Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:14 am

Hey guys,

So, I bought a 2014 Les Paul Studio last July, and as I always do, I started thinking about changing the pickups. Little did I know, the Gibson stuff all plugs into this little PCB in the control cavity. So, as I'd rather not butcher up harnesses and and ruin the original parts, I've decided to just upgraded everything, Pickups, Pots, Switch, Caps, but I have no idea what to look for when buying the new parts.
What do you look for and where do you buy such things? Who makes a good switch? Are the DiMarzio pots they sell on MF any good?

Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 3:01 am

Here's a good place to start, if not just to see what's being offered at what price.
They have completed harnesses too .You might find some cheaper sources, but this should give
you a jumping off point.

http://store.rsguitarworks.net/loose-electronic-parts

also...I've heard good things about 'Bourns' pots, I need to try some.

This reminds me of the little PCB board in some Marshall cabs. I spend a bit on nice cabling and
then there's these teeny solder traces :roll:

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 4:04 am

I agree with Elwood, in the electronics field Bourns pots are very highly regarded top quality products that i can personally vouch for, 40 plus years in the game tells me there good,,

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 5:14 am

If you can solder, Stew Mac makes a complete kit to replace the PCB here: http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Elec ... uitar.html

This is their Premium kit with some better quality components: http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Elec ... uitar.html

A good time to convert to the 50's wiring circuit while you're at it. http://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/tips- ... aulwiring/

I believe you'll need the long shaft pots for a Studio as it has the carved top.

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 8:10 am

Hey. thanks for the replies guys, this will give me some stuff to dig into.

What kind of pots would you guys say aren't super touchy? My Comanche for example, I tend to bump the volume knob down while picking heavily quite a bit. The tone pots on it are much tighter and more my style.

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 8:41 am

Metalmechanic wrote:Hey. thanks for the replies guys, this will give me some stuff to dig into.

What kind of pots would you guys say aren't super touchy? My Comanche for example, I tend to bump the volume knob down while picking heavily quite a bit. The tone pots on it are much tighter and more my style.


The 10% tolerance CTS pots should work fine. The volume pots on a LP are a little further away. I have a 2012 Traditional. Try picking on an old F-100; volume pot is nearly next to the strings!

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 1:01 pm

Yeah, it's not a big deal on the Les Paul, More an Ibanez S I have and my Comanche. I would like to have that problem with an old F-100 also. And since you've posted pics of that blue one, my desire for such a problem has only gotten stronger. :o

Re: Pots, switches, etc

Thu Mar 26, 2015 1:58 pm

Metalmechanic wrote:Yeah, it's not a big deal on the Les Paul, More an Ibanez S I have and my Comanche. I would like to have that problem with an old F-100 also. And since you've posted pics of that blue one, my desire for such a problem has only gotten stronger. :o


Sorry. :evilgrin: