Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

[Gearjoneser]

Every once in awhile, I have to lengthen the leads on a pickup that was cut short. What is the "professional" way to do this? Are you supposed to twist the wire, so the wires remain straight, or twist them off to one side, solder it, then tape it down. I usually tin the wires first, so the solder welds the two wires together better. I've noticed on some 'pro jobs' that they use small shrink tubing, which I'd presume is better than electrical tape.

Also, does leaving the leads longer have ANY added resistance, or is this a myth.

Your thoughts?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I've hooked up pickups with really short leads, and others with hella-long leads. I'm sure that technically there is some more resistance from the longer lead, but I can't hear it.

When lengthening them, I tin the ends, and solder them so they're straight, then tape them off.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I've found that it's easier to completely replace the four conductor wiring, rather than try to lengthen the leads. If you lengthen them, the area in which you've soldered on the extension gets somewhat bulky, which makes it hard or sometimes impossible to pull the lead through the wire channels. If you replace the wire completely, that's not a problem.

Ryan

 

[Artie]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I do what what Ryan does, but only because I'm anal about this, and I have a $2500 soldering station in front of me.

Doing the rat-tail end, or the inline style is equally as effective within the confines of a guitar. The added resistance is completely negligible. The inline method is "neater", but takes some practice to perfect. Also, I use heat-shrink tubing, rather than tape, when I use this method. Much more "pro" looking.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

longer leads is completely negligible to verify Artie's response. you are only adding maybe .001 Ohms which is nothing. you can get heat-shrink tubing at radioshack for cheap (comes in assorted sizes too). i also prefer the inline method because it does look more professional. I use this method for installing car stereos (even though it may be overkill).

 

[theodie]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I am with Ryan and Artie on this one. I will always go inside and replace the whole wire. Its the most professional way of doing it. I always hated splicing on new wire. I am anal about these things plus, it looks trashy.

 

[Youngpup]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I never thought of replacing the hole wire. I cut the wire staggered then twist them straight then solder and use shink tube, that way there is not the bulky wad of four wire splices because they are staggerd. I dont tin my wires when splicing because I twist them, but for every thing else I tin.

Tyler

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

I wire them up straight and use heat-shrink tubing over them.

 

[skh515]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

Can someone explain what "Tin the wires" means?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

It just means to wet the ends of the wires with solder, so the strands don't fray, and to make connections stick quicker.

 

[skh515]

Re: Splicing Wire. Best way to lengthen leads?

Thanks Gearjoneser