Gibson PCB Pots...Do I need something special to swap them?

[Mattfig]

Hey guys,

I am planning on upgrading the pots on my Gibson Les Paul Studio (2012) but it's the dreaded PCB model...When I called the local store to see if they had the 500k pots I wanted they inquired about the guitar...When I told them, they said I should call Gibson...???...I thought it was desolder the old ones and solder in the new ones? I guess it isn't that easy?

Any tips? Thanks!

 

[Shawn Lutz]

Have you considered shit canning the PCB? If you're not using the coil/tap push pull pots you cna eliminate the PCB (some folks hate, some love) and wire PTP

 

[Mattfig]

Have you considered shit canning the PCB? If you're not using the coil/tap push pull pots you cna eliminate the PCB (some folks hate, some love) and wire PTP

Hmmm...Sounds like more than I am personally able to do without a manual or something... And a tech is out for this situation.

I am assuming it's a moderately difficult task...I don't like the PCB but would prefer to just swap the pots if possible...

 

[OUTLAW1969]

Have you considered shit canning the PCB? If you're not using the coil/tap push pull pots you cna eliminate the PCB (some folks hate, some love) and wire PTP

Hmmm...Sounds like more than I am personally able to do without a manual or something... And a tech is out for this situation.

I am assuming it's a moderately difficult task...I don't like the PCB but would prefer to just swap the pots if possible...

Personally, I would also get rid of the PCB board too.

If you are interested, and can decently solder, Google or YouTube can help with the rest. Fairly simple, and I would bet that you will love the results.

 

[boost]

I don't think Gibson can help you with replacement pots, but worth a shot. On my 2009 the tone pots are 500k and the volumes are 300k. Tell them you need the tones. They are also audio and not linear taper.

If they don't have them try Mouser.

 

[jmgman69]

There are really good diagrams online as I would also shit can the PCB it the guitar is a keeper.

 

[university81]

i'd ditch the PCB , and rewire the pots, you'd have to rewire/resolder anyway, and the PCB is likely to cause more grief than good,

 

[Mattfig]

OK, so today a tech said I could just change the caps in the Gibson to accomplish the same thing? True?

Right now, it has ceramic disk cap at 25V 223z ... What should I replace that one with to really bring my Motor City Solution pickup alive???

Thanks guys!

 

[Shawn Lutz]

caps will alter your tone and an easy/cost effective thing to try, if you don't like, no big deal, try different caps.

 

[Mattfig]

caps will alter your tone and an easy/cost effective thing to try, if you don't like, no big deal, try different caps.

Thanks Shawn...I just don't know what I'm even looking at...So the 25V 223z is in there now...Is that .022uF? Also would you be willing to give me some ideas of which ones to pick up to try? Thanks a ton man!

 

[Mattfig]

Should I be tweaking the .022uF? Or the voltage? I'm assuming voltage since I'm wanting more output...how much should I be going up?? Thanks....I'm just excited to find an easy potential fix!

 

[Mattfig]

Well, for anyone who may come across this thread in the future...Problem solved...I put in a 600V OD cap at .022uF and it solved every problem I was experiencing...The pickup is performing stellar now! Thank you!

 

[Mudder]

Pull out that pcb board and pots and just redo the whole thing with pots and caps. If you can solder and follow a wiring diagram it's a novice job.

 

[lynchpin]

After I got my 2012 Standard I gutted it, put in four 500k CTS pot's, two Orange Drop .022uF caps, and a set of Suhr PUP's (SSH+ and SSV). I also opened up the bridge tone and put a drop of nail polish on the resistive material where the wiper contacts at ten... since they don't make no load 500k's. The schematic was a fifties Gibson wiring I got of the internet. Just be careful not to use too much heat on the grounds and cook the pot's. It really is easy and worth the effort.

 

[Mattfig]

OK, with such results from a cap change- I'm ripping out the PCB and going traditional with quality components...You guys have convinced me...I was trying to avoid that but it isn't rocket science and if it helps, I owe it to the guitfiddle...Plus, this Motor City Solution pickup is so badass, it demands I do this...I report back with results...Just got to wait on some parts..

 

[Mattfig]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help on this guys...

I finally broke down and redid the whole thing with CTS 500ks , some great caps, etc and now this guitar just sings...What a freaking difference, especially when it comes to rolling off the volume...Whoa! You guys were totally right! And it was pretty easy to boot...No more PCB and great tone...The Motor City Solution pickup sounds amazing thus far...

 

[richedie]

Bump an old one. I never once noticed an audible difference with change caps. With pots, I only notice a difference in taper. These days, I say leave things stock, and save yourself the hassle for such little changes.