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solderless connections for p/u's?

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  • Rated: 36 ↑

  Aug 5, 2008 8:08 p.m. bobbyrivera:

  I'm not sure if anyone has tried this yet or not- If I used a spade or other type connecter on a spice somwhere near the pickup of controls do you think there would be a ton of resistance? I've done this for other stuff and didn't really notice.

  The only reason I ask is that I thought it might be cool to be able to switch out pickups (when its a humbucker for a humbucker or single for a single coil) more "on the fly" than having to take apart the entire guitar, get out the soldering iron etc. (especially on hollowbodies which can be very time consuming).
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  • Rated: 21 ↑

  Aug 5, 2008 8:13 p.m. Mike Detlefsen:

  My '66 Gent came from the factory with solderless connectors on the pickups. I thought it was a good idea. I can see that in the long run a solderless connector might have corrosion problems, though. But the '66 seems to be just fine after 40 years of time.
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  • Rated: 36 ↑

  Aug 5, 2008 8:22 p.m. bobbyrivera:

  I was actually thinking more along the lines of splicing solderless connectors (like a spade or blade type) into the wires at some point near the pickups, not on the pickups. I have seen some pics of vintage pickups with "screw on" wire terminals and the like. I didn't know Gretsch ever did it though.
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  • Rated: 21 ↑

  Aug 5, 2008 8:57 p.m. Mike Detlefsen:

  My '66 had solderless, screwless connectors. Just pull on them and they disconnected. I may have a picture around here someplace.
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  • Rated: 36 ↑

  Aug 6, 2008 9:12 a.m. bobbyrivera:

  I think I may give it shot then. I have some TV Jones Powertrons on a tele and wanted to try them on my 6120-60. I will probably get Supertrons for it eventually so I didn't want to do anything too permanent. I would also like to do some quick A/B comparisons so the solderless idea seems to be a good way to go. If Gretsch used it then its good enough for me.
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  • Rated: 16 ↑

  Aug 6, 2008 9:53 a.m. lionel:

  I have had good luck with RCA connectors.
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  • Rated: 41 ↑

  Aug 6, 2008 1:50 p.m. dubkitty:

  from what they say in the current catalog, Epiphone are using plug-in connectors on all their guitars now of the sort one sees on automobile electronics. i haven't pulled my Les Paul apart to check, though.

  there's also a Gibson LP on the market which has an interchangeable PU system (you can swap the humbuckers for P-94s) where the PUs are apparently held in place by the magnets); i assume they're using some kind of a pin connector for the leads.
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  • Rated: 20 ↑

  Aug 7, 2008 9:16 p.m. gresco:

  The SAGA ST 10 strat kit that I built uses round pin type connectors (fully insulated.) They snap together solidly and seem to work just fine. I've had them apart a few times, (experimenting) and I've encountered no problems.... two + years old now.
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  • Rated: 41 ↑

  Aug 20, 2008 5:47 p.m. dubkitty:

  i went inside the Epi LP Custom to check the capacitors, and it does indeed have automotive-style (or computer-style, if you prefer) connectors between the controls and the PUs. this will make it way easier to change the caps.
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  • Rated: 36 ↑

  Aug 20, 2008 5:50 p.m. bobbyrivera:

  I ordered my p/u's, Bigsby, tuners etc. today...I'm going to try the insulated pin connecters. I will probably have a brand new gold Frenquensator tailpiece I won't be using as I decided to go with the Bigsby.
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  • Rated: 10 ↑

  Aug 21, 2008 11:26 a.m. Just Dropped In:

  Solderless connections should be cleaned every so-many years. That should be a simple task in most cases.

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