Best Plug and play pickup solution?

[Iamtherealmungo]

Hey,

I'm happy soldering guitars like almos teveryone else on the planet, however, I make guitars so I often swap pickups, change my mind, want to test several pickups "Back to back" and I don't mind having a few guitars solely dedicated to pickup testing etc.

I've seen the Seymour Duncan liberator, it looks promising but it's not that easily available in the UK without paying hefty import charges. Has anyone tried using spade connectors, or wire clamps for anything similar as a DIY solution?

Thanks

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

As you probably know, SD and EMG have been offering solderless block interconnection of cables for active guitar wiring harnesses for years.

More recently, Gibson/Epiphone has introduced a block connector system for passive pickup systems. Ironically, forums such as this have become clogged with thread questions about removing the block/PCB controls and reverting to hand soldered.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

Ironically, forums such as this have become clogged with thread questions about removing the block/PCB controls and reverting to hand soldered.

Yes, many of us hate them. PU makers will never standardize them, as that encourages people to buy other brands of PU's. So that leaves you to install adapters yourself on your guitars and PU's, which is a lot of work; it's just easier to just solder them on, and have a better connection.

If you haven't decided on PU's for a guitar, why not twist and tape the PU wires on the pot lugs, or use alligator clips. Much easier than adaptors.

 

[dominus]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

Yup, that's what I do. Just keep lengths of wire on the pots/jacks and electrical tape the pickups to the existing wires. If you use good quality tape, it should hold up for years if necessary, or you can remove it for the inevitable swap the next week.

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

I got some connectors years ago used in electronics that are quite good and simple. I can change pickups in about 5 minutes with them. Basically they are simple to solder on. Then it is plug and play.

 

[Iamtherealmungo]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

I got some connectors years ago used in electronics that are quite good and simple. I can change pickups in about 5 minutes with them. Basically they are simple to solder on. Then it is plug and play.

Sounds promising. All great advice thanks, but would you mind existing/photographing these connectors? Might be just what I'm looking for!

Thanks

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: Best Plug and play pickup solution?

They are just a form of molex connector. Mine are square, not round...

They look about like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/245-PCS-MOL...394?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5afe4d8b22

However, shipping on those is ridiculous. I use heat shrink tubing over the solder and the female end.