Gibson wiring question

[Ferd Burple]

Hi everyone,

I've got an old Gibson Dirty Fingers that has TWO single conductor leads. (One for each coil) I know this is so that one coil can be turned off, but I have no idea how to wire this pickup, for regular series operation OR for regular series mode with a split switch in case I decide to try it out as a single coil. Any ideas? Thank you!

[David Schwab]

Hi everyone,

I've got an old Gibson Dirty Fingers that has TWO single conductor leads. (One for each coil) I know this is so that one coil can be turned off, but I have no idea how to wire this pickup, for regular series operation OR for regular series mode with a split switch in case I decide to try it out as a single coil. Any ideas? Thank you!

I had a set of those. The second lead goes to the series connection between the coils. To switch the pickup into single coil mode, you either connect that lead to hot or ground, depending on which coil you want to switch out.

[Ferd Burple]

David, thank you SO much. I got this one on eBay and it's damn near pristine. I'm positive that it's not a reissue. There is about 1 inch of of braid missing on one of the leads....between the pickup and the hot lead. (yes, I'm serious. LOL) Weirdest thing I've even seen. What is a good method of repairing the braid. Thanks!

[marku52]

I wouldn't even mess with the braid, just solder a little piece of plain wire from the braid to the pickup ground. That little bit of unshielded-ness won't matter much. If you want you can wrap the new piece around the center core for better shielding.

[David Schwab]

Yu only need one of the braids grounded. They are connected together internally, along with the baseplate. The braid for the coil tap is only for shielding.