Pre-Wired bass guitar wiring harness | '51-'56 Tele P-Bass 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
The introduction of my harness for 'Tele' P Bass was initially to compliment the models of McNelly Bass pickups that I also offer but they're certainly a viable standalone replacement/upgrade too! The Vintage Tele P Bass features a somewhat unique wiring schematic so I offer one made to those specs or something a little more akin to split-coil '57 onward P-Basses. All made using the highest quality components to bring the best out in your bass. Check out the product options tab for a run down on the wiring style differences to help choose the right spec for you.
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
Wiring style?
I offer this kit with three different wiring styles. Which you choose will ultimately depend on whether you want true vintage accurate spec(‘51), vintage but with a small refinement(‘52-‘56), or a more 'modern' spec which is basically exactly how '57 on ward split coil P Basses are wired.
- 'True to vintage specs'
This is wired with the very same specs/schematic as per the original ‘51. The main thing to note here, is that the tone pot has a 15kOhm resistor on it, which when you roll down the tone pot, you will also lose some volume. The originals were like this, so if you want to be true to vintage, then this is the option for you. But if you don't like the sound of a volume drop on the tone taper, then you will perhaps need to consider the next option.
- 'Vintage spec without 15kOhm resistor, ‘52-‘56'
This spec is essentially as above, vintage spec, but without the resistor so your tone control will function more like a regular tone pot without a volume affect.
- 'Modern' P-Bass Style'
And finally, this schematic is the very same as the '57 onward spec split coil P-Bass. I would say generally this is the most popular spec, as most players will be familiar with how a split coil P Bass sounds/works so wiring their Tele bass the same way keeps things simple.
Capacitor value?
I offer this kit with a choice of tone capacitor values. Which you choose again will ultimately depend on whether you want true to vintage specs, something a bit more mid-era, or a more modern 'brighter' response. Or perhaps it might also depend on what your pickup manufacturer recommends for their pickup specifically. If that's the case, refer to their specifications/recommendations and select the relevent cap option. 0.1uF will be the warmest response, both with the tone pot on full, and as you roll through to 0. This was the spec used on the vintage originals. Then a .047uF will be a little bit clearer/brighter than the prior, a spec commonly seen on split coil P Basses through the '57 onward period for example. And finally the .022uF the 'brightest' of the three options, a cap spec found on many modern day built split coil P Basses.
Bridge ground wire?
I have added this option for those who are perhaps building a guitar from scratch like a partscaster for example or stripping their instrument right back for a full re-build. If this is you, then the pre-soldered length of ground wire may be useful as that will be used as your bridge or tailpiece ground. I will pre-solder a 1ft length of Gavitt 22awg cloth covered wire to the harness for you to use as a new ground wire to your bridge/tailpiece.
If you are fitting this wiring kit to an existing guitar as a replacement to the original wiring, then chances are your guitar already has a bridge ground wire which you can simply just keep and re-use that original wire.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Tele Bass, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and a 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 Tele Bass 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 control plates?
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 Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the control plate to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new control plate that is already suited to the US spec components. 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 control plate with a 0.394" / 10mm pot mounting hole. You can easily widen the holes in the control plate too if you would prefer, 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 plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
Centre of Volume pot to centre of tone pot - 2.24" / 57mm
These measurements for my templates were taken from a USA Fender control plate. There is a small amount of 'give' in the wire lengths between the components, but if for any reason the measurements on your guitar are drastically different to those stated above, please do get in touch and I may be able to make your kit with an allowance for this. You will need to provide your centre to centre measurements to me.
What control knobs will fit?
This kit uses CTS Solid shaft pots which have a solid shaft diameter of 0.25" / 6.35mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
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.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.366" / 9.30mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut.
Grounding/shielding
As standard I pre-solder a ground wire between the pots for guaranteed ground continuity on your pre-wired kit. If by chance you already have effective copper shielding across the plate, or consistent ground continuity via your chrome/nickel control plate for example, then let me know prior to ordering and I will leave the standard between pot casing ground wire off as to not introduce a ground loop upon installation.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper pots - 250k solid shaft pots as standard
- 1x 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers.
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 (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter Tele Bass control cavities.
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
The introduction of my harness for 'Tele' P Bass was initially to compliment the models of McNelly Bass pickups that I also offer but they're certainly a viable standalone replacement/upgrade too! The Vintage Tele P Bass features a somewhat unique wiring schematic so I offer one made to those specs or something a little more akin to split-coil '57 onward P-Basses. All made using the highest quality components to bring the best out in your bass. Check out the product options tab for a run down on the wiring style differences to help choose the right spec for you.
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
Wiring style?
I offer this kit with three different wiring styles. Which you choose will ultimately depend on whether you want true vintage accurate spec(‘51), vintage but with a small refinement(‘52-‘56), or a more 'modern' spec which is basically exactly how '57 on ward split coil P Basses are wired.
- 'True to vintage specs'
This is wired with the very same specs/schematic as per the original ‘51. The main thing to note here, is that the tone pot has a 15kOhm resistor on it, which when you roll down the tone pot, you will also lose some volume. The originals were like this, so if you want to be true to vintage, then this is the option for you. But if you don't like the sound of a volume drop on the tone taper, then you will perhaps need to consider the next option.
- 'Vintage spec without 15kOhm resistor, ‘52-‘56'
This spec is essentially as above, vintage spec, but without the resistor so your tone control will function more like a regular tone pot without a volume affect.
- 'Modern' P-Bass Style'
And finally, this schematic is the very same as the '57 onward spec split coil P-Bass. I would say generally this is the most popular spec, as most players will be familiar with how a split coil P Bass sounds/works so wiring their Tele bass the same way keeps things simple.
Capacitor value?
I offer this kit with a choice of tone capacitor values. Which you choose again will ultimately depend on whether you want true to vintage specs, something a bit more mid-era, or a more modern 'brighter' response. Or perhaps it might also depend on what your pickup manufacturer recommends for their pickup specifically. If that's the case, refer to their specifications/recommendations and select the relevent cap option. 0.1uF will be the warmest response, both with the tone pot on full, and as you roll through to 0. This was the spec used on the vintage originals. Then a .047uF will be a little bit clearer/brighter than the prior, a spec commonly seen on split coil P Basses through the '57 onward period for example. And finally the .022uF the 'brightest' of the three options, a cap spec found on many modern day built split coil P Basses.
Bridge ground wire?
I have added this option for those who are perhaps building a guitar from scratch like a partscaster for example or stripping their instrument right back for a full re-build. If this is you, then the pre-soldered length of ground wire may be useful as that will be used as your bridge or tailpiece ground. I will pre-solder a 1ft length of Gavitt 22awg cloth covered wire to the harness for you to use as a new ground wire to your bridge/tailpiece.
If you are fitting this wiring kit to an existing guitar as a replacement to the original wiring, then chances are your guitar already has a bridge ground wire which you can simply just keep and re-use that original wire.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Tele Bass, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and a 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 Tele Bass 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 control plates?
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 Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the control plate to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new control plate that is already suited to the US spec components. 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 control plate with a 0.394" / 10mm pot mounting hole. You can easily widen the holes in the control plate too if you would prefer, 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 plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
Centre of Volume pot to centre of tone pot - 2.24" / 57mm
These measurements for my templates were taken from a USA Fender control plate. There is a small amount of 'give' in the wire lengths between the components, but if for any reason the measurements on your guitar are drastically different to those stated above, please do get in touch and I may be able to make your kit with an allowance for this. You will need to provide your centre to centre measurements to me.
What control knobs will fit?
This kit uses CTS Solid shaft pots which have a solid shaft diameter of 0.25" / 6.35mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
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.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.366" / 9.30mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut.
Grounding/shielding
As standard I pre-solder a ground wire between the pots for guaranteed ground continuity on your pre-wired kit. If by chance you already have effective copper shielding across the plate, or consistent ground continuity via your chrome/nickel control plate for example, then let me know prior to ordering and I will leave the standard between pot casing ground wire off as to not introduce a ground loop upon installation.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper pots - 250k solid shaft pots as standard
- 1x 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers.
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 (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter Tele Bass control cavities.
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.