Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

[crazytooguy]

Is this a DIY operation? I have an old (1980) Duncan '59 in my LP and I would like to set up coil taps, but the wiring is two conductor (braided shield, center core hot lead). Is it major surgery to replace the wire with four conductor wire so i can access the coils separately? Anyone do this? Thanks!

 

[Artie]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

I would say that this is relative to how much soldering experience you have, and the quality of your soldering equipment. I've been soldering for over 35 years, and I take my pups to work, (Navy cal lab), and use a very expensive soldering station . . . and I still don't enjoy doing it. You're dealing with very small wires in very close quarters to components that can be damaged by a slip of the soldering iron.

On the other hand, there's plenty of novices here who have done it successfully. Others have wasted pups.

I don't think SD charges too much to do it.

 

[crazytooguy]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

Thanks, Artie. I am actually pretty adept at soldering (I'm a research chemist and I build analytical instruments a lot), so I'll give it a try. I really like the options of coil switching/tapping. I have a JB in the bridge position with coil selection and taps, and it sounds great! Just wasn't sure if the coil wires were accessible enough to attach the four wire cable. Thanks!!

 

[theodie]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

Woodbridge VA, I must say welcome to another VA bro! Front Royal rocking tha house nigga!:chairfall :chairfall :chairfall :chairfall :chairfall

 

[Artie]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

Thanks, Artie. I am actually pretty adept at soldering (I'm a research chemist and I build analytical instruments a lot), so I'll give it a try. I really like the options of coil switching/tapping. I have a JB in the bridge position with coil selection and taps, and it sounds great! Just wasn't sure if the coil wires were accessible enough to attach the four wire cable. Thanks!!

Sounds like you're good-to-go then. One last tip which has helped me: I went ahead and just bought some of this wire from GuitarElectronics.com, and it has come in handy for 4-wire conversions. It just makes the job nice and neat and "factory" looking.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

This might help too:

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/category/wiringresources.11pickupcolorcodes/

 

[crazytooguy]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I want to get some of that four conductor wire. Only four conductor I have is Mogami mic cable, way too big for pickups. I think it'll be worth the trouble - the JB sounds great tapped!

 

[pinto79]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

I've done it to a few pickups and as long as you can identify which is the start and finish of each coil you shouldn't have any problems.

Good Luck!

 

[metallicaxlxl]

Re: Converting an old '59 from two wire to four wire

i posted a guide i found a while back, but its a bit confusing.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=82469

and a bit tedious if you ask me.

KJRocks told me this when i was looking to split some epiphone '57's, and it applies directly to duncans. i credit kjrocks completely and entirely with the following:

Try to keep it simple in your mind. Each coil just has 2 wires. Each one of those will be attached to one of the 4 wires in the 4 con. wire. Once you remove the base plate you will need to remove the ground wire from the plate. After that follow the wires to each coil .Carefully remove any tape or covering from the wires and de-solder them. Duncan coils always have one white and one black wire on each coil.Yours may be different colors but probably the same on each coil. On the slug coil solder the white to the white of the 4 con.and black to black. On the screw coil put the whit to the red and the black to the green wire .Remember to solder the bare wire to the base plate.Thats it in a nutshell

hope this helps...