SG 1950 Wiring Kit CTS pots, Orange Drops, Switchcraft Switch

SG 1950's Wiring Kit

The main difference between the modern wiring vs the 50s modification lies in the relationship between the volume and tone pots. In simple terms, the modern setup has the capacitors connected to the input on the volume pot, the 1950’s version has then connected to the output of the volume pot.

Although the change seems minimal, it has a massive impact on how the tone controls respond, especially at low levels. The new configuration acts much like a treble bleed circuit, retaining clarity and preventing that muddy effect as you roll off the volume.

This SG 1950's Wiring Kit is a powerful upgrade for the stock electronics of your Gibson/Epiphone SG. Packed with high quality components from top manufacturers, its an inexpensive way to improve the tonality of your guitar.

Compatibility

Our SG 1950's wiring kit will fit genuine Gibson guitars, and will also work in Epiphone/import models with a little modification. When installing on an Epiphone or import guitar, you may need to widen the control knob holes to ensure the pots fit. You may also need to replace your current guitar knobs with their imperial sized cousins.

All of our kits come with an easy to follow wiring diagram. For help on using our SG 1950's wiring kit please refer to our video guide on wiring a SG .

The SG 1950's Wiring Kit includes:

• 4 x 500k Matched audio taper pots (10% tolerance)
• 2 x .022uf Capacitors (Orange Drop or Paper in Oil)
• 1 x Switchcraft Right Angle USA toggle switch
• 2ft Gavitt Braided Push back hookup wire
• 2ft Gavitt Black Cloth Push back wire
• 1 x Switchcraft USA 1/4'' jack socket
• Heat shrink tubing

Lookng for a different colour switch tip? Check out our range of Switchcraft compatible tips here

Orange Drop Capacitor

Orange Drop capacitors are often described as ’bright’ sounding and their primary benefit comes from their reliability, they essentially never go wrong. For a professional guitarist, stability and consistency is what you need in an instrument that has to play shows night after night, which is exactly why Orange Drop capacitors are so popular amongst guitarists and guitar builders.

CTS Audio Taper Pots

CTS pots are typically used by higher end guitar builders and techs but this is not due to any difference in tone. The main reason cited for using CTS pots is that they will last longer due to a more sturdy construction, and for that reason you’ll often find them used in USA-made guitars and guitar gear.

We supply audio taper pots for both volume and tone as these produce a smoother and more rounded sweep. All pots are metered and matched to ensure a perfect balance of tone and volume across all switch positions.

Switchcraft Right Angle Toggle Switch

Regarded as one of the best in the industry. Imperial Thread, made in the USA. 

Switchcraft Mono Output Jack

Large guitar manufacturers will very often cut corners by using cheaper components, particularly on the input jack. Switchcraft have a great reputation for using only the highest quality materials in their input jacks, providing a significant durability and performance upgrade over stock input jacks.

Gavitt Braided Shielded Wire

Used in the majority of high-end, genuine Gibson guitars, Gavitt Braided Shielded Wire is a clever invention that utilises the outer 'braided' portion as the ground whilst the hot runs inside the outer braid to connect up your volume and input jacks. This greatly reduces the number of wires inside the cramped cavities of most Gibson/Epiphone models, making the whole re-wiring process simpler and cleaner. 

Cloth Push Back Wire

Paper-in-Oil Cap Upgrade

Want an extra vintage tone upgrade? Add Paper-in-Oil caps instead of Orange Drop. Paper in Oil (PIO) capacitors are an older technology, highly sought after primarily due to their use in many vintage instruments such as 50s era Gibsons. The capacitor is literally filled with paper and a special oil before being sealed in thermoplastic, delivering a darker, warmer and smoother tone.

Heastshrink Tubing 

Perfect for insulating joints, and for funnelling wires through tight spots. An excellent and inexpensive way of keeping your wiring tidy. You will need a heat gun or the shaft of a soldering iron to shrink the tubing once fitted!