New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

[AniML]

About to install brand new pickups (WLH) in a Les Paul, and a question came to mind...

When installing new pickups do you tend to cut the lead wires to length or do you leave them full length? Arguably a neater installation to trim them back, but given that they are shielded does the extra few inches of wire (particularly on the bridge pup) matter?

 

[Chad]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

I usually coil the extra length underneath the pickup itself. That keeps the control cavity clean, but also keeps the lead long if the pickup needs to be transferred to a different guitar or sold.

 

[jeremy]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

i usually trim them to length to keep the control cavity clean. if i need to i can always add extensions or replace the wire

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

i trim maby an inch or two from the lead..

 

[VinceT]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Depends on the install. It was interesting to hear Paul Reed Smith being interviewed about the McCarty, and about moving the switch selector from the lower control cavity up to the upper bout (like a Les Paul), and that they found the extra wire to the switch and back had an impact on tone (I don't know that my ears would be able to hear the difference). If that's the case, then I guess there's an impact of keeping all the pickup wire in the cavity - and if it's coiled in a circle, chance of an induction loop forming? I really don't know, just typing out loud!


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[AniML]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Thanks for all your replies. I am basically going to follow what Chad posted and for the same reasons. I left a small length of wire in the bridge pickup cavity in a U shape under the bridge pickup and left the neck full length. My concerns were more with potential noise or interference but I'll assume the shielding addresses this.

Maybe Paul can hear 2' of wire. I sure as hell can't, especially with miles of wire in my pickup coils. But apparently it improved the tone to his ears.

 

[Archer250]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

I never trim. I save the length for when I sell the pickup

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[KNUCKLHEAD]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

It would be an extremly Rare case to have the Length of Any passive pickup lead to start causing Resistance ( or Alter the Tone

 

[dave74]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Depends on how much room there is, but in general I leave as much as possible in case it wants a new home later.

I've coiled/wrapped and tied the excess in the back and have never noticed any difference in noise or tone.

I'd think it would be better that way than coiling under the magnet itself,,,,,,but maybe it makes no difference at all. (?)

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Zip ties.

 

[Mincer]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Yeah, I coil it under the pickup so the control cavity is clean. It is better if/when I decide to sell, as well. think you will get answers split 50/50 here. But if given the choice when buying used pickups, I'd rather have too much wire than not enough.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

Used to trim. Never trim now.

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: New pickups - full vs trimmed lead length?

I out in new pickups today in one of my guitars. Zip ties work for me. Keeps it clean and gives me options in case i ever want to make changes.