Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

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P-Ride

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Hey, I'm gathering components to re-wire my PRS SE Custom 24, including a 5-way super-switch and push/push pot.

Are there any downsides to using a Molex connector, as Gibson already do?

Actually, an even simpler solution (no fitting connectors on each new pickup and easier for feeding wires though), seems to be using a 4-way terminal block (black and ground can surely go together)?

What do you think?

This company make smart looking blocks.. which would be most appropriate?

http://global.wago.com/en/products/product-catalog/terminal-blocks-connectors/installation-connectors/overview/index.jsp
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I see no downside to it- I use a 2 wire block to connect the jack for pre-wired pickguards in my Music Man. The Liberator Volume pot uses a block with screws to hold the wires. I'm all for making things easier.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

The real answer to your question is...neither. Wires soldered straight to the switch or pot is the best way.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I use terminal strips for quick changes in the guitars I use for trying different pickups. Once I've settled on something I'd solder it properly.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I real benefit. I have a 2015 Les Paul, and to put in after market pickups I have to solder the pickup leads to a molex adapter I get off eBay- it ends up taking the same amount of time since I have to solder a connector onto every new pickup.

Now Gibson supplies a solderless adapter with their guitars
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

A terminal strip would avoid having to fit molex connectors on each new pickup and allow me to freely switch pickups whenever I change strings.

I am yet to hear a substantial criticism against using a terminal strip for doing this?

Looks like I have space for one in the PRS cavity.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I used those terminal block strip connectors. Pickup wires kept coming loose so I stick with solder.


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Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Can't beat solder for the best and most permanent connection.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Well of course it's the most permanent connection. But that's actually not so good for people who are constantly swapping, right? You solder the ones you're keeping for the long run, or at least until they don't work anymore.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Cute.

What did you do, copy and paste from post #5?

Did you know that ... Now Gibson supplies a solderless adapter with their guitars :bigok:

Welcome to the forum.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Scotchloks, but you have to strip the ends about 3/4", fold the strands back on themselves, then twist them up into a more solid nubbin.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I have been using Deans Micro Plugs, after a suggestion from a fellow forum member (Quill) over at MLP.
micro_plug.jpg


http://www.wsdeans.com/products/plugs/micro_plug.html
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

My question is, how do you deal with the grounding shielding that surrounds some pickup wiring, when "joining" or adding an in-line quick disconnect or block? Guess you could solder a wire to the shielding essentially making a grounding wire to the block. And the same on the reverse side back to shielding.

I ran into this changing pickups in a ES -339. Just wanted an easy way to change out pick ups without dealing with the nightmare pot change out in an ES. All or nothing!
 
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Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Shielding should be more direct to the guitar ground, not involved in any quick connect system, if that's what you are asking.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

I will say, anything with F hole access only is a great candidate for some sort of connector. Yeah, you can get good at it, and it can be done easily by some people. But why? It is 2017. People shouldn't be afraid to change their pickups these days. I've changed *a lot* of pickups, and I hate dealing with F holes, no matter what.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Yes. A standard in-line quick connector in or near the pickup hole would be Awesome - especially for a "F" holed guitar. Size might be an issue but I bought a few connector kits and planned on building one for some Antiquities in my ES 339. Got lazy and just cut, soldered and heat shrunk. Worked perfectly. Clean. After all, It was really only a single wire and grounded shielding (and a bridge Gnd wire re-solder to the brdg PU shielding).

Wanted to compare some 57s, Pearly Gates, and Seths, but the Antiquities are keepers. So Im done with the ES.
 
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Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Antiquities or Seths are my favorite pickups in semis and full hollows.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

Mincer said:
Antiquities or Seths are my favorite pickups in semis and full hollows.
Click to expand...

Just wondering if you've ever tried a WLH set in a semi? I have a set sitting on my shelf that'll go in my 335 once it's ready for a string change.
 
Re: Molex or 4-way terminal block for pickup changes?

dystrust said:
Just wondering if you've ever tried a WLH set in a semi? I have a set sitting on my shelf that'll go in my 335 once it's ready for a string change.
Click to expand...

Actually, I haven't, but it should sound great, too. Any more output, though, it starts to take away the dynamics I love when playing those guitars.
 
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