50s wiring in my 150

[JohnCovach]

I know I'm a latecomer to this particular party, but I just rewired my 150 to '50s wiring (or '57 wiring, as it's sometimes called). It mostly involves placing each tone control after the volume control to keep the treble from bleeding off as you roll down the volume. It's a subtle improvement, but I think it's worthwhile. It makes the controls much more usable and it's a cheap mod.

 

I also bought an RS kit, but guessed I needed long shaft--wrong!--so I'll put that stuff in my 90s LP and pick up a short-shaft kit. I'll probably go with the modern caps that come with the modern kit. Anybody tried the Jensen caps that come with the vintage kit?

[hinesarchtop]

I agree that it works and sounds better.

[Kuz]

Yep, I rewired all my Solid bodies and Semis to 50s wiring and most with RS guitar works electronics. The best low cost mod you will ever make!!!

[Spectrum13]

RS electronic in all mine as well. 50s wiring paper and oil caps and dialed in the pot values. More control with better control.

[tulk1]

My last two Heritages came wired that way. Took a bit of getting used to. Agreed, tho, very usable.

[bolero]

yup I like the 50's wiring better too

 

fwiw I had an RS kit but preferred the stock heritage pots & caps so put them back in

[JackBaruth]

Hmm... so we need to buy short-shaft RS stuff? That's good to know. Thanks!

[DetroitBlues]

Hmm... so we need to buy short-shaft RS stuff? That's good to know. Thanks!

 

Its not the size that counts....

[redshark]

I recommend trying the Gibson historic spec CTS pot. It's a pot that was spec'ed to recreate the old centralab pot that was used in the late 50's Gibson guitars.

I use to think the RS superpots were the best until I tried this...

I always use 50's wiring. Is so ironic that 54 years later is still the best and most versatile way to wire a guitar, kalamazoo guys had it right the first time!!!

[Jimbob]

Hmm... so we need to buy short-shaft RS stuff? That's good to know. Thanks!

 

This may not always be the case. While I believe most Heritage H150s typically use short-shaft pots when installed directly to the body top, it would be wise to check the control cavity for a metal electronics-mounting plate before ordering anything. I've never noticed one of these in a Heritage guitar, but many Gibson Les Pauls from the 70s and 80s used them, and since the plate sits further away from the top, the longer shafts are needed. I've also heard of guys mounting these plates in LPs that didn't have them previously, so it wouldn't surprise me to find modded H150s out there, too.

[dbetts41]

I went with the RS Hillbilly Switching kit with some Duncan Antiquities in my 150... the killer diller in my opine

[golferwave]

All of my guitars are set up with the 50's wiring and it's the only way to go in my opinion. I do know some players who prefer the "modern" wiring scheme. 50's sounds better to my ears and I like the control and taper of the pots with that wiring.

[JohnCovach]

 

This may not always be the case. While I believe most Heritage H150s typically use short-shaft pots when installed directly to the body top, it would be wise to check the control cavity for a metal electronics-mounting plate before ordering anything. I've never noticed one of these in a Heritage guitar, but many Gibson Les Pauls from the 70s and 80s used them, and since the plate sits further away from the top, the longer shafts are needed. I've also heard of guys mounting these plates in LPs that didn't have them previously, so it wouldn't surprise me to find modded H150s out there, too.

 

RS tells you that all US-made production Les Pauls since 1977 (not counting reissues) use the long shaft pots, others use the short shaft. But it's always a good idea to check. I'm not sure that plate would work in a 150 because of the way the control cavity is routed.