wiring curiosity (in new guitar handbook)

[johnredcorn]

in the manual / handbook that came with my new epi les paul, theres a pic of a connector and it says something about a new system, i'll have to check it again but is it one of those connectors whereby changing PUPS DOES NOT require the traditional methods of soldering etc ?

this would be wonderful, but i suspect i 've read this wrong ! (and incidentally i dont know why such a system hasnt been standard in most electric guitars for years ; changing PUPS with a soldering iron is a real chore for idiots like me who cant understand wiring diagrams and just have to draw their own diagrams of where each wire goes before soldering in the new ones).

[Littlefloor]

I saw system of replacing pickups like you mentioned just by EMG, I'm not sure that such feature could be part of Epi, even it is desirable by users. You could to check what you have if you remove cover of controls from backside; inside cavity you should see pots and wires, also system of wiring... but if you don't have serious intention to replace your PU - forget it!

[anfontan]

Those are called molex connectors-we use them at the electronics factory I work at-they keep wiring harnesses tidy and easy to replace. They plug into each other for a tight, clean fit. I opened up my Epi Les Paul-heres the control cavity..

[johnredcorn]

but does this mean you can wire in a new PUP without soldering ? this is what i'm hoping for as i'm used to wiring up fenders but this set up is like spaghetti to me !

[anfontan]

but does this mean you can wire in a new PUP without soldering ? this is what i'm hoping for as i'm used to wiring up fenders but this set up is like spaghetti to me !

No, I'm afraid soldering would still be needed, the harness is probably only offered with their own factory pickups. I think one of the best sites for pickup wiring diagrams is the Seymour Duncan website-they have many diagrams for Fender, Gibson, and custom applications-even a color code for their competitor's pickups.
Here is a standard Les Paul wiring diagram from the S D site--
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=2h_2v_2t_3w

Here is the Duncan wiring diagram site--
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/

[anfontan]

I very recently rewired a Telecaster copy basically like a Les Paul, with an individual volume for each pickup, it has 2 humbuckers and a thinline f hole body. I used 2 push/pull pots to coil split the pickups and for now there is no tone control-I may add it in the future but I really like how versatile this guitar is. And very light weight as well!