Solderless Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | 50s SG kit | Right Handed
£99.99
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!
Description
SGs must have looked like such a unique design upon their launch, the thin body, pointed horns and incredible upper fret access. A big jump from the original Les Paul for which it was originally introduced as a replacement for. I've spent a lot of time refining the specs of this harness to ensure the best from the guitar and an easy install. After offering a variety of specs over the years, I've now settled on 50s style wiring as standard, with high quality components and a few spec choices which I hope to help the install process that little bit easier.
This listing is for the Solderless version, meaning you could in theory install this pre-wired harness into your guitar without the need of a soldering iron!
Installing
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your SG, as well as writing in depth fitting guides, how-to instructions documenting the step by step process as well as a simple to follow wiring diagram.
The parts I use, in particular the pots, are CTS branded pots which are imperial measurements. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built variant for example such as a Epiphone or similar, then you may have to widen the holes in the body to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots.
For reference, the CTS pots I use in this harness have a shaft diameter of 9.52mm.
You may also require new control knobs to fit the CTS pot 'split shaft' spline diameter of 5.95mm.
If you do require US spec control knobs, we do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the hardware & plastic hardware categories on the store.
The mounting board I ship my harnesses out on, were taken from measurements of a USA build Gibson SG. The centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of Switch to neck volume pot - 55mm
Centre of switch to bridge volume pot - 55mm
Centre of neck volume pot to centre of neck tone pot - 50mm
Centre of bridge volume pot to centre of bridge tone pot - 50mm
Centre of neck volume pot to bridge volume pot - 44mm
Centre of neck tone pot to bridge tone pot - 44mm
Centre of neck tone pot to centre of jack socket - 34mm
But I do allow for some give in the wire lengths, so if yours is only slightly different to these (which some models of SG do vary) then it should be okay. Any concerns though, just drop me a message and we can see about making one to the measurements from your SG.
What types of pickup wires will fit into the connector blocks?
The RS Pro connector blocks will fit ANY pickup wire type, so if you have traditional single coils with cloth covered push-back style individual hot/ground wires, simply push back the cloth covering to expose around 5/6mm of central core wire and insert it into the connector. Tighten up, and push the cloth covering back down.
If you have thinner, plastic insulated/coated wires, you will need some wire strippers so you can trim back the coating to expose around 5mm of central core wire. Very often these plastic coated wires are stranded wire, so if this is the same for yours, then simply twist the wire so it forms a nice tight portion, then insert that into the relevant connector block and tighten.
If your pickups are vintage/traditional style 2 conductor 'braided' wire, then these will also fit the connector blocks, you just need to prepare them to do so. First step is to push back some of the outer metal braiding. Then using some needle nose pliers or a small screwdriver, separate some of the braiding so you can twist and form a off-shoot of wire. This will be your ground, so with that twist of wire pop that into the connector block and tighten. Then your central core wire is the 'hot' signal wire and goes into the relevant connector block via the same methods as prior, exposing around 5mm of core to ensure a nice firm seat in the connector. For much more detailed information on all of this, please check out the guide HERE
As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns about whether your pickup wires will be suitable, please just drop me a message or call and I'll be happy to help guide. I have tested these connectors with all varieties of pickup wires and they worked great so happily will advise on how to correctly install with you :)
Specs and options
- CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance short shaft pots - 500k, split shaft pots as standard on SG kits.
- .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor (If you'd prefer a different value capacitor, do please get in touch and I'd be more than happy to help, but as standard all of my kits come with .022uF value)
- Switchcraft right angle 3 way toggle switch
- Knurled nut for 3 way toggle switch
- Pure tone multi contact jack socket (with longer thread)
- Gavitt Braided 22AWG wire
- RSPro solderless connectors
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting nut.
With or without Treble Bleed?
First up, what does it do? A Treble Bleed kit takes the 'high' treble tone frequencies out of the circuit at the volume pot, and puts them back in the circuit as the signal leaves the volume pot. This means the treble frequencies are prevented from naturally bleeding out of the circuit as your turn your volume pot down. The result is a smoothed out treble and a more uniform tone from 1 to 10. Reducing the treble drop out as the volume pot rolls off. Some guitar players wouldn't be without a treble bleed, and many have never used one on their guitars. Truth is, it is very much personal preference. If you like the idea of retaining treble as you roll your volume pot down, then a treble bleed is for you!
To note, treble bleeds aren't really needed for fifties style wiring due to the way fifties wiring works. You can have them on if you like and I have included it as a drop down option as some customers still request them, but just a heads up!
.01uF or .022uF neck position tone cap value?
Troubled by a dark sounding neck pickup? Well it's not totally un-common with Gibson type guitars or humbuckers in general so don't worry, you have some ways in which it can be improved. Although the standard spec harness will I'm sure help the pickup breathe and is ultimately the most popular spec choice, I now also with the choice of a .01uF value cap in the neck position instead to help clear up a darker sounding neck pickup.
This is very much personal choice and/or how you are finding the balance between the neck and bridge pickup currently. The main thing to consider is whether you feel your neck pickup is too dark/muddy compared to the bridge pickup. If it is and you want to try and help brighten it up a little, then a .01uF value cap in that position may be useful to you. If you like how your neck pickup sounds, then stick with a .022uF! It's the most popular choice and the 'go-to' cap value for most P90s and Humbuckers generally.
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.
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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!
Description
SGs must have looked like such a unique design upon their launch, the thin body, pointed horns and incredible upper fret access. A big jump from the original Les Paul for which it was originally introduced as a replacement for. I've spent a lot of time refining the specs of this harness to ensure the best from the guitar and an easy install. After offering a variety of specs over the years, I've now settled on 50s style wiring as standard, with high quality components and a few spec choices which I hope to help the install process that little bit easier.
This listing is for the Solderless version, meaning you could in theory install this pre-wired harness into your guitar without the need of a soldering iron!
Installing
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your SG, as well as writing in depth fitting guides, how-to instructions documenting the step by step process as well as a simple to follow wiring diagram.
The parts I use, in particular the pots, are CTS branded pots which are imperial measurements. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built variant for example such as a Epiphone or similar, then you may have to widen the holes in the body to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots.
For reference, the CTS pots I use in this harness have a shaft diameter of 9.52mm.
You may also require new control knobs to fit the CTS pot 'split shaft' spline diameter of 5.95mm.
If you do require US spec control knobs, we do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the hardware & plastic hardware categories on the store.
The mounting board I ship my harnesses out on, were taken from measurements of a USA build Gibson SG. The centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of Switch to neck volume pot - 55mm
Centre of switch to bridge volume pot - 55mm
Centre of neck volume pot to centre of neck tone pot - 50mm
Centre of bridge volume pot to centre of bridge tone pot - 50mm
Centre of neck volume pot to bridge volume pot - 44mm
Centre of neck tone pot to bridge tone pot - 44mm
Centre of neck tone pot to centre of jack socket - 34mm
But I do allow for some give in the wire lengths, so if yours is only slightly different to these (which some models of SG do vary) then it should be okay. Any concerns though, just drop me a message and we can see about making one to the measurements from your SG.
What types of pickup wires will fit into the connector blocks?
The RS Pro connector blocks will fit ANY pickup wire type, so if you have traditional single coils with cloth covered push-back style individual hot/ground wires, simply push back the cloth covering to expose around 5/6mm of central core wire and insert it into the connector. Tighten up, and push the cloth covering back down.
If you have thinner, plastic insulated/coated wires, you will need some wire strippers so you can trim back the coating to expose around 5mm of central core wire. Very often these plastic coated wires are stranded wire, so if this is the same for yours, then simply twist the wire so it forms a nice tight portion, then insert that into the relevant connector block and tighten.
If your pickups are vintage/traditional style 2 conductor 'braided' wire, then these will also fit the connector blocks, you just need to prepare them to do so. First step is to push back some of the outer metal braiding. Then using some needle nose pliers or a small screwdriver, separate some of the braiding so you can twist and form a off-shoot of wire. This will be your ground, so with that twist of wire pop that into the connector block and tighten. Then your central core wire is the 'hot' signal wire and goes into the relevant connector block via the same methods as prior, exposing around 5mm of core to ensure a nice firm seat in the connector. For much more detailed information on all of this, please check out the guide HERE
As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns about whether your pickup wires will be suitable, please just drop me a message or call and I'll be happy to help guide. I have tested these connectors with all varieties of pickup wires and they worked great so happily will advise on how to correctly install with you :)
Specs and options
- CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance short shaft pots - 500k, split shaft pots as standard on SG kits.
- .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor (If you'd prefer a different value capacitor, do please get in touch and I'd be more than happy to help, but as standard all of my kits come with .022uF value)
- Switchcraft right angle 3 way toggle switch
- Knurled nut for 3 way toggle switch
- Pure tone multi contact jack socket (with longer thread)
- Gavitt Braided 22AWG wire
- RSPro solderless connectors
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting nut.
With or without Treble Bleed?
First up, what does it do? A Treble Bleed kit takes the 'high' treble tone frequencies out of the circuit at the volume pot, and puts them back in the circuit as the signal leaves the volume pot. This means the treble frequencies are prevented from naturally bleeding out of the circuit as your turn your volume pot down. The result is a smoothed out treble and a more uniform tone from 1 to 10. Reducing the treble drop out as the volume pot rolls off. Some guitar players wouldn't be without a treble bleed, and many have never used one on their guitars. Truth is, it is very much personal preference. If you like the idea of retaining treble as you roll your volume pot down, then a treble bleed is for you!
To note, treble bleeds aren't really needed for fifties style wiring due to the way fifties wiring works. You can have them on if you like and I have included it as a drop down option as some customers still request them, but just a heads up!
.01uF or .022uF neck position tone cap value?
Troubled by a dark sounding neck pickup? Well it's not totally un-common with Gibson type guitars or humbuckers in general so don't worry, you have some ways in which it can be improved. Although the standard spec harness will I'm sure help the pickup breathe and is ultimately the most popular spec choice, I now also with the choice of a .01uF value cap in the neck position instead to help clear up a darker sounding neck pickup.
This is very much personal choice and/or how you are finding the balance between the neck and bridge pickup currently. The main thing to consider is whether you feel your neck pickup is too dark/muddy compared to the bridge pickup. If it is and you want to try and help brighten it up a little, then a .01uF value cap in that position may be useful to you. If you like how your neck pickup sounds, then stick with a .022uF! It's the most popular choice and the 'go-to' cap value for most P90s and Humbuckers generally.