Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | Ibanez RG HSH 5 Way Coil Split harness 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
I've had a number of requests over the years for Ibanez wiring harnesses, and although I did make a few for customers, I often shy'd away from introducing them to the range as I had limited hands on experience with the guitars themselves. But I decided to do something about that and do some digging! I have chatted with some customers who are well versed in the RG series, as well as getting my hands on an RG350 which was particularly helpful for taking measurements of the control cavity, and also on that example seeing the version which uses a standard mono jack instead of the panel jack socket seen on models like the RG550. But to cut a long story short, I delved into the world of Ibanez RG models, and have come out the other side with a HSH configuration harness I really like using the USA spec components I know and trust, and through testing personally really enjoyed using too! This kit was introduced in 2020 and has remained part of my range ever since. It takes inspiration from the 5-way JEM Vai style wiring, with ‘auto’ coil splitting in positions 2 & 4, it features a treble bleed mod as standard to help with retaining treble frequencies when rolling the volume pot down. For coil splitting options though, your humbuckers will need to have 4 conductor wiring, so note this before ordering.
Position 1 - Bridge humbucker
Position 2 - Bridge humbucker coil split with middle single coil parallel
Position 3 - Middle single coil
Position 4 - Neck humbucker coil split with middle single coil parallel
Position 5 - Neck humbucker
Product Options
Pickguard mount or body/top mount?
Some RG models have the pots and switch mounted to the pickguard, whereas others don't have a pickguard and instead the components mount directly through the guitar's top. So depending on what variant your RG is, this will be the deciding factor on this option. For the pickguard mount spec, I provide an additional mount nut for each pot so they can be correctly spaced on the pickguard, helping the control knob sit closer to the pickguard, and I provide standard short length switch mount screws.
For body/top mount spec, I provide longer length switch mount screws and no additional pot nut as the top thickness is more than a pickguard and you won't need to space it with the extra nut.
Jack socket version?
Some RG models, like the RG350 for example feature a standard jack socket which fixes to the guitar via a oval external mounting plate. Whereas some RG models like the 550 for example have a specialist panel jack socket which are an extended thread mounting style. So I offer this kit with either option depending on what your RG requires.
Hardware Colour
As standard the kit is supplied with nickel visible parts, such as the two switch screws and the jack socket. But I can supply this kit with gold hardware if required, this will be supplied with 2 extended thread gold switch screws and a gold jack socket.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your RG, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and drawing a simple to follow wiring diagram. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. But I must note, that ultimately this kit is intended to be an US parts style upgrade, and uses different sized components to what a far eastern factory would have originally fitted so I would consider this kit to be a retrofit, rather than a drop-in replacement. But in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for you and 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 and jack fit my pickguard/body/plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. A far eastern built Ibanez featured smaller metric sized components from the factory so unless the guitar has had prior changes, you may have to widen the holes in the pickguard or body top to accommodate for these new imperial measurement parts. The CTS pots have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.370" / 9.4mm so I recommend for ease of install a pickguard or body with 0.394" / 10mm pot mounting holes.
The standard jack socket I use in this 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.
The panel jack socket option again is imperial specification, with the outer thread diameter being 0.473" / 12mm.
What control knobs/switch tip will fit?
The kit uses CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines and requires push-fit 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.
The switch is a USA made/spec ‘Oak’ brand selector switch and will have a different lever width to a far eastern made selector switch. For this reason, depending if the guitar has had prior changes, you may also need a new pickup selector switch tip for the usa spec switch. If you do require US spec switch tip, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed here on the store.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series 500k audio taper pots - split shafts
- Oak 5 way spring loaded lever switch
- 1x .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket or Switchcraft panel jack socket depending on model
- 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/switch tip/pickguard 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 (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter RG 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
I've had a number of requests over the years for Ibanez wiring harnesses, and although I did make a few for customers, I often shy'd away from introducing them to the range as I had limited hands on experience with the guitars themselves. But I decided to do something about that and do some digging! I have chatted with some customers who are well versed in the RG series, as well as getting my hands on an RG350 which was particularly helpful for taking measurements of the control cavity, and also on that example seeing the version which uses a standard mono jack instead of the panel jack socket seen on models like the RG550. But to cut a long story short, I delved into the world of Ibanez RG models, and have come out the other side with a HSH configuration harness I really like using the USA spec components I know and trust, and through testing personally really enjoyed using too! This kit was introduced in 2020 and has remained part of my range ever since. It takes inspiration from the 5-way JEM Vai style wiring, with ‘auto’ coil splitting in positions 2 & 4, it features a treble bleed mod as standard to help with retaining treble frequencies when rolling the volume pot down. For coil splitting options though, your humbuckers will need to have 4 conductor wiring, so note this before ordering.
Position 1 - Bridge humbucker
Position 2 - Bridge humbucker coil split with middle single coil parallel
Position 3 - Middle single coil
Position 4 - Neck humbucker coil split with middle single coil parallel
Position 5 - Neck humbucker
Product Options
Pickguard mount or body/top mount?
Some RG models have the pots and switch mounted to the pickguard, whereas others don't have a pickguard and instead the components mount directly through the guitar's top. So depending on what variant your RG is, this will be the deciding factor on this option. For the pickguard mount spec, I provide an additional mount nut for each pot so they can be correctly spaced on the pickguard, helping the control knob sit closer to the pickguard, and I provide standard short length switch mount screws.
For body/top mount spec, I provide longer length switch mount screws and no additional pot nut as the top thickness is more than a pickguard and you won't need to space it with the extra nut.
Jack socket version?
Some RG models, like the RG350 for example feature a standard jack socket which fixes to the guitar via a oval external mounting plate. Whereas some RG models like the 550 for example have a specialist panel jack socket which are an extended thread mounting style. So I offer this kit with either option depending on what your RG requires.
Hardware Colour
As standard the kit is supplied with nickel visible parts, such as the two switch screws and the jack socket. But I can supply this kit with gold hardware if required, this will be supplied with 2 extended thread gold switch screws and a gold jack socket.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your RG, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and drawing a simple to follow wiring diagram. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. But I must note, that ultimately this kit is intended to be an US parts style upgrade, and uses different sized components to what a far eastern factory would have originally fitted so I would consider this kit to be a retrofit, rather than a drop-in replacement. But in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for you and 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 and jack fit my pickguard/body/plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. A far eastern built Ibanez featured smaller metric sized components from the factory so unless the guitar has had prior changes, you may have to widen the holes in the pickguard or body top to accommodate for these new imperial measurement parts. The CTS pots have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.370" / 9.4mm so I recommend for ease of install a pickguard or body with 0.394" / 10mm pot mounting holes.
The standard jack socket I use in this 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.
The panel jack socket option again is imperial specification, with the outer thread diameter being 0.473" / 12mm.
What control knobs/switch tip will fit?
The kit uses CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines and requires push-fit 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.
The switch is a USA made/spec ‘Oak’ brand selector switch and will have a different lever width to a far eastern made selector switch. For this reason, depending if the guitar has had prior changes, you may also need a new pickup selector switch tip for the usa spec switch. If you do require US spec switch tip, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed here on the store.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series 500k audio taper pots - split shafts
- Oak 5 way spring loaded lever switch
- 1x .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket or Switchcraft panel jack socket depending on model
- 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/switch tip/pickguard 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 (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter RG 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.