50's Wiring vs Modern

50's wiring

This refers to how the Tone pot & Capacitor are wired into the circuit, it sounds all warm and fuzzy and vintage, and you may be tempted to think This is why my modern Les Paul doesn't have that 'vintage tone!' In reality how does 50's wiring differ from 'Modern' Gibson wiring?

50's wiring sounds more consistent when lowering the volume, in other words, the high frequencies are not lost when volume is lowered. However, there is a price! Adjusting the tone control will slightly affect volume, as you lower the tone to 0, the volume will reduce more than compared to modern wiring.

Modern wiring (also referred to as 60's wiring) on the other hand has no issues with the tone control messing with volume levels. But, you have to contend with your guitar losing high end when you turn down your volume.

50's Wiring:

The Cap runs from the output lug of the volume to lug 3 of the tone pot, the middle lug of the tone is grounded to the case.

Modern Wiring:

The Cap runs from the lug 1 of the volume to the middle lug of the tone pot, lug 3 of the tone is grounded to the case.

50's Wiring:

• Keeps high frequencies when lowering volume

• Tone control slightly affects volume

Modern Wiring

• High frequencies lost as volume is lowered

• Tone control does not affect Volume

Is 50's wiring better than modern?

Well it's up to the individual, and sadly for you that means Google isn't just gonna tell you.

You'll actually need to think for yourself.