horror stories of frying pots, or just simply want to neaten up your installs? Then the awesome 'Ground Bug' will help with any of these concerns, beginner or pro modders alike. The Ground Bug is a pot washer that fits between the pot casing and the pickguard/body and has a number of lugs (much like with the main signal connections on the pot for example) to which you can very easily solder your ground wire connections too. Completely removing the worry and risk of soldering a pot casing, something I know many guitarists complain about having to learn to do.
I have been stocking Ground Bugs for a while, and they really are the perfect match for a pre-wired harness as they further help you with your installs. So I have set up a 10% off Ground Bug deals when purchased with a Home of Tone Signature Series pre-wired harness. This is an automatic discount code, so all you need to have is a Signature Series kit, and a Ground bug in your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied to the bug for you! Click HERE to view the Ground Bug listing. I would personally recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for a Les Paul Jr style install where space and access is tight.
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.
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
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model Description
Although the Les Paul Junior may be humble in it's design, it is certainly a tonal monster! 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've now settled on 50s style wiring as standard for this kit, with high quality components and a few spec choices which I hope to help the install process that little bit easier.
Please note, website example photo(s) may differ visually from the wiring kit you receive. This could be for a number of reasons but ultimately, don't be alarmed if you do spot differences between the stock photo and your supplied kit.
Product Options
Pot specs
The earlier, original Les Paul Juniors were equipped with a 250k tone pot, whereas most reissues, (60s SG juniors onwards too) you will find 500k in both volume and tone. I have struggled to pin down the exact year things switched to 500k for both volume and tone as standard. For example, I've seen '56 examples with 250k tone pots, but likewise other '56 models with original Centralab pots in there with two 500k. It's a tricky one for me to confirm, although I must say that I have been offering this kit as standard with 500k for both volume and tone since 2016 and it has proved incredibly popular. But if you did have a specific vintage spec in mind, recreating a specific instrument, restoring etc, then I offer the option of a 250k tone pot too. To sum things up if you're not sure, 500k will provide a brighter overall response than a 250k, but ultimately you could roll the tone pot back a little to achieve the 250k value too. So if you are worried the pickup may be too dark with 250k, then opt for 500k as you'll still be able to roll the tone back and achieve the same response as the 250k pot anyway. And likewise, if you're worried the 500k will be too bright with your pickup, then you can opt for the 250k tone pot option or roll back the 500k. No right or wrong here really, it's what works for you and your tone preferences.
Bridge/vibrato claw ground wire
I have decided to make this option available, in case it helps anyone carrying out a more in depth repair, modification or restoration and will be removing the bridge stud/insert. If you are fitting this kit into your existing guitar, where the existing ground wire to the bridge stud is present, and do no wish to remove that to replace the ground wire then you will need to select 'without.
If you have had to remove the original bridge stud ground wire perhaps, or it’s for a new build altogether and would find having a ground wire pre soldered, simple select with! I supply a 1ft length of Gavitt 22awg wire. Hope this option helps with your specific project.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Gibson Les Paul Junior as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and simple to follow wiring diagrams for each wiring style. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. 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 LP junior 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 fit my 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 depending on what pots it originally had. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a body and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. If you do need to widen the holes in the body, this can be done and I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. But if you are not comfortable with doing so, please approach your local trusted luthier to carry out the task safely to ensure no damage is done to your guitar. I also offer this as a service so do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA made Les Paul Junior then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
The centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of neck volume pot and neck tone pot - 63mm
These measurements for my mounting boards/templates were taken from a USA Gibson Les Paul Junior. Yours may vary from these measurements. If it is a minimal difference, then don’t worry. I allow for some ‘wiggle’ room in the wire lengths between components to help the product fit a wide variety of models. If the measurements are drastically different to these, then please get in touch with your centre to centre measurements and I will adjust to suit your instrument more closely.
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
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper short shaft pots - 500k split shaft
- 1x .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- Gavitt USA made Braided 22AWG wire
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- For optional ground wire - Gavitt 22awg black cloth covered wire
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting screws.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
'Ground Bug' deal!
Looking forward to installing your new wiring, but a little worried about making the ground connections to the pot casings? First time soldering and hear the horror stories of frying pots, or just simply want to neaten up your installs? Then the awesome 'Ground Bug' will help with any of these concerns, beginner or pro modders alike. The Ground Bug is a pot washer that fits between the pot casing and the pickguard/body and has a number of lugs (much like with the main signal connections on the pot for example) to which you can very easily solder your ground wire connections too. Completely removing the worry and risk of soldering a pot casing, something I know many guitarists complain about having to learn to do.
I have been stocking Ground Bugs for a while, and they really are the perfect match for a pre-wired harness as they further help you with your installs. So I have set up a 10% off Ground Bug deals when purchased with a Home of Tone Signature Series pre-wired harness. This is an automatic discount code, so all you need to have is a Signature Series kit, and a Ground bug in your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied to the bug for you! Click HERE to view the Ground Bug listing. I would personally recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for a Les Paul Jr style install where space and access is tight.
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.