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50s style wiring issue

A

AA71

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Joined
Dec 11, 2024
Messages
5
Good day - I have a LP custom I put a new pick up in the bridge. When wiring, I am not getting any sound at all. Black (hot) is going to lug 1, switch and cap are wired to lug 2 and lug 3 grounded to the pot.

Oddly enough, I get sound but no volume control (just full volume) when the switch is wired to lug 1 with the black lead from pickup (I was experimenting :) )

Id upload an image but I am not sure how to do that.

Thanks!
 
GlassSnuff

GlassSnuff

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2002
Messages
3,753
It makes sense you'd get full output when you connect the black lead to the switch.

The problem seems to be with the volume pot. Can you switch it for one of the tone pots?

Do you have a voltmeter? There's a chance you burned the element inside the pot if you wired the grounds to the back of it as most Gibsons are done.
 
P

poor man's burst

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Oct 3, 2010
Messages
533
It looks like you have a problem with the volume pot. Do you have a sound with the switch in the middle position?
 
A

AA71

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Dec 11, 2024
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No sound in middle position - just neck pick up position. I have a multimeter but no voltmeter.

Ill source a new pot. Existing one looks rough.
 
Last edited:
P

poor man's burst

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Messages
533
AA71 said:
No sound in middle position - just neck pick up position. I have a multimeter but no voltmeter.

Ill source a new pot. Existing one looks rough.
Click to expand...
It looks like you have a short to ground, likely on the volume pot center lug. Also check that the a braid of the cable's shield didnt went through the cotton isolation, shorting the signal to ground.
 
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AA71

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Dec 11, 2024
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poor man's burst said:
It looks like you have a short to ground, likely on the volume pot center lug. Also check that the a braid of the cable's shield didnt went through the cotton isolation, shorting the signal to ground.
Click to expand...
I believe you are correct - I just looked at the middle lug and there was solder that had dripped down and was connecting to the case of the pot. Ive cleaned the pot and will reinstall and report back.
 
A

AA71

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Woke up this morning, rewired clean pot and now I have no sound from either pickup! Help!

I didnt wire the neck volume pot - at top of pic.

NhIbHu.jpg
 
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AudioWonderland

Member
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Jun 16, 2009
Messages
65
Yeah, I think you need to take that in to a pro. You are not ready for prime time just yet with your wiring skills. This has nothing to do with 50's wiring...
 
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